What a whirlwind of a season. After only seven episodes, The Last of Us season 2 has come to an end. It’s been quite a different season compared to the first one, with the cast expanding, more time with new characters, and the action taking place predominantly in Jackson and Seattle.
There were also interesting developments with the Cordyceps infection and the infected themselves. These are only touched upon (with the line “it’s in the air” giving us serious Covid flashbacks), but the focus this season was largely on the characters. And so, there were a lot of emotions, and they left us reeling. Let’s debrief and reflect with a look back at five top moments from season 2.
Warning: Major spoilers ahead!
The Battle of Jackson
Episode 2 will stay with us for a couple of reasons. The first of those is the almighty battle that went down in Jackson. This is the haven Ellie and Joel reached at the end of season 1, with Joel reuniting with his brother Tommy. But that safety is threatened when a horde of infected is drawn to the town. They wreak havoc in Jackson, almost taking down Tommy and Maria in the process. We can’t lose beloved characters so soon! It’s an epic battle with inevitable comparisons to Game of Thrones’ most magnificent fight sequences, thanks to snow, fortresses, and scary undead creatures; but it’s a fair one, because not a single scene fails to make you gasp, clutch your heart, or exclaim in horror. Ultimately, we cheer triumphantly as the town works together to suppress the horde and Tommy takes out a particularly nasty bloater with a flamethrower.
Joel’s death
What was that we were saying about it being too soon to take out beloved characters? We spoke too soon, because the very same episode ends in the most horrific shocker for fans who have never played the game. Joel dies at the vengeful hands of Abby, but it’s no quick shot to the head (which is how he killed her father, the doctor who was going to experiment on Ellie). It’s a slow and brutal beating that ends when she thrusts the golf club she broke on his body through his neck … and Ellie is forced to watch. This sets up Ellie’s mission for the rest of the show, because of course she is going to seek revenge. But before the seething anger towards Abby sets in, our hearts are torn asunder at the loss of such a tragic, beautiful hero, a moment made all the more painful as we watch Ellie curl up next to Joel's lifeless body.
Introducing Isaac
Fans following all the updates on season 2 would have known Jeffrey Wright had joined the cast, so it was surprising his introduction took so long, more than halfway through – but what an epic introduction it was. Wright first appears as Isaac Dixon in episode 4 in a pull-the-wool-over-everyone’s-eyes betrayal. Even though we don’t see much of him in this episode or any of the rest, every moment we do, he sears the screen with intensity and intimidation. The scene where he monologues at the Seraphite he’s torturing still burns in our memories. Special shout out to the Seraphites too this season, because boy were they creepy.
Happy Birthday
Given that five years lapse between the events of season 1 and 2, we knew that at some point we would find out what happened in those intervening years. Teenage angst? Well, a little bit. But of course a lot of the tension is rooted in Ellie finally figuring out, and Joel confirming, what really happened in Salt Lake City. Before we get there, however, we get to see Ellie and Joel share very special and tender moments together, all connected by the theme of Ellie’s birthday. It’s difficult choosing between climbing the T-Rex, the recreation of the Apollo 11 liftoff, the guitar lessons (which paid off beautifully earlier in the season), and the cakes, because these birthday moments (and even all the arguments and the confrontation on the porch) remind us that Ellie is still Ellie, Joel is still Joel, “and nothing’s ever going to change that”.
Jesse
Our last moment is a not a moment but another great new character in the form of Jesse, played by Young Mazino. He’s a leader and a friend, one who cares greatly for his community and his loved ones. He might not always agree with you, but he never judges and you’ll always get the truth from him. This makes him an interesting counterpoint to Joel as a friend to Ellie; but just like Joel, he’s always on hand to help Ellie if she needs it … which makes his death in the final episode even more devastating.
All seven episodes of The Last of Us season 2 are now available to stream on DStv Stream here. Join the conversation on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok using #MNet101 and #TheLastOfUs.
Images: HBO