Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2 episodes 1-3.
On the other hand, Catherine O'Hara plays a survivor who wasn't in the gaming series at all, making her casting a bit of a risk. Despite being a big name, I was skeptical about how the show would integrate a new character into the narrative without detracting from the main story, but it's becoming more and more clear why Gail's presence is so crucial. HBO's adaptation may be following Part II closely, but TLOU season 2 has made some major video game changes - just like the critically acclaimed first season - and episode 4 proved why Gail is needed.
The Last Of Us Season 2's Baseball Scene Proves Why Catherine O'Hara Is A Great Addition As Gail
Gail's Light-Hearted Presence Is Something That Was Missing From The Last Of Us Part II
Catherine O'Hara has already made a big impression in The Last of Us season 2's first three episodes, and the baseball scene in "The Path" is the perfect example of why she is perfectly suited to the show. While most of the central characters possess some pleasant traits, the story will only get darker, meaning the tone will continue to shift into a more serious and dramatic affair. As a result, there will be little time for humor in most episodes, which risks the atmosphere getting a little too gloomy, but Gail's involvement helps change that.
The visual of her and Tommy drinking beer and watching baseball was pretty humorous, and her unfiltered attitude is a hilarious addition to an otherwise dramatic series. Still, despite O'Hara's comedy chops being a big strength, she is able to switch to a more serious tone as Gail when required, making her already feel like a memorable character. She may provide some light-hearted moments, but Gail knowing about Ellie's lies in TLOU season 2 proves she isn't purely comic relief and can help explore the central characters in more depth, which is incredibly valuable.
Using Gail to tap into meaningful subjects without things getting too somber is a great idea, and Catherine O'Hara is perfect for the role.
Her baseball scene with Tommy was pretty silly visually, but it uncovered Tommy's fears regarding Ellie while making it clear the protagonist has a violent nature, two aspects that look destined to be important story points going forward. Additionally, using Gail to tap into meaningful subjects without things getting too somber is a great idea, and Catherine O'Hara is perfect for the role.
Gail Shows A Complicated Aspect Of The Last Of Us' Jackson Community
Even When Jackson Is Thriving, Its Residents Can't Always Help Each Other
Jackson has been given a big spotlight in season 2, even more so than it received in The Last of Us Part II, and Gail helps highlight an important aspect of the community. Surviving in TLOU's brutal conditions seems incredibly complicated, but luckily, Jackson has a range of experts and hardworking residents who help make the settlement thrive. However, Gail's story draws attention to the fact that these important figures don't always have time for everyone. The attack on Jackson proved medical personnel were stretched thin, while Joel's death left Jackson without a leadership figure and a talented builder.
While this shows Jackson's struggles in difficult circumstances, Gail makes it clear that even when the community is doing well, life isn't always easy. She is the only therapist in town, and while Gail does her best, she also needs professional help sometimes, which she unfortunately doesn't get. As a result, her presence proves that professionals aren't always equipped to deal with everyone whenever they are called upon, and although Jackson is a well-run and strong community in The Last of Us season 2, it has plenty of complicated aspects that are often overlooked by viewers.
