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Warning: This submit consists of spoilers from The Last of Us Season 2.
HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 wastes no time diving into one of the emotional and controversial moments from the sport—the demise of Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal). As the sequence continues to observe the supply materials carefully, followers have been left reeling after Episode 2 delivered a brutal turning level that reshapes the whole lot.
Whether you’ve performed the sport or are experiencing the story for the primary time, right here’s a breakdown of what occurred to Joel, why it issues, and what it means for the remainder of the season.
Does Joel Die in The Last of Us Season 2?
Yes. In Season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us, Joel is killed in a storyline that mirrors the key plot twist from The Last of Us Part II online game.
The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 Recap
Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” delivers one of the stunning moments within the sequence thus far: Joel’s brutal demise. After saving Abby from a horde of contaminated, Joel is lured to a lodge the place she and her group are hiding. There, Abby shoots him within the leg and in the end kills him as Ellie arrives too late to intervene. The episode ends with Ellie devastated, holding Joel’s physique and vowing revenge, setting the stage for what’s to return.
Why Does Joel Die in The Last of Us?
Joel’s demise is the results of a revenge arc. At the top of Season 1 (and the primary recreation), Joel kills a health care provider to save lots of Ellie — a person later revealed to be the daddy of Abby (performed by Kaitlyn Dever), a brand new character in Season 2. Seeking justice, Abby tracks down Joel and kills him, setting off a brand new cycle of violence and grief that shapes the emotional core of the story.
Is Joel Really Dead in The Last of Us?
Yes, Joel is confirmed lifeless within the current timeline of The Last of Us Season 2. However, his character continues to look by means of flashbacks, reminiscences, and emotional callbacks. In Episode 5, titled “Feel Her Love,” which aired on May 11, 2025, viewers have been stunned by Joel’s return in a flashback scene.
@rottentomatoes The trailer for subsequent week’s episode of #TheLastOfUs teases a flashback episode with Joel and Ellie. #television #tvtok #trailer #hbo #pedropascal #videogames #tlou
Showrunners have additionally beforehand confirmed that Pascal will stay part of the sequence in a non-linear, extra restricted position, mirroring the storytelling method of the unique online game.