The Last of Us Season 2 Finale Draws Mixed Reviews, Sparks Continuity Concerns

HBO's The Last of Us Season 2, adapting the controversial second game, received mixed reactions due to narrative and continuity changes. Showrunners followed the game's dual perspective approach, ending the season with Abby's storyline, which remains divisive among fans accustomed to Ellie's arc. Significant alterations included a reimagined confrontation scene where Ellie shoots Owen and Mel, diverging from the game's physical fight; this change sparked backlash despite showrunner Craig Mazin defending it as more impactful. Continuity errors arose from timeline shifts, notably the inclusion of the Seattle Great Wheel, which historically didn't exist at the series' adjusted outbreak time, confusing attentive viewers. Criticism also targeted Ellie’s characterization, with some arguing that the writing diluted her revenge arc, making her less compelling compared to the game, while Bella Ramsey's performance was generally praised. Overall, these adaptations highlight the challenges of translating complex video game narratives to television, balancing fidelity with creative reinterpretation.