The Season Finale Feels Like a Beginning, Not an End
Sunday’s finale of HBO’s The Last of Us left fans with more questions than answers, signaling the end of a long setup rather than a definitive conclusion. This season shifted its focus dramatically, moving away from the beloved duo of Joel and Ellie toward a new central relationship between Ellie and Abby, the woman responsible for Joel’s death.
A Bold Narrative Shift: Killing Joel Early
One of the season’s most daring moves was killing off Joel in episode two. Joel and Ellie’s bond was the emotional engine of the first season, driving the story through a zombie-infested America. His death reshaped the series’ tone, turning it into a darker exploration of the consequences of violence, lies, and betrayal.
Joel’s lie about sparing a building full of people for Ellie’s sake fractured their relationship, and Abby’s arrival as a vengeful soldier set the stage for the season’s conflict. Their once close-knit life in Jackson, Wyoming, was already strained when Joel was brutally killed—a shock to many viewers, especially those unfamiliar with the original game.
Ellie’s Revenge Journey and Its Consequences
Following Joel’s death, Ellie embarks on a reckless mission to find and kill Abby, ignoring the warnings of her community. This quest makes Ellie less likable, revealing her impulsiveness and the dark cost of her vendetta. She sacrifices friendships and risks her life repeatedly, culminating in a tense confrontation where Abby holds Ellie at gunpoint after Ellie has killed Abby’s allies.
The season ends on a cliffhanger, emphasizing the destructive cycle of revenge that dominates their lives. Despite the tension, it seems unlikely that Ellie will be killed off, given the show’s history with beloved characters.
Issues with Season Structure and Pacing
A major frustration with this season is its pacing. The show feels stretched thin, spending too much time on the build-up to Ellie and Abby’s confrontation instead of developing Abby as a new, compelling lead. This reflects a wider problem in modern TV, where flexible episode counts often lead to narratives that drag or feel incomplete.
Instead of deepening the story or introducing fresh perspectives, the season lingers heavily on revenge and violence, which, while thematically rich, can feel repetitive and draining.
The Emotional Core: The Penultimate Episode
Episode six, “The Price,” stands out as the season’s emotional heart. Flashbacks reveal Joel’s protective but flawed love for Ellie, the strain of their growing distrust, and the consequences of his violent choices. This episode adds much-needed depth to their relationship, highlighting key moments that explain why things fell apart.
Interestingly, the episode features Joe Pantoliano as Eugene, a welcome casting choice that brought a bit of surprise and humor to the dark story.
Performances and Final Thoughts
Bella Ramsey continues to impress despite the difficult character arc Ellie is given. However, the season overall struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. The storytelling feels predictable and occasionally manipulative, falling into traps common to post-apocalyptic dramas.
With the shift toward new characters and unfamiliar storylines, it remains to be seen whether the next season can recapture the magic that made The Last of Us so beloved in its first run.
