The Last Of Us Season 2 Star On Their Character Absorbing ‘Too Much For Anyone’

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Summary

  • Gail’s presence adds layers to Joel’s character through therapy sessions.
  • Actress Catherine O’Hara views Gail as absorbing more than one can handle.
  • Series creators incorporate therapeutic elements in Season 2 to show Joel’s vulnerability.

In the second season of The Last of Us, a number of fresh characters were introduced, one of whom provided additional insights into their character’s part. The highly anticipated The Last of Us Season 2 made its debut on HBO on Sunday.

The initial episode showcased a variety of characters, among them Abby (performed by Kaitlyn Dever), Manny (Danny Ramirez), Nora (Tati Gabrielle), Mel (Ariela Barer), Owen (Spencer Lord), Dina (Isabela Merced), Jesse (Young Mazino), Benji (Ezra Agbonkhese), and Gail (Catherine O’Hara). One of these characters is instrumental in Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) storyline, and the actor responsible for the role has provided additional insights into their work on set.

In the premiere of Season 2 of The Last of Us, we meet Gail O’Hara, a therapist, who joins the cast. There’s a five-year time gap between the first and second seasons. Joel, one of the main characters, has been seeking help from Gail to cope with his trauma. In this dystopian city, Gail is the only available therapist, and actress Merle O’Hara feels that her character might be taking on more than a single person should typically handle. “Think about what she’s experiencing, absorbing all day long in that town,” O’Hara shared during an interview with Entertainment Weekly, adding, “It’s too much for anyone. You’ve got to find a way to survive.”

In Joel’s sessions with Gail, we see a new emotional depth added to his character. When he discovers that Gail harbors resentment towards him due to a personal reason—her husband was one of the people Joel killed during his rampage in Season 1 to save Ellie—Joel feels uncomfortable and conflicted. These therapy sessions, however, are not just about healing; they also become confrontational encounters. As Joel comes to terms with the realization that his actions to protect Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) have continued to cause harm to people like Gail, who were trying to help him, it adds a new layer of complexity to his character’s journey.

As per O’Hara, Joel and Gail’s therapy session in the show was planned out for an entire day. She described it as quite intense and requiring extensive filming. Craig Mazin, one of the co-creators, had a clear vision for the scene, and the actress simply followed his guidance. On that day, O’Hara worked with her co-star Pascal, who was said to be delightful company. Known for her comedic roles in shows like Schitt’s Creek, Best in Show, Beetlejuice, and Home Alone movies, O’Hara’s character in The Last of Us is more serious. She appreciates the chance to explore this new role. When the part was offered to her, they provided some scripts, and there was a great deal of secrecy surrounding them.

Including Gail in the series was a smart decision, as her character highlighted Joel’s vulnerability, contrasting his usual closed-off demeanor. In his sessions with Gail, Joel’s guilt, regret, and loneliness became apparent. Although he protected Ellie, there was a part of him struggling with what he had done – killing many to save her, yet their relationship became strained. Gail is not a character from the original game; she was introduced in the TV show by Mazin and Druckmann. Fans may well approve of this addition. According to reports, Pascal expressed disappointment when a therapy session featuring Joel (originally planned for Season 1) was removed before filming, but this scene is set to appear in Season 2, introducing Gail as portrayed by O’Hara. Mazin emphasized the significance of therapy sessions, stating that they allow individuals to confront their thoughts and emotions they typically avoid discussing.

The Last of Us Season 2’s premiere episode now streams on HBO. A new episode drops every Sunday.

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2025-04-14 22:24