In a recent episode of HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, viewers witnessed a pivotal and dramatic moment where Abby tortures and kills Joel, setting the stage for Ellie’s quest for revenge throughout season two. This event aligns closely with the narrative presented in the video game, which has elicited strong responses from the fan community.
Insights from the Cast
Following the airing of the episode, Entertainment Weekly shared a video interview featuring the lead actors Pedro Pascal, Kaitlyn Dever, and Bella Ramsey. The trio discussed the significant developments in the ongoing series, particularly the emotional weight of Joel’s death. Pascal noted that the inevitability of his character’s demise played a role in his decision to take the role, drawing parallels to his previous character, Oberyn Martell from Game of Thrones, who met a similarly violent fate.
Dever, who portrayed Abby, wielded the weapon that ended Joel’s life. She described the scene as “heartbreaking,” reflecting on the connection she developed with Pascal and Ramsey’s characters during season one. Despite the heaviness of the scene, the camaraderie among the cast was palpable, bringing humor into their discussions, such as Pascal jokingly telling Dever she shouldn’t feel bad about the act since he had killed her character’s father quickly and without hesitation.
Controversy and Fan Reaction
The scene has drawn significant attention due to its controversial nature. Dever acknowledged the backlash that Abby faced in the gaming community for this action, where some fans reacted intensely, even threatening the actress Laura Bailey, who voiced Abby in the game. Dever mentioned that while she was aware of the potential for controversy, her primary goal was to honor her character authentically, even if it involved executing a pivotal scene against a beloved character like Joel.
“It is hard not to think about [the fan reaction],” Dever expressed. “I sort of went into this wanting to do my best, and I was thinking about the fans, but I think also there’s something about just really, seriously living in the moment. It’s obviously so heartbreaking.”
Pascal’s affectionate comment about the cast being “in love” with one another illustrated the strong bonds formed during filming, a contrast to the intense on-screen conflicts their characters face. The dynamic among the cast members promises an engaging watching experience as the series continues.
What’s Next for the Series
The second season of The Last of Us has five episodes remaining, with new episodes airing Sundays at 9 p.m. Eastern on Max. The evolving storylines and character arcs ensure that viewers will be kept on the edge of their seats as they follow Ellie’s journey of revenge.
For those interested in more details about the show, it’s recommended to look for media coverage and reviews as the season progresses.