Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2, episode 7, and The Last of Us Part II.After seven episodes, The Last of Us season 2 has officially come to an end, and the dark, gritty story created plenty of unanswered questions that I need season 3 to resolve. While the first season stayed faithful to the source material, The Last of Us season 2 made several game changes despite following the original story closely, setting up an uncertain future. Fans of TLOU Part II may expect most of the major events to play out similarly in HBO's adaptation, but it feels more likely than ever that the TV series could pull off some crazy surprises.
Either way, The Last of Us season 2's cliffhanger ending created far more questions than answers, which makes the next installment incredibly exciting. We finally saw Tommy arrive in Seattle as well as Ellie and Abby cross paths, but where their story goes next remains a mystery for those unfamiliar with the video game series. Additionally, Abby barely featured in season 2 after killing Joel, while the war between the WLF and the Scars has plenty of secrets surrounding it, meaning season 3 will have a lot to unpack, and I hope the show answers these huge lingering questions.
7. Why Did Abby Abandon The WLF?
Abby Was Missing When The WLF Was About To Attack The Seraphites
Considering Abby had such a major influence on the events of season 2, her character naturally creates the most questions heading into season 3, with her desertion from the WLF being one of the biggest. As the WLF geared up to attack the Seraphites in TLOU season 2's finale, Abby was nowhere to be found, despite being a key soldier for the villainous faction.
Not only was she MIA, but her entire group was missing, suggesting that they abandoned the WLF. Although we know what her motivations were for killing Joel, her stance on the ongoing war in Seattle remains unclear at this point in the series, but her morals could be the reason behind her departure. Therefore, with season 3 looking set to be predominantly about Abby, we will hopefully learn more about what prompted her to leave, alongside how this decision impacted her allies.
6. Why Does Isaac Think So Highly Of Abby?
The WLF Leader Sees Abby As His Successor
Although we didn't see too much of Abby throughout season 2, the series did still focus on the WLF, largely through Isaac. The Last of Us offered a glimpse into his backstory while showcasing his ruthless methods of torture to gather information, but perhaps most surprisingly, season 2's finale revealed that the villain is particularly fond of Abby.
Despite his lack of remorse, Isaac was downbeat that Abby was still missing as his group was set to go to war with the Scars, largely because he saw her as his future successor. From what we've seen of Abby, it's clear she is capable of handling herself and is undoubtedly a valuable part of the WLF, but given the hundreds of soldiers he seems to have at his disposal, it remains unclear why Isaac thinks so highly of her, making this an interesting storyline for season 3 to explore.
5. What Happens To Dina & Her Baby?
Dina's Injury Puts Her In Real Danger After Abby's Arrival
Dina has been one of the most important characters introduced in season 2 and has essentially replaced the void left by Joel, but I'm concerned about her and her baby. The Last of Us revealed Dina was pregnant earlier in the season, and while it didn't limit her too much, she was shot in the leg by an arrow in episode 5. As a result, her mobility will be restricted in season 3, making her extremely vulnerable.
To make matters worse, the fact that Ellie killed Mel - an important ally of Abby's who was also pregnant - makes Dina even more of a target. Abby may opt to take the eye-for-an-eye approach by killing Dina, and even if she exits the theater alive, it is a long trip home for someone in her condition. Therefore, season 3 must confirm Dina and her baby's fate, and assuming they do somehow make it home, The Last of Us still needs to answer where their story goes next, especially after Jesse's death.
4. Who Wins The War Between The WLF & The Scars?
Both Factions Have Proven To Be Incredibly Vicious
Ellie and Dina's arrival in Seattle was far from smooth, with the war between the WLF and the Scars playing a big factor in the disruption. While the duo could have planned for all kinds of situations, the last thing Ellie and Dina were expecting was for Seattle to be a complete war zone. The two factions have seemingly been feuding for a long time, and while the WLF seems to have the numbers and the resources, the Seraphites can't be ruled out.
Their unwavering loyalty and dedication to their cause make the Scars a formidable opponent, and they are willing to get just as violent as their enemy. Season 2's finale also suggested that the war had reached a boiling point with the WLF launching an attack on the Seraphites' island, and with the death count bound to be worryingly high, I need The Last of Us to confirm which group comes out on top when the action continues.
3. Will Pedro Pascal's Joel Return In Season 3?
Joel Remains A Central Part Of The Story Despite Being Killed Off Early In Season 2
Perhaps one of the most crucial questions on everyone's mind is whether Pedro Pascal will return as Joel in season 3. Despite his death in episode 2, Joel was a major part of season 2's penultimate episode, which was largely a flashback showing how his relationship with Ellie became so fragile. However, "The Price" also featured a tweaked version of the game's final Joel scene, creating uncertainty about his return.
There are still plenty of other scenes from TLOU Part II that could be used to bring the character back, but with his most important flashback sequence already happening alongside Pedro Pascal being an incredibly in-demand actor, I'm unsure about Joel returning in The Last of Us season 3. Of course, the series will have to answer this mystery one way or another, but with how much HBO changed the iconic balcony scene, questions remain about Pascal's future in the show.
2. Who Did Abby Shoot In Season 2's Finale?
A Gunshot Was Heard In The Theater Before Fading To Black
Although season 2's final scene set up Abby's "Day One" in Seattle, the big cliffhanger came just moments before in the theater. As the Jackson crew were getting ready to return home, Ellie and Jesse heard some commotion coming from the front of the venue where Dina and Tommy were. As they ran to check out the scene, Abby shot Jesse, killing him instantly. She then held Tommy at gunpoint before telling Ellie to come out of her hiding spot.
Recognizing Ellie caused Abby's anger to spike, stating "I let you live, and you wasted it" before pointing the gun at Ellie. As the screen faded to black, we heard a gunshot, and while the series wants us to believe Ellie was the one who got shot, I'm not convinced. We already know Jesse is dead in The Last of Us, meaning he won't be the target, but with several important characters involved in the scene, season 3 needs to reveal who was hit, and there's no guarantee HBO will follow the game for this decision.
1. Will Ellie & Abby Finally Resolve Their Conflict?
The Two Finally Came Face-To-Face During Season 2's Conclusion
With rumors of a season 4, there is no guarantee that Ellie and Abby's feud will come to an end in season 3, but The Last of Us has to offer some sort of resolution when the show returns. Based on how quickly HBO got through Ellie's Seattle story, it's hard to picture Abby's perspective taking up an entire season. Therefore, season 2's theater cliffhanger needs to be addressed in some capacity.
This offers the perfect chance for the duo to settle their differences and put an end to their conflict, at least momentarily. Video game players will know how this confrontation ends alongside the aftermath that follows, but while season 3 doesn't need to fully complete their arc, HBO's The Last of Us should offer the audience an idea of whether the hostility between these characters is over, or if there is more to come in a potential fourth installment.