Fans of HBO’s The Last of Us were left reeling after the shocking events of Season 2, Episode 2, where Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal, is brutally killed by Abby in front of Ellie.
This pivotal moment closely mirrors the storyline from the acclaimed video game, marking a dramatic shift in the series and leaving viewers questioning Joel’s future presence on the show.
Despite Joel’s death, this is not the end for Pedro Pascal’s character in Season 2. Showrunner Craig Mazin has confirmed that the series will continue to “screw around with time,” meaning Joel will appear in several significant flashback scenes throughout the season.
Trailers and behind-the-scenes glimpses have already teased emotional moments yet to air, including:
- The museum flashback, where Joel and Ellie visit the Wyoming Museum of Science and History for her 16th birthday.
- Scenes exploring Joel’s relationship with other characters, such as Gail and Eugene, expand on his backstory and motivations unique to the show.
- Key moments where Joel gives Ellie the guitar and confronts her about the truth behind the Firefly hospital events.
These flashbacks will continue to shape the narrative, providing deeper insight into Joel’s impact on Ellie and the world around them—even after his death.
Will The Show Explore Joel and Ellie’s Relationship More?
The dynamic between Joel and Ellie remains a cornerstone of The Last of Us, and Season 2 delves even deeper into the complexities of their bond.
The new season picks up five years after the events in Salt Lake City, and much has changed between the two. Their relationship is now marked by distance and unresolved trauma, primarily stemming from Joel’s decision to save Ellie from the Fireflies at the cost of many lives—a secret he continues to keep from her.
How Season 2 Deepens Their Relationship
- Strained Connection: The show highlights the emotional rift between Joel and Ellie. Therapy sessions and interactions with new characters, such as Dina, further expose Joel’s struggle to reconnect with Ellie and his guilt for his past actions.
- Flashbacks as Emotional Anchors: Flashback scenes are used to revisit more tender and formative moments between Joel and Ellie, reinforcing the depth of their surrogate father-daughter relationship and the pain of their separation.
- Ellie’s Grief and Motivation: Joel’s death becomes the driving force behind Ellie’s quest for revenge, with her guilt and longing for closure fueling much of her journey. The show explores how Joel’s influence continues to shape Ellie’s decisions and emotional state.
What to Expect from Joel and Ellie’s Storyline in Season 2
- Expanded Character Arcs: The series introduces new dynamics, such as Joel’s evolving relationship with Dina, which further complicates his connection to Ellie and adds layers to the story not present in the video game.
- Faithful Yet Innovative Adaptation: While the show remains largely true to the source material, it isn’t afraid to innovate—offering new scenes and character developments that enrich the emotional stakes for both Joel and Ellie.
- Flashbacks as a Narrative Device: Expect more flashbacks that honor Joel’s legacy and serve as emotional touchstones for Ellie as she navigates her grief and search for meaning after his loss.
Conclusion: Joel’s Legacy and the Future of The Last of Us
While Joel’s physical journey ends early in Season 2, his presence will continue to be felt through powerful flashbacks and the emotional aftermath experienced by Ellie.
The show is set to explore their relationship in greater depth, offering fans both closure and new perspectives on one of television’s most compelling duos. As the narrative unfolds, viewers can anticipate a season rich with emotional resonance, character development, and the enduring impact of Joel and Ellie’s bond
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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