Why HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 Needs to Tell Ellie and Abby’s Stories in Order!

by

Summary

  • The Last of Us Season 2 will likely tell Ellie and Abby’s Seattle stories side by side, solving pacing issues.
  • HBO plans to tell Part 2 across multiple seasons, ensuring a more detailed adaptation.
  • Changes in narrative presentation could alter viewers’ perception of characters like Abby and Ellie.

In April 13, 2025, the second season of HBO’s hit series, The Last of Us, is scheduled to premiere. The first season received widespread acclaim from critics and fans alike, with many attributing its success to the original game’s captivating narrative. Released in 2013, The Last of Us: Part 1 is often considered one of the greatest story-driven action-adventure games ever made. Many gamers feel a deep connection to characters Joel and Ellie as they traverse America in search of a cure for the Cordyceps virus.

2022 saw the unveiling of “The Last of Us: Part 2,” a release that stirred quite the controversy. Opting to eliminate the original game’s protagonist and present his slayer, Abby, as one of the main characters for the sequel was a daring decision by Naughty Dog. Needless to say, this move left many fans seething with rage and dismay, promptly vowing never to play the game. This leaves HBO in quite the predicament come April, as they prepare to adapt this polarizing masterpiece for television.

Part 2’s Story Will Be Told Across Multiple Seasons

Many players found the intensity of the dislike for Part 2 quite intense. Nevertheless, a recurring issue among gamers, even those who welcomed the changes, was the tempo of the game. In The Last of Us: Part 2, Ellie and Abby’s narratives are initially set in Jackson, with the game alternating between their stories. Subsequently, the player undergoes three days in Seattle as Ellie, followed immediately by three days as Abby. This sudden shift between the peak of Ellie’s vengeful quest and Abby’s routine patrol duties with her WLF colleagues left many players feeling disoriented.

As a devoted fan, I’m really excited about the upcoming Season 2 trailers hinting at a simultaneous, chronological unfolding of Ellie and Abby’s Seattle adventures. This approach seems to address the pacing issues found in the game by gradually building tension throughout both narratives, offering viewers a smoother, more sequential storyline that’s easier to absorb and enjoy.

Craig Mazin, the mastermind behind the show, hinted that due to the extensive gameplay duration of “The Last of Us: Part 2” (approximately 25-30 hours), it might be spread over 3-4 separate TV seasons. This suggests that HBO is taking their time to properly unfold the story, a positive sign that they are not rushing through the narrative. This also underscores their appreciation for the source material, which was evident in season 1.

If it’s indeed the case that Part 2 will be spread across several seasons, it’s likely that Ellie’s and Abby’s stories will unfold simultaneously for viewers. The trailer appears to focus on scenes from Jackson’s introduction, as well as Ellie and Abby’s first two days in Seattle. This implies that the show isn’t planning to reveal Ellie’s entire story before moving back to Abby’s. If this were the case, it seems unlikely that any of Abby’s Seattle scenes would be included in the trailer, but they certainly are.

From a movie enthusiast’s perspective, the most recent sequence shown in the trailer, chronologically speaking, is the chilling moment where Ellie, my character of interest, seems to be brutally interrogating and potentially murdering Nora, a close friend and comrade of Abby within the WLF. This event takes place on Ellie’s day 2 according to the game’s timeline, which implies that there is plenty more story left to unfold post this scene – primarily their respective days 3 and the climactic Santa Barbara finale section. Given HBO’s penchant for delving deeply into narratives, it wouldn’t be surprising if we, the fans, are treated to at least another season following the anticipated release in April.

Will The Story Of Part 2 Work Better In Television?

It’s been proposed that “The Last of Us: Part 2” might thrive in a TV series adaptation, given its narrative depth and complexity. Co-writer Halley Gross, who collaborated with Neil Druckmann on Part 2, has experience primarily in television writing, notably contributing to the critically acclaimed series “Westworld.” Notably, “Westworld” deviated from traditional linear narratives and was known for its intricate storylines, which some viewers found challenging due to time jumps and complex plotlines. As Gross’ writing background aligns more with television production, it could be intriguing to observe the audience’s reaction to this shift in medium.

How Will Fans’ Perceptions of Ellie and Abby Change?

The way the narrative progresses may significantly influence viewers’ reactions towards certain characters and events. For instance, viewers might respond differently to Abby compared to other characters. In the game, Abby initially appears as an antagonist due to her role in Joel’s death at the start. However, even though the game suggests that her actions were somehow justified, fans don’t understand her reasons until later on.

In this game by Naughty Dog, players initially control Ellie, who spends the first half brutally eliminating numerous WLF members on her quest for Abby. This is a gruesome and intense experience that leaves a deep emotional impact, especially considering that Ellie was initially introduced as a resilient, profane teenager. The player carries out these cruel actions, and Naughty Dog wanted to create a significant impetus for the player to persevere. Killing off Joel served this purpose within the storyline effectively.

In the new season, the interwoven tales may reveal Abby’s reasons earlier, potentially even during Ellie’s vengeful journey. This early insight into Abby’s motivations could help viewers empathize with her actions, but it might also diminish support for Ellie among viewers. The game raised questions about whether Ellie was the real antagonist, a concept that was tough for gamers to swallow. Not only did they primarily control Ellie in Part 2, but there was also a seven-year gap between the two installments of The Last of Us. During this period, fans formed a stronger bond with Ellie each time they replayed the first game.

As a fan who dived into HBO’s debut season of “The Last of Us,” I found myself among those who appreciated the game but also drew in many newcomers who were yet to experience the digital version. For us fresh viewers, we followed the story as observers instead of active players. This meant that while we developed an affinity for Bella Ramsey’s Ellie during season 1, our bond wasn’t as deep as those who played the game. Consequently, we might be less lenient towards Ellie’s anticipated violent acts in the upcoming season, given our relatively shallow investment compared to the gamers.

Regardless of where HBO decides to steer Season 2 of The Last of Us, it’s certain that the depiction will vary significantly from the original game. At this point, it remains unclear whether these differences will be viewed as improvements or drawbacks.

Read More

2025-03-23 22:25