'The Last of Us' Season 2 Episode 2 Reveals Joel's Death

The second episode of HBO's 'The Last of Us' Season 2 delivered a pivotal and shocking moment faithful to the video game: the brutal death of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, at the hands of Abby. This event, long anticipated by fans familiar with the game's storyline, serves as the inciting incident for the season and profoundly impacts Ellie's character, setting her on a path of vengeance. The scene was emotionally devastating for both new viewers and longtime fans, with many noting its significance and trauma, mirroring the game's impact. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann explained that Joel's early death was essential to propel the story forward and maintain the adaptation's fidelity to the source material. While the series has made some changes, it continues to closely follow the major beats of the video game, promising an intense and emotionally charged narrative ahead. The loss of a central, beloved character like Joel challenges audience expectations and underscores the show's commitment to its original narrative.