The Last of Us Season 2: Impact of Joel’s Death Explored
Major Plot Twist in Season 2
In a recent discussion with The Hollywood Reporter, Craig Mazin, co-creator and showrunner of The Last of Us, commented on a pivotal moment from the second episode of Season 2. The episode features the shocking demise of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, marking a significant turn in the series.
Drawing Parallels with Game of Thrones
Mazin expressed confidence that the emotional weight of Joel’s death would not negatively affect viewership. He referenced the memorable moment from Game of Thrones when Ned Stark meets his end, saying, “People quit shows and I have gone through it myself. I’m an audience member too. I watched Ned Stark’s head get lopped off and I’m like, ‘What the f–k is this s–t? Why would you do that to me?’” He emphasized that this shock could deepen viewer engagement with the remaining characters, leading them to invest further in the unfolding story.
The Circumstances of Joel’s Death
In this critical episode, Joel’s death comes at the hands of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, who seeks vengeance for her father’s death—a surgeon Joel killed in Season 1 to save Ellie (Bella Ramsey) from a fatal surgery proposed to create a cure for the Cordyceps infection. This conflict sets the stage for heightened emotional stakes in the narrative.
Acknowledging Viewer Emotions
Mazin stressed the importance of evoking a strong emotional response from the audience. He stated, “Look, if the emotional response is not intense, then we f–ked up.” He underscored that the aim is to create connections between viewers and the characters, who experience similar grief and turmoil, further enhancing the viewing experience.
Future of the Narrative
Addressing concerns about declining ratings, Mazin remarked on the powerful essence of the ongoing story and the solid relationships between characters that continue to develop: “I’m not concerned that ratings will fall off the edge of a cliff…also how invested we are in these other relationships. But Joel will always be there.”
Current Status of The Last of Us
As of now, Season 2 of The Last of Us is actively airing on HBO, captivating audiences with its character-driven storytelling and profound emotional arcs.