In the highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us, a new character named Eugene has become a focal point of fan curiosity and speculation. Although Eugene never appeared on screen in the original video games, his story and connection to Joel, one of the series’ central characters, are now pivotal to the unfolding narrative.
Eugene is introduced as the late husband of Gail, Joel’s therapist in the show, and his death is directly linked to Joel, sparking tension and deep emotional conflict.
Who Is Eugene in The Last of Us Universe?
Eugene is a former Firefly—a member of the resistance group fighting against oppressive forces in the post-apocalyptic world. He was married to Gail for over 40 years and had a child, but his commitment to the Firefly caused him to leave his family and live a solitary life.
In the video game The Last of Us Part II, Eugene is a minor but memorable character described by Ellie and Dina as funny, intelligent, and skilled with electronics. He lived alone in an abandoned library outpost and was known for his marijuana cultivation skills, which even influenced Dina’s technical abilities.
The show expands Eugene’s backstory significantly, portraying him as a man whose life and death deeply affect those around him, especially Gail.
Catherine O’Hara, who plays Gail, has revealed that Eugene’s story will be explored in a flashback episode, promising emotional depth and insight into his relationship with Joel and Ellie.
What Did Joel Do to Eugene?
The most dramatic revelation in Season 2’s premiere is that Joel killed Eugene. This fact is disclosed during a tense therapy session between Joel and Gail, where she confronts Joel with raw anger and grief:
“You shot and killed my husband. You killed Eugene, and I resent you for it… Yes, I know you had no choice… but because of how you did it… I hate you for it”.
The circumstances surrounding Eugene’s death are shrouded in mystery but heavily imply that an Infected bit Eugene during a patrol. Joel, faced with the grim necessity to prevent Eugene from turning into one of the infected, was forced to kill him. While arguably merciful, this act has left a permanent rift between Joel and Gail.
Some fan theories suggest darker possibilities, such as Joel killing Eugene to protect secrets about Ellie’s immunity, but the show so far leans toward the infection explanation.
How Does Eugene’s Death Impact the Story?
Eugene’s death adds a complex emotional layer to the story, highlighting the characters’ brutal choices in this harsh world. Gail’s resentment toward Joel underscores themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the moral ambiguity of survival.
The tension between Gail and Joel also reflects the broader conflicts that drive the season’s narrative, particularly regarding Joel’s protective but controversial actions toward Ellie.
The showrunners have indicated that Eugene’s story will be fleshed out more fully, potentially mirroring the emotional depth of the acclaimed Bill and Frank episode from Season 1, which explored a poignant backstory through flashbacks.
Did Joel Kill Eugene in The Game Too?
Eugene’s death in the game is peaceful and off-screen; he dies of a stroke at age 73, a rare natural death in the brutal world of The Last of Us. His passing is discussed by Ellie and Dina as something to aspire to, representing a dignified end.
The TV show dramatically alters this: Eugene is killed by Joel after being bitten, a decision that is fraught with moral ambiguity and leaves lasting emotional scars, especially for Gail. This change adds significant emotional weight and complexity to the story.
Conclusion: Eugene’s Role in The Last of Us Season 2
Though a previously unseen character, Eugene is now central to understanding the emotional and narrative stakes in The Last of Us Season 2. His death at Joel’s hands catalyzes conflict and character development, especially between Joel, Gail, and Ellie.
As the season progresses, viewers can expect to learn more about Eugene’s life, his relationship with Gail, and the exact circumstances that led Joel to make such a devastating decision. This storyline promises to deepen the exploration of loyalty, loss, and the harsh realities of a world ravaged by infection.
About The Last of Us 2
The second season of The Last of Us, premiering on HBO on April 13, 2025, continues the post-apocalyptic story based on Naughty Dog’s video game franchise.
Set five years after the first season, Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) now live in Jackson, Wyoming, alongside Tommy (Gabriel Luna), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino).
Renewed shortly after its January 2023 debut, the season adapts The Last of Us Part II, with co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann joined by writers Halley Gross and Bo Shim. Filmed in British Columbia (February–August 2024), the seven-episode season features directing by Druckmann, Mazin, Peter Hoar, Kate Herron, Nina Lopez-Corrado, Mark Mylod, and Stephen Williams. Gustavo Santaolalla returns as composer.
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