Every Episode of The Last of Us Season 2, Ranked From Worst to Best
The Last of Us season 2 brought new characters, brutal losses, and emotional consequences as it adapted the first half of The Last of Us Part II. While the season has been polarizing among fans, it undeniably took bold storytelling risks—and the result is a season filled with unforgettable highs and controversial lows. Here's our ranking of every episode from The Last of Us season 2, based on pacing, impact, performances, and how well each moved the story forward.
7. Episode 3 – “The Deep End”
While visually striking thanks to the haunting use of Central Park as a survivor's outpost, episode 3 suffered from slow pacing and limited narrative progress. Much of the runtime was spent exploring the Dama's influence over Hershel, a necessary setup, but it dragged in comparison to other episodes. Still, the emotional beats between Hershel and his captor provided layered tension that paid off later.
6. Episode 2 – “Echoes”
This episode leaned into Ellie’s grief after Joel’s death and the beginning of her journey into darkness. It introduced Dina more fully and began building the dynamics that would shape the season. While it lacked action, the emotional groundwork laid here is vital to understanding Ellie’s descent. A character-heavy episode, it didn’t quite match the intensity fans hoped for, but it showcased Bella Ramsey’s range.
5. Episode 6 – “Resonance”
A turning point in the season, this episode juggled the arrival of Tommy and Jesse in Seattle with the crumbling dynamic between Ellie and Dina. The tension was palpable, and for the first time, viewers began to question whether Ellie’s pursuit of Abby was worth the cost. It’s a quieter episode, but one filled with emotional fallout and shifting loyalties.
4. Episode 1 – “Reckoning”
The season premiere had an impossible task: pick up the pieces after Joel’s shocking death and convince viewers to invest in a vengeance-fueled narrative. It succeeded. Introducing Abby through glimpses and keeping the focus on Ellie’s rage, the episode effectively set the tone for the season. The final moments—Ellie staring at the blood-stained snow—reminded us this story was never going to be easy.
3. Episode 7 – “The Fall”
The finale sparked major controversy, but no one can deny its emotional power and narrative stakes. Ellie’s near-collapse under the weight of her obsession, the loss of Jesse, and the looming confrontation with Abby made this a nail-biting hour. The cliffhanger, which shifts the perspective to Abby and cuts just before a major resolution, left fans frustrated—but undeniably eager for season 3.
2. Episode 4 – “The Arena”
This episode brought The Last of Us into unfamiliar, almost theatrical territory with a gladiator-style walker fight. Between Maggie and Negan’s reunion and the brutal backstory of Bruegel, the hour was packed with shocking reveals. The emotional resonance of Negan warning Maggie while still playing double agent for the Dama added complexity, while the fight scenes were among the most unique in the series.
1. Episode 5 – “The Line”
This was the season’s emotional peak. Ellie makes a devastating choice, sacrificing safety and relationships to pursue Abby further. Bella Ramsey delivers a tour-de-force performance, and the storytelling tightens to a razor’s edge. The narrative parallels to Joel’s decisions in season 1 are haunting. Every line, glance, and silence carries weight, making it the most complete, emotionally charged episode of the season.
Final Thoughts:
Season 2 of The Last of Us was not afraid to take risks. From shifting character focus to showcasing moral decay and trauma, it challenged audiences at every turn. Not every episode landed perfectly, but the storytelling ambition is undeniable. With season 3 set to shift perspectives toward Abby, the stakes have never been higher—and the emotional toll is far from over.
