Last of Us S2 Penultimate Episode Explores Joel’s Death

The penultimate episode of The Last of Us Season 2, directed by Neil Druckmann, uses flashbacks to explore five years of Joel and Ellie's relationship in Jackson, deepening the emotional context behind their eventual estrangement and Joel's death. The episode begins with a formative interaction between a young Joel and his father, highlighting generational trauma and its impact on Joel's parenting of Ellie. Through vignettes such as Ellie's birthdays, including a museum trip and later rebellious acts, the story traces the evolution of their bond. Central moments include a confrontation over Joel’s lie about the Fireflies and the tragic death of Eugene, both of which contribute to their growing rift. The episode also introduces original content not found in the games, enriching character depth and relationships, particularly between Ellie, Kat, and Dina. While critics have praised the episode's emotional weight and adaptation, some fans remain divided on the changes from the source material.