Major Spoilers: Unbelievable Changes in The Last of Us S2E2

by

Last week saw the highly anticipated return of The Last of Us on our screens for the start of season two, following a two-year hiatus. Although certain elements were altered, the overall narrative remained largely intact without undergoing any major transformations. For instance, Abby’s motivations were presented earlier than expected, and new characters such as Gail were introduced to the mix.

In summary, while the alterations made were minimal compared to the larger picture, episode two of this adaptation took some bold leaps for “The Last of Us.” Viewers might find it difficult to watch due to a particularly intense scene. Even without watching episode two, fans of “The Last of Us” would be aware of that pivotal moment. Now, let’s delve into the changes in the show and games, with spoilers enabled.

Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Part 2 & The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2!

6. How Abby And The Others Set Out

No Need To Sneak Out, As a Distraction is Needed

In the series, my introduction as Abby deviates from the game’s portrayal, as outlined in episode one. And there’s a minor tweak at the start of episode two too, to set off her adventure. In the game, I wake up in a cabin next to Owen who’s already awake. Being intrigued by him, I follow him into the woods because he has something important to share with me. After some exploration, we stumble upon a clearing where Jackson is visible from afar, but for players, my identity and even Owen’s remain a mystery at this point.

In the game, it’s uncertain what the motives of the pair are regarding Jackson, but in the show, it swiftly becomes evident that this is a mission for revenge. From the cabin’s bay window, Abby’s team can already spot Jackson. Instead of sneaking away to find a patrol, Abby openly mentions she’s leaving as a diversion.

5. Ellie is Paired With Jesse Instead of Dina

Eugene’s History Gets Clearer with Ellie and Jesse Instead of the Romantic Ellie and Dina Pairing

The encounter between Dina and the game takes place during the depicted patrol scene in episode two. Jesse assigns Dina and Ellie as a team, resulting in amusing moments such as finding Eugene’s hidden stash of drugs. However, in the series, Dina joins forces with Joel instead, which presents two significant differences from the original plot.

Originally, Dina and Ellie were intended to work as a team, but Ellie chose Jesse instead. This shift affected Joel’s fate in the series, since he was initially partnered with Tommy. Meanwhile, Ellie and Jesse discover Eugene’s supply, but it wasn’t concealed, and they don’t share any intimate moments or relax by smoking or spending time together.

4. Dina is Paired with Joel Instead of Ellie

Dina Helps Save Abby Instead of Joel’s Brother, Tommy

In the game, just as Joel discovers Abby in the series, Tommy and Joel come to Abby’s aid. Alone on patrol, Abby encounters a horde of infected. She’s pursued by them, gets cornered within a building structure, and fortunately, Tommy and Joel manage to save her from danger.

In the series, Joel saves her as Dina stays with the horses, and afterwards, the three of them quickly head towards Abby’s cabin. Once Abby’s group unveils their true identities, they administer a sleep-inducing mixture to Dina since she poses no threat to them. Unfortunately, Tommy ends up badly hurt in the conflict because he refuses to comply, which means Dina doesn’t have an opportunity to display her courage when they begin attacking Joel.

3. Tommy Shows More Leadership

Maria is Put to the Side for Tommy to Control More of Jackson

In the second episode, contrary to his role in the game, Tommy doesn’t fall short. Instead, he seizes the moment in Jackson, delivering a captivating and humorous speech that motivates the city’s defenders. This is an unprecedented trait for any character in the game, as Tommy generally doesn’t exhibit leadership qualities.

In a simple and conversational manner: His wife, Maria, often came across as the prominent figure in Jackson. Additionally, a fresh character named Amy emerges on the scene, taking up the role of communication manager. It would certainly be intriguing to follow the development of her character within Jackson’s community.

2. Joel’s Execution

A Golf Club Isn’t the Finishing Weapon

This pivotal moment, long anticipated yet unwelcome by fans, unfolds as Joel meets his untimely end at the hands of Abby. Though her motives were left obscure within the game, she leaves no room for ambiguity in the series, making it painfully clear to both Joel and viewers alike who she and her companions truly are.

In Salt Lake City, Joel ended the lives of numerous Fireflies to protect Ellie. Later, Abby disclosed that the Fireflies no longer exist; instead, Abby and her allies have switched allegiance to a new military faction called The W.L.F., who dwell in Seattle. Unlike before, Abby’s assaults on Joel are primarily the same, except she delivers a stab to his neck to complete the task rather than brutally crushing his skull. Notably, after everyone departs, Ellie mourns over Joel’s lifeless body, a scene not present in the game as she gets unconscious instead.

1. Jackson Gets Attacked

The Infected Invade Jackson and Provide No Time for Grief

Previously, there were substantial shifts, yet the most dramatic transformation took place with Jackson. Following Abby’s unfortunate awakening of the contaminated, the horde became attached to Jackson after pursuing her in an attempt to cause further destruction. This scene echoes the episode of Game of Thrones where the White Walkers assault Castle Black.

The changes before were big, but nothing compared to what happened with Jackson. When Abby accidentally woke up the infected, they followed her and caused more trouble, eventually bonding with Jackson. This is like the scene in Game of Thrones where the White Walkers attacked Castle Black.

In the game “The Last of Us,” such an attack is not typically encountered. Instead, events progress from Joel’s death to Ellie waking up, struggling with the trauma she has just witnessed. This intense battle sequence served as a notable showcase of the budget allocated for season two. Nevertheless, some viewers might argue that this action scene, although exciting, lessens the impact of Joel’s death, as it introduces additional challenges for Ellie to handle beyond the demise of the main character.

Read More

2025-04-21 20:11