The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2: Epic Infected Attack Overshadowed by a Confusing Bloater Moment

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2!

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 leaves an undeniable impact with its emotional climax, but not every moment hit the mark. While the harrowing infected assault showcased the brutal world the characters inhabit, one particular scene involving a Bloater ended up feeling strangely out of place.

True to the original game, Episode 2 delivers one of the series' most devastating moments: Joel’s brutal death at the hands of Abby. Watching Ellie helplessly witness the murder without being able to intervene only magnifies the heartbreak. The raw final moments ensure the episode lingers long after the credits roll.

However, beyond Joel's tragic exit, the episode also features a gripping infected invasion scene. Viewers are plunged into chaos as Jackson's citizens battle a relentless horde, brilliantly capturing the harsh, unforgiving reality of survival. Yet, amid the chaos, a Bloater showdown featuring Tommy manages to undercut the tension—and not in a good way.

Tommy’s Bloater Fight Highlights an Unbelievable Flaw

Initially, the Bloater’s appearance ramps up the danger. Bullets seem useless against the monstrous creature, creating real suspense about how the survivors might stop it. But the situation quickly turns strange: Tommy deliberately draws the Bloater's attention to protect his wife, leading it away down an alley.

This moment raises big questions. Infected creatures like Bloaters are driven purely by primal instinct, not human emotions. They don’t "choose" targets based on relationships or loyalty. So why would the Bloater specifically chase Tommy, ignoring everyone else? The logic doesn’t hold, making the encounter feel manufactured.

It’s hard not to sense that The Last of Us gave Tommy some thick plot armor here. Instead of maintaining the brutal unpredictability that defines the series, the show accidentally creates a moment that feels staged and unrealistic. For a world where death is supposed to be sudden and merciless, this scene briefly shatters that illusion.

Joel's Death Re-Centers the Show’s Brutality

Luckily, The Last of Us quickly regains its footing. Only moments after the questionable Bloater scene, the show hits viewers with Joel’s death—a raw, gut-wrenching reminder that no one is safe.

Even fans who played the game knew Joel’s fate was inevitable, but seeing it unfold still stings. His loss restores the stakes and unpredictability that were momentarily undermined. While it's hard not to wish Joel had stayed longer, his death is crucial to the story’s emotional power moving forward.

In the end, even with its brief misstep, The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 succeeds in maintaining the show’s brutal, heartbreaking tone—and reminds us all why this story remains so gripping.