The Last of Us Season 2 carries the spirit of the first season by focusing on humanity in the zombie apocalypse.
Like on The Last of Us Season 1, the sophomore season of this show manages to balance showing both the gruesome side of battling Clickers while also giving space for emotional storylines.
The subtle moments between characters like Ellie and Dina help build out their respective stories. It also grounds the show in an honest, human-centered way, allowing us to connect with this fictional world.
The Last of Us has quickly become one of HBO’s flagship shows. The second season upholds the show’s prestigious standard. For the most part, it doesn’t lose sight of the high stakes.
The Last of Us Season 2 gave us so much to reflect on. The wait for the next season already feels way too long.
So, let’s dive into the things that stood out, both good and bad.
Best Episode – The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 6
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 6 best showcases how this season continues to stay grounded in humanity amid the destruction.
This episode features several flashbacks of Joel and Ellie’s relationship following the events of The Last of Us Season 1. Most of the moments happen around Ellie’s birthday.
The scenes depict the gradual unraveling of their relationship, as Ellie and Joel grow increasingly distant, with Ellie striving to become more independent and questioning Joel’s choices. The most heartfelt moment was at the end, when the episode circled back to the New Year’s party at the beginning of the season.
When Ellie forces Joel to admit he killed all the people who tried to make the cure from her body, she accuses him of doing so because “he’s selfish.” In reply, he says, “I did it because I love you.”
This episode expertly peels back all the layers of the apocalypse to reveal that at the core, this series is about love and sacrifice.
Worst Episode – The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 5
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 was the season’s weakest episode.
While the story unfolded, it also felt like the show barely gave the storylines enough time to take full effect. The episode felt both fast-paced and slow, save for the shocking ending.
In all fairness, the show does need to move the plot with every episode. Yet, the execution for this episode was clunkier than others.
The episode also seems to try to layer on the darkness and grittiness of the world’s aesthetic a little too thick. Rather than building out the world, it seems just to be spending an unnecessary amount of time on doing something that the show has already established well.
Best Relationship Moment – Dina & Ellie
Dina and Ellie’s relationship is a central focus of this season. They had countless sweet and sad scenes together.
The best relationship moment between Dina and Ellie happens early on, with them sharing a kiss at the New Year’s celebration on the season premiere.
Although conflict struck a moment later, it’s an intimate and refreshing scene. As a zombie apocalypse show, The Last of Us offers a realistic portrayal of how this new couple must navigate survival and their love for each other.
This charming moment between Dina and Ellie was a rare moment when bloodshed and violence were not at the forefront of the show. They got to experience a “normal” relationship, and it’s terrific that The Last of Us Season 2 accurately recreated this beloved scene from the game.
Best Character – Ellie
Choosing the main character of the series as the best character is perhaps a bit of a cop-out. But it’s hard to argue that Ellie isn’t the best character of this season.
While she had plenty of development on Season 1, she becomes even more well-rounded in The Last of Us Season 2. She is depicted as a nuanced individual, with her flaws on display.
Especially in the latter half of the season, Ellie grows more as she learns how to navigate the world without the guidance of her father figure.
She has dark moments, like when she killed Nora because she couldn’t find Abby on The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5. But she also has moments where she gets to show her care, such as when she plays guitar for Dina. Thus, Ellie remains a compelling protagonist who embodies the full range of the human experience.
Least Compelling Character – Jesse
Don’t get me wrong; I love Young Mazino. He’s a talented actor and does a wonderful job portraying Jesse.
Jesse, as a character, still felt underdeveloped during Season 2. Part of that could be his limited screentime. Mostly, though, his motivations were not as fleshed out as they should have been.
This made it harder to sympathize with him. On The Last of Us Season 2 finale, his character had more time to shine. But it was a case of too little, too late.
The show barely lingered on his death. Considering how he had just fixed his relationship with Ellie moments before he died, Jesse’s development throughout Season 2 was rushed and stilted.
Most Memorable Moment – Joel’s Death
Like everyone else, I was most moved by Joel’s death in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2. While everyone knew this moment would come, his death happened so early on that it came as a shock to many.
There have been debates about the differences between his death in the game and his death in the show. However, it’s undeniable that this was the season’s most memorable moment. Joel’s death became a driving plot point for the second half of the season.
Pedro Pascal‘s acting throughout the series is phenomenal. He gives a convincing performance during his character’s final moments onscreen.
But honestly, this scene wouldn’t be what it is without Bella Ramsey’s acting. The heartbreak they portray as Ellie lies down next to Joel makes the scene all the more tragic and unforgettable.
Overall Grade: B
While Season 2 had some great episodes and moments, the pacing overall was a little slow. It was clear that the show was attempting to drag out the events of the game.
The Last of Us has already been confirmed for a Season 3. Presumably, the show will continue to follow the plot of The Last of Us Part II.
Sometimes, sitting in these moments works well for fleshing out characters and relationships, particularly between Joel and Ellie. Unfortunately, that sometimes came at a cost of making the plot drag a bit.
Especially with the way the finale ended, The Last of Us has done a great job of building tension. Season 2 set high expectations for the next season.
Over to you, The Last of Us Fanatics!
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section!
What were your favorite and least favorite episodes? What do you want to see in Season 3?
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