The highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us is currently underway, and this past weekend, fans were treated to the gripping second episode. However, the term "treated" might not fully encompass the emotional turmoil that unfolded during the episode. Significant plot points were revealed, prompting a wave of reactions from fans across social media. Warning: Major spoilers ahead for The Last of Us season two.
As many fans anticipated, the episode delivered the shocking news of Joel's death at the hands of Abby. The emotional weight of this moment hit hard, especially for those who might not have been familiar with the source material, The Last of Us Part 2. Actor Pedro Pascal, who portrays Joel, shared a heartwarming photo alongside Kaitlyn Dever, who plays Abby, captioning it: "Thank you, scene partner. You little miracle." Despite the camaraderie off-screen, the on-screen moment was undoubtedly tough for both the cast and the viewers.
The aftermath of Joel's death left many viewers reeling. Those who were aware of the storyline still felt the emotional impact deeply. One viewer lamented, "I will never emotionally recover from seeing Ellie lying next to Joel's dead body." The poignant scene of Ellie crawling to Joel and seeking comfort next to him was described by another fan as "way worse than the game." The emotional resonance of these moments has sparked extensive discussions online.
Viewers expressed their anguish over Joel's struggle to survive. One poignant comment captured this sentiment, reflecting on Joel's last moments: "Does it ever keep y'all up at night knowing how Joel was ready to end it all? What little energy he had left was used in trying to push himself to live for her." This highlights the depth of connection fans feel with the characters and their journeys.
In stark contrast to the sorrow, some fans have opted for denial, insisting that Joel is still alive. "I'm still convinced Joel's death scene was a mass hallucination. That actually did not happen," one hopeful viewer asserted. Others chimed in with humorous takes, claiming that Joel was simply enjoying a peaceful life, working in an office and sharing movie nights with Ellie. This blend of denial and humor showcases the strong emotional investment viewers have in the series.
As the show progresses, the implications of Joel's death extend beyond just his character. Many fans pointed out that Tommy, Joel's brother, is still unaware of the tragedy. This adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding narrative. Moreover, viewers have shared nostalgic images of Joel with his daughter, Sarah, highlighting the profound themes of loss and connection that permeate the series.
The emotional rollercoaster that is The Last of Us season two has left fans in tears, leading to humorous remarks about needing compassionate leave from work. One fan humorously captioned an image of Pedro Pascal swimming, stating, "New photo of Pedro Pascal swimming in our tears." Despite the heartbreak, there is a silver lining: HBO and Naughty Dog have confirmed that The Last of Us will return for a third season. Showrunner Craig Mazin has expressed optimism about the show's future, stating, "We approached season two with the goal of creating something we could be proud of, and the results have exceeded even our most ambitious goals."
As viewers continue to process the emotional events of the latest episode, the anticipation for what lies ahead in the story remains high. The Last of Us continues to captivate audiences with its blend of heart-wrenching moments and deep character exploration.
