EXPOSED: The Last of Us Season 2 Premiere Reveals Shocking Truth About Joel’s Dark Past

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Summary

  • The Last of Us Season 2 is based on the second game, featuring a brutal narrative with a new antagonist.
  • Ellie and Dina’s relationship evolves in the new season, while Cordyceps makes a dangerous entry into Jackson.
  • The premiere sets a powerful foundation with emotionally charged storytelling, character development, and haunting visuals.

Transforming a game into a TV series or movie can be quite difficult, but HBO managed to surpass all expectations with The Last of Us, which not only garnered them awards but also received critical acclaim from both critics and viewers. The first season saw great success due to its compelling storyline and impressive performances. However, the story was left incomplete and ended at a crucial point. Now, two years later, the network is returning with the second season, continuing the narrative.

In essence, we know that the upcoming Season 2 of “The Last of Us” will draw inspiration from the second installment of the series, “The Last of Us Part II.” This sequel, which has garnered significant acclaim, is a crucial piece in the narrative and offers a harrowing tale. As a fresh adversary enters the picture, Joel and Ellie’s journey won’t be a walk in the park this time. Let’s delve into the events that unfolded in the premiere of “The Last of Us” Season 2.

Abby’s quest for vengeance takes shape

In the debut episode of The Last of Us Season 2, titled “Future Days,” we are taken back to the conclusion of the previous season, as Ellie questions Joel about the truth behind his firefly tale. After Joel confirms its authenticity, Ellie reluctantly agrees and they proceed on their journey together. A short while later, Abby Anderson (portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever) and her Fireflies companions – Mel (Ariela Barer), Owen (Spencer Lord), Manny (Danny Ramirez), and Nora (Tati Gabrielle) – grieve for their lost loved ones, including Dr. Jerry Anderson. Manny wonders why Joel would have killed everyone, finding it incomprehensible. Nora explains that he did so due to a rumor about Ellie potentially being used to create a cure for Cordyceps. As Nora was about to divulge more details about the rumor, Mel intervened and warned against discussing it further, as it didn’t add up. They decide their priority should be on surviving and progressing rather than dwelling on the past. Owen suggests that Isaac, Ed’s brother, could provide them with supplies and offer sanctuary. However, Abby insists on tracking down Joel first and enlisting her crew’s aid in the process.

Owen expresses his concern that they don’t have much information about Joel since they don’t know where he went after leaving their last vehicle. Abby explains she recognizes Joel’s appearance but the issue is figuring out his current location. Owen emphasizes the importance of gathering as much assistance as possible, hinting at the Seattle team possibly providing a clue. Abby then clarifies that when they locate Joel, they plan to take him into custody and mete out punishment gradually.

Ellie joins the patrol party, while Joel undergoes therapy

Five years later, the story catches up with Ellie engaged in a fierce battle with a man significantly larger than herself. At first glance, it seems like she’s battling a villain to save her life, but as events unfold, it becomes clear that she was sparring with a member of her tribe. The fight ends when Jesse (portrayed by Young Mazino) intervenes, explaining that he prevented the man from delivering a full-force blow because it could have knocked Ellie unconscious. Annoyed by this, Ellie storms out of the barn, and it’s then revealed that they’ve arrived in Jackson, Wyoming, where they are working to establish a small community for their tribe.

Simultaneously, a middle-aged man named Joel is attempting to mend some faulty breakers when Dina (portrayed by Isabel Merced) approaches him, informing him that the main line is clogged with roots. Joel promises to assist them momentarily, but Dina persists in talking and queries if Ellie is upset with him. Joel explains that Ellie might be at an age where she dislikes parental input, and he acknowledges his tendency to overprotect, but he maintains that he hasn’t done anything wrong. Dina looks at him doubtfully and expresses her uncertainty. To this, Joel asserts that he can’t control another person’s emotional state. Dina then inquires if he has been visiting Gail, a therapist. At first, Joel denies attending therapy sessions, but eventually admits to Dina about his visits and pleads with her not to disclose it to anyone. Meanwhile, Joel’s brother Tommy (played by Gabriel Luna) is assisting Ellie in eliminating one of the infected creatures, specifically clickers.

After completing that procedure, Tommy informs Ellie that he is assigning her to duty at the gate instead of patrol due to her reckless behavior during their last mission. Additionally, Joel expresses worry for her safety and hopes to prevent any potential injuries. However, Ellie stands firm and insists on joining them. Eventually, Tommy relents and informs her of the team’s scheduled departure time for patrolling.

