The second season of The Last of Us is shaping up to be one of the most polarizing seasons of television in recent memory. Personally, I’m conflicted going into it, largely because I wasn’t a big fan of The Last of Us Part II. While the gameplay was solid, I found the story to be a convoluted mess. I’ll dive deeper into the game’s flaws in my full review of the season, but in short, I felt it was a one-note, morally self-righteous, and condescending narrative that often contradicts itself both narratively and thematically. In other words, a significant step down from the first game. So, heading into this new season, I really didn’t know what to expect. The showrunners are undoubtedly aware of how divisive Part II was, which raises the big question: will they stick to the game’s controversial narrative, or take a different path, for better or worse?
Picking up five years after the events of season one where Joel (Pedro Pascal) went on his deadly rampage to save Ellie (Bella Ramsey) from the Firefly’s after they were going to killer her in an attempt to create a cure. Joel and Ellie have built a relatively peaceful life in Jackson, however, things are not well between them. Ellie hates Joel for unknown reasons, and despite Joel’s best efforts to mend things between them, Ellie rejects him at every turn. Functioning almost like a pilot for a new chapter, the season opener reintroduces us to this Cordyceps-ravaged world and sets the stage for the tragedy looming on the horizon.
Right out of the gate, the show makes some notable improvements over the game, not so much in terms of narrative, but in world-building. We get a deeper look into the inner workings of Jackson Hole: the community’s governing structure, the logistical challenges they face like housing and population control. It’s rare for post-apocalyptic stories to slow down and explore the everyday lives of people in relatively stable settlements, and I genuinely appreciated that the show took the time to do so.
The series also puts more effort than the game into developing character relationships and dynamics. The decision to create a mentor-like bond between Joel and Dina (Isabela Merced) is a stroke of brilliance, and already Dina feels like she’ll be a far more compelling character than her game counterpart. The introduction of Gail (Catherine O’Hara)—an original character not found in the game—was another welcome surprise. She adds new depth to Joel, drawing out some of his more complex layers in a way that feels organic and earned. The entire cast slips back into their roles effortlessly, despite the two-year gap, and their chemistry is as sharp as ever. And I’ve got to say—the stalker scene? Fantastic. I hated those little bastards in the game, and the show nailed that same sense of tension and dread.
That said, the big question mark still hangs over the narrative, especially with the impending introduction of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), a character who is bound to be one of the most divisive in recent memory. From her very first scene, it’s clear the show is already laying the groundwork to elicit sympathy for her, echoing the game’s often heavy-handed attempts to make players empathize with her. My hope is that the series doesn’t go too far in trying to reframe her as a sympathetic protagonist. I’d much rather see her remain a complex antagonist, rather than someone the audience is forced to understand and forgive.
Overall, the second season of The Last of Us is off to a strong and confident start. The world feels more alive than ever, with clear effort put into expanding its scope and grounding it in day-to-day realism. From the nuanced depiction of life in Jackson to the stronger character dynamics, it’s evident the creators are committed to elevating the material. That said, I can’t help but approach the rest of the season with some caution. Knowing the story that lies ahead, particularly its more divisive turns, there’s a lingering question: will the same care and depth that brought the world to life also be applied to the controversial narrative that’s coming?
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