HBO’s The Last of Us Teases Shocking Answer to Bill & Frank in Season 2!

Warning: Spoilers for The Last of Us Part II ahead.

In season 1, The Last of Us delivered a near-perfect hour with "Long, Long Time," a story about Bill and Frank’s love that left fans deeply moved. The chemistry between Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett was undeniable, and their portrayal of a two-decade-long relationship proved the TV adaptation was a better choice than the original plan for a film. Bill and Frank’s episode became one of the show’s most memorable moments, and while season 2 will have a hard time topping that emotional depth, The Last of Us’s latest trailer offers a glimpse at what could rival it.

The Last of Us Season 2 Is Adapting “The Birthday Gift” Chapter from the Game

The new trailer for The Last of Us season 2 teases scenes from the “Birthday Gift” chapter of The Last of Us Part II. This chapter stands as one of the most heartwarming and pivotal moments in the game. In it, after a brutal day of fighting soldiers and clickers, Ellie takes refuge in a theater where she discovers a guitar that reminds her of Joel. The flashback takes us back to Ellie’s 16th birthday when Joel took her to a science museum—one of the few happy memories they shared before the chaos of the world around them.

In the museum’s aerospace section, Ellie and Joel share a tender moment inside a space capsule, where Joel gives her a recording from a space launch cockpit—an emotional gift that represents his attempt to fulfill Ellie’s dream of going to space, even if he can’t literally take her there. This moment is a beautiful reminder of Joel’s best qualities, especially in the wake of the earlier darker moments in the story.

Why "The Birthday Gift" Could Be Season 2’s Answer to Bill & Frank

One of the standout aspects of “Long, Long Time” was its ability to break up the often bleak, heavy narrative of the main story with a standalone tale of love, hope, and humanity. In much the same way, “The Birthday Gift” will provide a much-needed respite from the tension and tragedy of season 2's main storyline. With so much of The Last of Us Part II exploring Joel’s darker side—his lies, mistakes, and violent actions—this heartwarming flashback serves as a reminder of Joel’s softer, more loving nature, particularly as a father.

In an otherwise intense season, “The Birthday Gift” could stand as a poignant and emotional anchor, much like Bill and Frank’s story did in season 1, offering viewers a brief but important moment of joy amidst the chaos.