Joel receives a brutal confession from Gail

In their community, things aren’t going well because there’s a lack of room for more inhabitants, and due to insufficient workforce, they can’t speed up construction. Maria queries Joel if there’s anything they can do about it, to which he responds that bringing in new people was a mistake. Although he sympathizes with their predicament and is willing to assist them, he can’t risk others for their sake. Their discussion concludes as Joel departs for his therapy appointment. Upon arrival, Joel encounters Gail (portrayed by Catherine O’Hara), who inquires about his preferred beverage. She exits her room and initiates their session while sipping on it. As they commence their session, Joel expresses that Ellie treats him coldly and doesn’t engage with her. On the flip side, Dina communicates with him daily and speaks politely, inquiring about his well-being each day. Gail clarifies the situation for him, stating that Ellie is acting like any typical 19-year-old daughter towards her father.

It becomes clear to Joel that Gail had been drinking during the day and felt compelled to leave, but she instead chose to share something that was troubling her. This involved expressing her resentment towards Joel for killing her husband, Eugene, despite knowing he had no other choice. The revelation left her angry and resentful, especially since Joel sought therapy at their home. She felt a sense of relief after voicing her feelings and told Joel she could assist him only if he was truthful with her. Gail made it clear that she was aware of Joel’s secrets and until he revealed them, neither she nor anyone else would be able to help. While Gail continued to press for the truth, a tearful Joel stood up from the couch and admitted he had saved her life, which was the truth. Meanwhile, Ellie, Dina, and three others from their settlement went on patrol. Both Dina and Jesse noticed that Ellie resembled characters from one of Joel’s favorite films called ‘Curtis and Viper.’

While on duty, Dina and Ellie discuss their plans to attend a community gathering filled with laughter and entertainment. It’s here that Ellie learns, for the second time, that Dina and Jesse are no longer together.

Ellie and Dina’s relationship blooms, while Cordyceps makes an entry into Jackson

Whilst on duty, they spot a bloodied path, leading them to a collapsed supermarket where a grizzly bear was killed by the infected. Against their patrol leader’s orders, Dina and Ellie investigate the supermarket. They eliminate two clickers inside, but as they prepare to depart, part of the building collapses, sending Ellie into the basement. Dina rushes to find the stairs to rescue her. Minutes later, Ellie discovers a runner in the basement and begins tracking it. Upon locating the creature, Ellie calls out for it to approach, but instead, it shifts direction and assaults her in an unusual manner. It seems these runners might be evolving, adapting to their surroundings and understanding tactical situations. Despite defeating the infected, the attack leaves a bite mark on Ellie, which she conceals from Dina.

Upon their arrival, they take their seats before the council of Jackson, which comprises Tommy, Maria, and others. They shared accounts about the unusual behavior of the runner they encountered. Dina vouches for Ellie’s honesty as she had witnessed it herself. The council issues a warning to them but suspects that Dina might be deceiving them regarding what she saw. However, Maria defends Ellie’s honesty. They decide to postpone the matter and celebrate New Year’s eve with a party, where Dina and Ellie dance together. Before the festivities, Joel speaks with Ellie about the party and notices her guitar with damaged strings nearby. He decides to repair it. During the celebration, Dina and Ellie share a kiss, but one resident interrupts, reminding them it’s a family event and calling them “dykes.” Ellie becomes angry, but before she can respond, Joel intervenes and pushes the individual away. Nevertheless, Ellie expresses her displeasure towards his intervention. The episode concludes with two alarming discoveries: Cordyceps is found growing in the city’s sewer system, and Abby approaches Joel’s settlement along with other Firefly members.

In this follower’s perspective, witnessing the debut of The Last of Us Season 2 left me in awe, as it sets a robust foundation for an emotionally intense and thrilling season ahead. The narrative unfolds with a captivating tale intertwined with raw emotional depth, establishing a tense atmosphere through poignant character moments and understated sorrow. Ellie’s journey becomes increasingly personal and intricate, while her bond with Dina feels genuine and relatable. The action scenes are immersive, instantly raising the stakes from the very first scene. Visually, the show maintains its impressive standard by presenting hauntingly beautiful landscapes and meticulous post-apocalyptic details. Ramsey delivers an exceptional performance, while Pascal gives a heart-wrenching portrayal. Merced matches their brilliance in her portrayal of Dina. In summary, it’s a powerful and convincing comeback that respects the series’ core essence while hinting at darker twists to come.

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2025-04-14 05:04