Fans of The Last of Us have reason to celebrate! On September 26th, known as The Last of Us Day among enthusiasts, Naughty Dog and HBO dropped the first trailer for the much-anticipated Season 2 of the series. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann are delving into the gripping narrative of the second game installment, and it looks like Ellie’s quest for vengeance will span multiple seasons. With Season 2 set to comprise only seven episodes, there’s a lot of ground to cover. Let’s unpack some of the intriguing secrets hinted at in this new trailer.
Is Joel Seeking Therapy?
The trailer opens with a new character, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, engaging in a private and seemingly confidential conversation with Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. Joel appears on the verge of confessing a heavy burden he’s carried for years—a secret that ties back to the dramatic conclusion of Season 1 and the events separating the first and second parts of the game by four years.
This intimate exchange is reminiscent of the heartfelt discussions between Joel and his brother Tommy at the beginning of The Last of Us Part II. However, the presence of O’Hara’s character suggests that Joel might be confiding in someone other than family this time.
An intriguing detail catches the eye: before the conversation deepens, O’Hara’s character starts a timer, almost as if she’s measuring the duration of their talk. This formality hints at a therapeutic setting. Given that the settlement of Jackson, glimpsed in the trailer, is a well-established community, it’s plausible that such services are available.
This approach aligns with Mazin and Druckmann’s intention to expand the story through new scenes, offering deeper insights into the characters’ psyches. Exploring Joel’s internal struggles adds layers to his character, something that was more subtly addressed in the original game. It’s a brilliant way to humanize a man haunted by his past actions.
Will a Major Death Occur Later Than Expected?
One of the most debated topics among fans is the timing of a pivotal and tragic event that propels Ellie’s journey of revenge. The trailer seems to suggest that Season 2 might spend more time exploring the events leading up to this moment, potentially delaying it to heighten its impact.
Astute viewers might notice the choice of music in the trailer: “Future Days” by Pearl Jam. This is the same song Joel plays for Ellie at the beginning of The Last of Us Part II in a touching flashback scene, which also appears in the trailer. It’s a subtle nod that could foreshadow significant story beats.
Additionally, we catch glimpses of Bella Ramsey’s Ellie embarking on tense rides and encountering the enigmatic Seraphites, indicating that her journey to Boston is on the horizon. However, if the show follows the creative direction hinted at by Mazin and Druckmann, these developments might not unfold until the latter half of the season.
In the game, the aforementioned tragic event occurs relatively early, within the first couple of hours of gameplay. Extending the storyline before reaching this point could allow the series to delve deeper into character backstories and relationships, making the eventual moment even more poignant.
For instance, dedicating an entire episode to Abby before the critical event could provide valuable context and challenge viewers’ perceptions. In the trailer, there’s a brief shot of Abby standing by a grave—presumably her father’s, whose death sets her on a collision course with Joel and Ellie. This additional perspective would enrich the narrative, much like the first season surprised audiences with its thoughtful additions.
As we anticipate the return of The Last of Us in 2025, the trailer has certainly ignited excitement and speculation. With the promise of new character explorations and potential shifts in the storyline’s pacing, Season 2 is shaping up to be an emotionally charged continuation of this post-apocalyptic saga.
In the meantime, fans can rewatch the trailer and dissect every frame for clues. One thing is certain: if the second season delivers the same level of depth and surprise as the first, we’re in for a remarkable journey. Keep an eye out for The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO’s streaming platform when it releases.
