Spoilers for the latest episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, “The Path,” lie ahead, so read on at your own discretion.
The Last of Us Season 2 is proving to be just as entertaining as its predecessor and just as heartbreaking amid its run on the 2025 TV schedule. Fans of the Naughty Dog video game series were likely aware that this season would adapt a heartbreaking moment involving Joel (who’s played perfectly by Pedro Pascal). Well, it finally happened, and it was just as devastating as I imagined it would be. Luckily, I have found a bit of comfort in the aftermath, and that’s thanks to the community of Jackson, Wyoming.
At the end of the second episode of TLoU Season 2, Joel is brutally murdered by militia leader Abby as retribution for Joel killing her father while taking Ellie from the fireflies years earlier. The following episode tackles the aftermath of Joel’s tragic demise and how his loved ones cope with it. With that, the city of Jackson takes center stage in a way that it didn’t in 2020’s The Last of Us Part II, on which serves as the basis for this season for the show. There are specifically two reasons why I appreciate this change.
The Community Has Time To Mourn Joel And Others Lost During The Attack By The Infected
curious about exactly who voted yay or nay.) What I was surprised by, though, was to be so impressed by just how thoughtful series creator Craig Mazin and co. were in dealing with the politics and personal ideologies of the people in this town.
Of course, Ellie – with Dina in tow – is now in Seattle and intent on killing Abby. I’m both excited and nervous to stream episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 moving forward, which are sure to be intense. While Ellie’s mission is at the heart of the story, I’m hopeful that the producers continue to develop Jackson, whether it be through the upcoming Eugene-centric episode or by other means.
New episodes of The Last of Us air on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO, and they’re simultaneously available to stream with a Max subscription.