Why Joel Seeks Therapy in The Last of Us Season 2 Revealed

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Summary

  • Gail is a new character in The Last of Us Season 2, played by Catherine O’Hara, and is Joel’s therapist.
  • Joel seeks therapy in Season 2 to understand Ellie’s behavior, reflecting on their traumatic past.
  • Showrunners introduced Gail to add depth to the post-apocalyptic world and explore characters’ emotional struggles.

In a matter of mere weeks, I’ll be eagerly anticipating the arrival of Season 2 for “The Last of Us,” and let me tell you, it’s shaping up to be quite spectacular! While some familiar faces, like Abby Anderson, Dina, and Jesse, who graced our screens in the video game sequel by Naughty Dog, will make a return, there’s one character that’s completely fresh to the franchise. Gail, skillfully portrayed by Catherine O’Hara from “Schitt’s Creek,” is a therapist residing in Jackson and is confirmed to be Eugene’s wife. This is an exciting deviation from the original “The Last of Us” games.

It appears that Gail joins Season 2 to assist Joel in uncovering his tormented past, as she questions him sternly in one of the latest trailers for The Last of Us Season 2, “What did you do?”, a question possibly referring to his hidden guilt about what he told Ellie and the truth behind the events at the hospital involving the Fireflies, including the death of Marlene, their leader. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, co-creators, have disclosed why Joel might require therapy in The Last of Us’ harsh, post-apocalyptic world.

Showrunners Explain Why Joel is Going to Therapy in The Last of Us Season 2

At the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2, showrunner Craig Mazin told The Hollywood Reporter that he had initially aimed to incorporate Catherine O’Hara’s character in Season 1. However, he could not find a suitable way to weave her storyline into the existing narrative of the series back then. Mazin also expressed his admiration for Gail (O’Hara’s character), stating that she fits well with some of the other characters in the show, which he finds “very interesting”.

In the post-apocalyptic setting of the show, a therapist would be invaluable due to the crucial nature of the bartering system and the emotional strain on the survivors. As Mazin pointed out, “Everyone who is left is hurting, everyone.” He hinted that Joel and Gail might have established a system where they exchange information. However, it appears Joel may not be fully open with Gail about certain matters, as Mazin suggested, “What people tell their therapists… you’d think they’re always telling the truth, but what are the parts they don’t tell their therapist? That’s where it gets interesting.

Neil Druckmann, one of the co-creators, revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that they wanted to develop Jackson’s character and create a sense of community within the town. To achieve this, they introduced a therapist character, as they felt it would be something essential for everyone in the apocalypse, given the trauma they had experienced. Furthermore, Druckmann mentioned that they found it convenient to incorporate Gail into Season 2’s narrative since she is married to Eugene, played by Joe Pantoliano from The Matrix. This marks the first time fans will get insight into Eugene’s backstory, as he was only referenced in The Last of Us Part 2 game but never appeared on screen.

In an interview with IGN during the film premiere, Druckmann provided additional insights into why Joel first visited Gail and it was to understand Ellie’s frosty behavior towards him. “Joel seeks therapy because he’s trying to decipher why Ellie is distancing herself,” Druckmann explained. “However, he’s not fully aware of the real cause behind their situation.

The Last of Us Season 2 makes its premiere on HBO on April 13, 2025.

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2025-03-27 17:24