In a moment that has left fans reeling, HBO’s The Last of Us delivered a scene that closely mirrors one of the most controversial events from its video game source material: the brutal death of Joel Miller, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. This pivotal moment occurred in Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” and has sparked intense discussions across social media platforms.GQ+1Business Insider+1GQ+2EW.com+2Vulture+2
The episode introduces Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, who is revealed to be the daughter of a surgeon Joel killed in the first season. Driven by a desire for revenge, Abby confronts Joel and, in a harrowing sequence, shoots him, beats him with a golf club until it breaks, and ultimately stabs him in the neck with the broken end. This portrayal is even more graphic than in the video game, where Joel’s death is depicted with a single blow to the head. The show’s adaptation leaves no ambiguity about Joel’s fate, emphasizing the emotional weight of the loss for both Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and the audience. People.com+4Vulture+4EW.com+4Screen Rant+3Business Insider+3EW.com+3
The creative team behind the series, including showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, approached this storyline with great care, understanding its significance to fans. They aimed to honor the source material while also exploring new narrative depths. The episode’s direction focuses on the emotional aftermath of Joel’s death, particularly highlighting Ellie’s grief and the impact on her character’s trajectory. GQ+6EW.com+6Screen Rant+6
Kaitlyn Dever’s performance as Abby is particularly noteworthy, especially considering the personal challenges she faced during filming. Dever revealed that she was grieving the recent loss of her mother, Kathy, who died just weeks before she filmed the intense scene with Pedro Pascal. She described being “in a daze” during the shoot, with her raw emotions contributing to the depth of her portrayal. GQ+4People.com+4EW.com+4
The decision to depict Joel’s death so early in the season has been met with mixed reactions. While some fans appreciate the show’s commitment to faithfully adapting the game’s storyline, others have expressed shock and disappointment at the loss of a beloved character. The scene has reignited discussions about the nature of storytelling in adaptations and the balance between honoring source material and meeting audience expectations. Vulture+1EW.com+1
As the series progresses, viewers can anticipate a deeper exploration of Ellie’s journey as she grapples with grief and seeks retribution. Joel’s death serves as a catalyst for significant character development and sets the stage for the unfolding narrative. The show’s willingness to tackle such challenging and emotionally charged content underscores its commitment to delivering a compelling and thought-provoking adaptation.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.People.com+1
