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With The Last of Us' return imminent, the hit zombie series is bound to be bigger and bolder than ever, but I don't think fans are ready for season 2's most heartbreaking death. After an incredible first outing filled with tense, high-stakes moments, The Last of Us became one of the best TV video game adaptations ever made. HBO faithfully retold the story of the first game while making a few small tweaks that had a positive impact, creating big expectations for the show's next installment, and having played Part II, I'm quietly optimistic about the next chapter.

However, while fans of the source material may feel ready for season 2's impending death, I still think this moment being adapted into a televised format will be devastating for gamers as well as viewers experiencing the story for the first time. As a result, The Last of Us season 2 is destined to be controversial, just like the video game it's based on, but this huge loss is still critical for the story that lies ahead. How HBO handles this scene could massively impact seasons 2 and 3's reception, but no matter what happens, it will be extremely emotional.

Joel's Death In The Last Of Us Season 2 Will Be Absolutely Heartbreaking

The TV Show May Even Top His Video Game Death

Despite being one of the franchise's two main characters, Joel's death is unavoidable in season 2, and it will completely floor fans of the zombie series. Having gone through hell to protect Ellie, Joel will meet his end at the hands of Abby, the daughter of one of Joel's victims during his hospital rampage. While fans have come up with many theories about how Joel's The Last of Us death could be different in the show compared to the video games, it seems impossible for him to avoid his cruel fate in the adaptation.

In the source material, Joel is shot in the leg before Tommy is knocked out, allowing Abby and her crew to get their vengeance. Although Ellie arrives to try and save him, she is pinned down and forced to watch as Abby finishes off Joel by beating him to death with a golf club. The scene is absolutely brutal, and with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey's incredible acting, it's bound to be equally heartbreaking in season 2, if not more so.

Pedro Pascal's version of Joel proved to be popular among fans, with Pascal quickly becoming one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood. Therefore, seeing his character die in such a sinister fashion while Ellie watches on will be grueling to watch, and just thinking about it has me heartbroken. The scene may be easier for us fans who experienced it the first time around in the games, but for viewers who have only watched the show, it will be a massive shock, and I won't be surprised if Joel's death becomes one of the saddest in TV history.

When Joel's Death Will Happen In The Last Of Us Season 2

It Seems Likely To Happen Around Halfway Into The Season Based On The Trailer & The Source Material

Although there was some speculation Joel's death could be delayed until season 3, the trailers indicated that the dreaded moment would happen in season 2, and it could occur pretty early on. In TLOU Part II, Joel's death happens relatively quickly, meaning it could take place within an episode or two in the adaptation, depending on the pace of season 2. The fact that there will only be seven episodes makes it even more likely that it will close the first episode or start the second. However, HBO will still want to get the most out of Pedro Pascal.

As a result, it could be delayed until the middle of the season, allowing more time to build up to Abby's introduction while offering a few more wholesome moments within Jackson. However, given the trailer showed moments from Ellie and Abby's Seattle arcs following the incident, Joel's demise must happen at least a few episodes before the finale. Joel's heartbreaking The Last Of Us season 2 scene could also transpire during the teased supersized episode, and while there is no indication of when that will take place, I would guess we'll lose the fan favorite in episode 3 or 4.

Why Joel's Death Is So Necessary For The Last Of Us Season 2's Story

The Last Of Us Part II's Story Is About The Cycle Of Revenge Which Joel's Death Is A Vital Part Of

Many people were outraged by Joel's death when The Last of Us Part II was first released, but despite the audience's dissatisfaction, his departure is too important for season 2 to try and change Joel's fate. While I have no doubt his death will once again anger viewers, it's unavoidable as it sets the entire plot into motion. Part II's story is all about the cycle of revenge, in which Abby's killing of Joel plays a vital part. The cycle starts with Joel killing Abby's father, followed by Abby murdering Joel, setting up Ellie's pursuit of Abby.

Considering The Last of Us teased Ellie and Nora's savage scene in the official trailer, it doesn't seem like the TV adaptation will attempt to change Part II's main theme. We will see a much darker side of Ellie as she attempts to avenge Joel, mercilessly killing numerous enemies, whether they deserve it or not. Additionally, much like Joel slaughtering the fireflies, Ellie's pursuit of justice will be filled with moral questions that prove there is no true hero when it comes to revenge, and it will start a journey that makes her constantly question herself.

While Joel's death will easily be the most shocking scene in the entire series, it's not just done for the shock factor. Instead, it is used to spark the bleak plot that will follow, setting up all kinds of horrifying and sadistic moments involving Abby and Ellie, both as aggressors and as victims. As polarizing as it is, The Last of Us Part II's plot is bold and well-executed, something that couldn't be achieved without Joel's death, making it a vital part of HBO's second season.

Joel's Death Will Be Rough, But It Doesn't Mean The End Of Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal Will Likely Still Play Joel In Several Flashback Scenes

Watching Joel's final moments will be excruciating, but fortunately, it won't be the last we see of Pedro Pascal in The Last of Us. Regardless of whether his death comes earlier or later than expected, Joel will still appear in seasons 2 and 3 through multiple flashbacks. This isn't just a sneaky way for the show to continue utilizing Pascal's popularity, as the game contains numerous flashbacks that further develop Joel and Ellie's relationship. Some of them are brief, some of them are happy, and some of them are heartbreaking, but they all serve an important purpose in Ellie's story.

Joel's fanfare may even cause HBO to feature more scenes with the character than the source material did, but it's hard to imagine audiences complaining. His trip with Ellie to the museum may even get its own dedicated episode, as despite being a flashback, it was an entire chapter in the game. Therefore, if The Last of Us season 2 adapts "The Birthday Gift" sequence from Part II, we will still have plenty of Pedro Pascal as Joel to look forward to even after the character's death, and I'm optimistic that the series will do Joel's role justice.