The Last of Us season 2 may have concluded last month, but that hasn't stopped audiences from discussing the latest installment of the story, for better and for worse. The first season carefully built the relationship between Joel and Ellie, two survivors trying to make their way through the zombie apocalypse. In the second season, Joel is killed early on, leaving the series needing to find a new identity.
That identity involved Ellie alone and seeking revenge, which turned an already dark and depressing story into something far more severe.
The Last of Us takes a realistic approach to an end-of-the-world/zombie scenario, where people initially became infected via the food supply. Society collapsed society within a matter of days. What remains of the government becomes totalitarian, leading to frustrated rebel groups like the Fireflies and the Wolves rising up. Times get tougher and people get desperate, which means any lingering bit of hope is all the more valued.
This is why the bond between Joel and Ellie is so important, because they both change for the better because they have each other. As one can argue, season 1 was Joel's story, season 2 was Ellie's, and season 3 will belong to Abby, the woman who killed Joel. However, the series may be in danger as ratings sank in the second season.
While the show used Pedro Pascal's impressive range to their advantage, he ultimately became their weakness, as Pascal's portrayal was so well done that audiences remain inconsolable after his death. His last appearance on the show is arguably one of the best episodes in television history, running through flashbacks that show how Joel and Ellie's strong bond begins to deteriorate, leading to their last conversation the night before his untimely death.
But could season 3 reel in those lost viewers with one more unexpected flashback starring the leading man? On the one hand, Joel's return would become a big topic of discussion, bringing joy back to audiences who both missed the actor and the character.
However, on the other it will be a horrid reminder of what the show had taken from them. It wouldn't be surprising for audiences to struggle to connect with Abby since she's the one responsible for his death.
The odds were already stacked against actor Kaitlyn Dever (Abby) the moment Pascal was cast. Perhaps I am in the minority, but as much as Joel's death was devastating and truly sad, I was able to continue onward and enjoyed the rest of the season, changes and all.
I want to see how Abby's story is done, but I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Joel again, as long as it fits the narrative. I want to know how she went about learning of his name, appearance, and ultimately how she found his location.
I'm curious as to whether she will learn why Joel killed her father and the Fireflies — the reason she sought revenge — and if that will add to her character development. I'm convinced the show could have handled Ellie's revenge for Joel and Joel's fate differently, perhaps better, but I eagerly await season 3 and how Abby's story will unfold.
