Charles Esther
The second season of The Last of Us has fans of the game franchise holding their breath, particularly after the brutal and pivotal moment in Episode 2.
Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever) confronts Joel (Pedro Pascal), and the scene that follows is one of the most crucial moments in the series, closely resembling its counterpart in the game, The Last of Us Part II.
For fans of the game, this is a moment both feared and anticipated.
Major spoilers lie ahead as we explore the differences between the show’s portrayal of Joel’s death and the original sequence in the game.
The Show’s Faithful Yet Brutal Adaptation of Joel’s Death
In Episode 2 of The Last of Us season 2, Abby’s intense desire for revenge drives her to a horrifying confrontation with Joel.
For those who have played the game, it’s a moment that sticks with you. In the series, Abby tortures Joel to pay for the horrific actions he committed at the end of the first season, where he killed many Firefly members—including Abby’s father.
Joel’s fate is sealed when Abby tortures him in a savage manner, striking his leg with a golf club, breaking it in half before eventually stabbing him in the neck with the club.
The visceral brutality of the scene is undeniably hard to watch.
What makes this moment all the more impactful is the inclusion of Ellie (Bella Ramsey), who is forced to watch the violent death of Joel while restrained, crying out to him to get up.
This exact moment mirrors the intensity and heartbreak of the original game sequence, where Ellie is similarly forced to witness Joel’s death, amplifying the emotional weight for both the character and the viewer.
The Differences Between the Show and the Game’s Depiction of Joel’s Death
While the show’s version of Joel’s death is remarkably faithful to the game, there are notable differences in the execution of the scene.
One significant change is the involvement of Joel’s brother, Tommy (Jeffrey Pierce), who is with him during the encounter in the game.
Unlike the series, where Joel is alone when Abby attacks him, Tommy plays a key role in the game’s sequence. However, Tommy is knocked out by Nora (Tati Gabrielle in the show) in a brutal scene before the torture begins.
Another key difference lies in the violence of Joel’s death. In the game, Abby tortures Joel with the golf club, but it doesn’t break as it does in the show.
When Ellie finally bursts into the room to save Joel, Abby doesn’t stab him with the club’s broken end, as she does in the show. Instead, she delivers a final, fatal blow to Joel’s head, killing him instantly.
This slight change in the manner of Joel’s death ensures that there’s no ambiguity about his fate in the show.
In the game, some viewers might have hoped for a different outcome after Joel is struck in the head, but the show doesn’t leave that to chance.
By ensuring his death is indisputable, the show makes it clear that Joel’s story is over, and the focus must shift to Ellie’s grief and thirst for revenge.
The Emotional Impact: Ellie’s Grief and the Quest for Revenge
The death of Joel sets the stage for one of The Last of Us Part II’s core themes—revenge. In both the show and the game, Ellie’s journey is propelled by her desire to make Abby pay for what she has done.
The emotional impact of this moment is heightened by the fact that, like in the game, Ellie has to witness her father figure’s brutal death, and it will set her on a path of self-destruction and vengeance.
While the show is careful to stick to the game’s emotional beats, it makes a calculated decision to remove any ambiguity around Joel’s fate, ensuring that viewers don’t cling to hope that he might survive.
This helps deepen the narrative focus on Ellie’s emotional journey and the devastating consequences of revenge.
Conclusion: A Moment Fans Were Dreading and Awaiting
The second episode of The Last of Us season 2 tackles one of the most controversial and heartbreaking moments from The Last of Us Part II in a manner that is both faithful and unflinching.
Abby’s brutal revenge on Joel is difficult to watch but necessary for the story’s progression. While there are slight differences in how the scene plays out compared to the game, the emotional weight remains the same.
Joel’s death will resonate with fans, setting the stage for an intense, emotional journey as Ellie seeks vengeance, and leaving viewers eagerly awaiting what comes next.
