In “The Last of Us,” life becomes more valuable in the face of constant death. Joel Miller’s survival deep into middle age feels like a miracle. Fate and fortune kept him alive through countless dangers. In the second episode of Season 2, Joel finds himself in the right place at the right time to save Abby’s life.
Abby’s Vendetta
Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, has spent years hunting Joel. Her hatred stems from a deeply personal loss. Joel killed her father, the doctor who planned to operate on Ellie to create a cure for the zombie apocalypse. Abby’s mission to find and kill Joel becomes her sole focus.
In Episode 2, Abby and her friends reach an area near Jackson. They observe the city’s strong defenses and contemplate abandoning their plan. However, Abby refuses to give up. While on patrol, she accidentally awakens a horde of infected zombies. Joel and Dina, Ellie’s friend and love interest, save her from certain death.
Joel’s Tragic End
Joel, Ellie, and Dina follow Abby to a nearby lodge where her friends are hiding. There, the unthinkable happens. Abby brutally murders Joel with a golf club, delivering a deadly final blow. Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, witnesses the horrifying scene.
This shocking moment mirrors the infamous “Red Wedding” from Game of Thrones. For fans of the game, Joel’s death was expected. However, it remains a devastating moment for TV-only audiences.
A History of Revenge
Last season, Joel saved Ellie from the Fireflies in Salt Lake City. The group intended to study Ellie’s immunity to create a cure. Joel learned that the procedure would kill her. He chose Ellie’s life over the cure, murdering 18 Fireflies and Abby’s father in the process. Joel then took Ellie to Jackson to live with his brother, Tommy.
Abby, fueled by grief and anger, trained with her friends to become skilled fighters. Their sole mission became finding and killing Joel.
The Battle of Jackson
While Joel’s death steals the spotlight, the episode also delivers a stunning battle sequence. Jackson faces an onslaught of thousands of infected zombies. The people of Jackson fight back with everything they have.
Gasoline tanks explode, and gunfire rains down on the advancing horde. Flamethrowers ignite swarms of zombies, but the attackers keep coming. A massive infected creature breaches the city walls, adding to the chaos.
The snowy landscape enhances the intensity of the action. The scene recalls the epic battles of Game of Thrones, blending horror with grandeur.
Conclusion
Joel’s death leaves a void that shapes the season’s narrative. Abby’s vendetta creates a ripple effect that impacts Ellie and the other characters. Meanwhile, the defense of Jackson shows humanity’s resilience in the face of overwhelming odds.
The second episode of The Last of Us Season 2 delivers heartbreak and adrenaline in equal measure. It sets the stage for a season filled with revenge, survival, and the enduring struggle for hope. Get breaking news, top headlines, Entertainment updates, and Hollywood buzz, along with global news coverage and more.
