Joel’s Death in 'Through the Valley' Sparks Uproar

In The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, titled 'Through the Valley,' Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) kills Joel (Pedro Pascal) in front of Ellie (Bella Ramsey), mirroring the original video game's storyline. The graphic scene provoked both critical acclaim for its emotional impact and backlash from fans, with some viewers stating they would stop watching the series. Showrunner Craig Mazin likened the narrative risk to Game of Thrones’ shocking character deaths, emphasizing its importance for deeper audience connection. Both Kaitlyn Dever and Bella Ramsey described the personal toll of filming the scene, while Mazin and the creative team defended the decision as essential for the story’s themes of love, loss, and vengeance. The episode reignited controversy over Abby's character, sparking debates about representation and narrative choices similar to those seen after the game's release. Despite the uproar, the creators remain committed to their vision for the show's future.