Joel’s Death, Abby’s Motive Change The Last of Us

Season 2, Episode 2 of HBO's 'The Last of Us' closely follows the game's shocking moment as Joel is brutally killed by Abby Anderson, but the show diverges by revealing Abby's motivation earlier, offering immediate context for her actions. This narrative choice complicates the cycle of revenge at the heart of the story. The episode features a haunting rendition of 'Through the Valley' performed by Ashley Johnson, the original voice of Ellie, deepening its emotional impact. Showrunners confirmed Joel's death was always planned to honor the original material, and Pedro Pascal described his emotional response to leaving the role. Joel's demise is portrayed as a consequence of his prior actions in saving Ellie, setting up themes of grief and vengeance for the season. The creative team emphasizes the importance of this moment for both Ellie's development and the show's exploration of moral consequences.