‘Last of Us’ returns to challenge viewers through post apocalyptic morality tale

The apocalypse isn’t over and neither is the pain. In its long-anticipated return, The Last of Us doesn’t aim to comfort--it only confronts. Rather than giving viewers a chance to breathe before launching them back into the emotional world of Joel and Ellie, the second season begins just where it ended--with heartbreak, betrayal, and lies.

To recap, the popular video game turned Max series follows the story of Joel Miller, who crosses paths with a girl who appears to be immune to the cordyceps virus that has wiped out the majority of the population. The two of them embark on a journey to smuggle the girl, Ellie, across the country where a group of scientists believe they can use her to develop a cure for the rampant virus. The season ended in devastating fashion as Joel rescued Ellie from the certain death that would await her following the process of harvesting her DNA for a cure. Unable to sacrifice the girl who has become a second daughter, Joel kills the rebel Fireflies, ending the hopes for a cure in the process. Unknowingly, these events set the scene for the series’ second season, the first few episodes of which were recently released. 

Joel couldn’t have known that one of the Fireflies he killed--Jerry Anderson--would have a vengeful daughter willing to travel the country to find the man responsible for her father’s death. This is the premise of the second game, and presumably the series as well, as one of the beginning scenes of the show introduces Abby at her father’s grave, sharing her plans to kill Joel and avenge her father.

Adapting such a beloved video game into a series is no small feat, especially because players are so defensive of it, not wanting it to be butchered. While the popularity and success of the first season is so admirable, it's also what makes the stakes for the second season so high. With big character deaths, relationship development, and loads of revenge, viewers can be sure to expect an anxiety-inducing continuation of this quest. 

While only a fraction of the second season has been released, there has been enough discourse and controversy to last a lifetime. Some were upset with the casting of Ellie (Bella Ramsey, Game of Thrones) in the first season, claiming that Ramsey looked far too different from video-game Ellie to portray the character. However, Ramsey stepped up to the plate and proved to be the perfect casting for this morally-complex character, even nailing her mannerisms. These waters get muddy, though, when it comes to season two, as in the game, Ellie ages significantly and becomes much “tougher.” Ramsey not fitting the physical profile wasn’t a big deal in season one given their phenomenal performance, but it plays such a significant role in the second game, especially when it comes to later retribution.

Many fans wonder whether or not this will be the same for the new characters in the second season, especially Abby (Kaitlyn Dever, Booksmart) who plays a major role in the second game. Video-game Abby is known for her muscles and masculine appearance, an aspect which is important given that it shows how much time the character dedicated to training throughout the apocalypse. Dever, however, has a much different physique, and some fans are against this, wishing that Hollywood would use the opportunity to cast someone that doesn’t fit the typical feminine actress stereotype. That being said, Dever gave a good performance in one of the opening scenes of the second season, perfectly nailing Abby’s signature stance, though it’s been difficult for many to see her as the infamous character given their obvious differences.

Despite the emotional turmoil the second season has already ignited, sparks of romance have been left in the wake of chaos. Newly introduced character, Dina (Isabela Merced, Instant Family) has already proven to play a major role in the new season, part of which is in being the love interest of Ellie. Despite the demise of the human race and major concerns when it comes to the apocalyptic zombies roaming the streets, some viewers seem to have issues with the same-sex couple showing affection. Though much of the show is fictional, this topic is all-too-real, and plagues the question of how far people are willing to go when it comes to closed-minded thinking.

There couldn’t be a conversation regarding The Last of Us without mentioning America's favorite daddy Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal, The Mandalorian). Grandpa somehow got his vision-correcting spectacles this season, along with the silent treatment from his assumed daughter following her rescue. Unlike Ellie seemingly staying the same age despite the five-year jump from season one to two, age has clearly hit Joel… or maybe it’s the stress of saving Ellie at the cost of millions of lives. 

This moral dilemma, one akin to the Trolley Problem, raises questions about morality, survival, and the bonds of family. The common theme throughout both games, especially the second, is that violence begets violence. This brutal mantra is sure to serve as the guiding map for the second season if it’s anything like the game, and viewers should buckle up for an intense season.

by Emma Toney

Published April 28th, 2025

Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue VII