HBO’s The Last of Us May Be Making TLoU 2’s Biggest Mistake All Over Again

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HBO's The Last of Us May Be Making TLoU 2's Biggest Mistake All Over Again

Highlights

  • The Last of Us 2 shocked players with Joel’s early death, sparking controversy among fans of the game’s narrative.
  • Players were further divided when forced to play as Abby, challenging perceptions and building a complex character.
  • HBO’s upcoming live-action adaptation may repeat the divisive Abby focus, potentially stirring even more controversy.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I must say that The Last of Us 2 has left me both intrigued and baffled. I remember playing the first game, weeping at Joel’s heart-wrenching sacrifices, and feeling the raw emotion that came with it. So when I booted up The Last of Us 2, I was ready for another rollercoaster ride through a post-apocalyptic world.


Major spoilers ahead for The Last of Us 2

“The Controversial Saga Continues – The Last of Us Part II”

Numerous gamers found it displeasing to learn that they would ultimately control Abby in “The Last of Us Part 2,” spending almost half of the game’s duration with her character. The aim was to foster empathy and reveal her as a multi-dimensional figure, but this approach didn’t quite hit the mark. With previews for “The Last of Us” TV series emerging before its projected early 2025 debut, there are concerns that the live-action version might repeat the same misstep.

HBO’s The Last of Us Potentially Repeating a Controversial Abby Decision

Ellie’s Journey Could Be Interrupted

Following the traumatic incidents in the initial stages of “The Last of Us 2”, Ellie embarks on a journey to Seattle along with her partner Dina, seeking retribution against Abby. Ellie’s journey through Seattle is tough and arduous, leading the player to follow her relentlessly. However, as the game progresses, it switches viewpoints, allowing players to delve into Abby’s story. This change in perspective has sparked debate among some gamers, who argue that the game effectively makes players feel for Ellie and her suffering, then places them in the role of the person inflicting that pain.

The purpose behind this was to highlight that even an adversary is essentially a fellow human, and taking revenge doesn’t lead to anything beneficial. While some viewers find this decision crucial for the narrative, others feel Joel deserved a more dignified farewell. Both perspectives are valid, but revisiting this topic in HBO’s adaptation might stir up further debate. Given that The Last of Us 2 is being adapted into several seasons, it’s uncertain when Joel’s death will occur in Season 2, but the episodes focusing on Abby are likely to provoke controversy.

Abby-Focused Episodes Could Cause Deja Vu For Players

Introducing Joel’s Tragic End to an Even Larger Audience

1. The HBO adaptation of “The Last of Us” exceeds the popularity of the original games, which could make it challenging for some viewers to appreciate stories centered around Abby. As of now, it’s unclear how the series will tackle the dual narrative in “The Last of Us 2,” but it seems likely that episodes will heavily focus on one character’s perspective at a time. One possibility is that one episode could be dedicated to Ellie, while the following week’s episode would shift to Abby’s point of view.

Revisiting this upcoming season might evoke feelings similar to when we learned about Joel’s demise and Abby’s rise in the narrative back in 2020. Longtime fans must endure reliving these events, while those who have successfully steered clear of spoilers are in for a surprise. The specific portrayal of Abby and the WLF in the HBO series remains to be seen, but given that the first season closely adhered to its source material, it’s unlikely that Season 2 will significantly alter Abby’s role in the storyline.

In a controversial follow-up, The Last of Us Part 2 delivers a potent narrative message. It remains to be seen if the HBO series can effectively convey the emotional high points of the game, but it promises to be intriguing as viewers grapple with Joel’s destiny once more.

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2024-08-09 15:33