The Last of Us season 2 has captivated audiences with its raw emotion and bold storytelling, culminating in a finale that aired on May 25, 2025. HBO’s adaptation of the beloved video game continues to follow Ellie and Joel’s journey in a post-apocalyptic world, but this season takes daring risks that have left fans both devastated and divided. The season 2 finale, in particular, has sparked heated discussions for its emotional weight and significant deviations from the source material. As the dust settles on this seven-episode run, let’s dive into what made this season unforgettable, flawed, and fiercely debated.
A Finale That Hits Hard but Stumbles
The Last of Us season 2 finale, which dropped on HBO and Max last night, ties up loose ends while setting the stage for a third season. Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, grapples with the fallout of Joel’s death, a gut-punch moment early in the season that shifted the show’s dynamic. The finale leans heavily on Ellie’s pursuit of vengeance against Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, who killed Joel in a brutal act of retribution. Flashbacks, including a poignant museum scene with Joel (Pedro Pascal), flesh out their fractured bond, revealing the truth about his season 1 lie. Critics note the finale’s emotional resonance but argue it struggles to maintain the momentum of earlier episodes, with pacing issues dragging down the climax.
The writers, including Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, made bold choices, tweaking the narrative to emphasize Ellie’s descent into darkness. Unlike the game, where her revenge is laser-focused, the show portrays her as more conflicted, balancing love for Dina (Isabela Merced) and her grief. This shift has polarized fans—some praise the nuanced take, while others feel it dilutes Ellie’s ferocity. The episode, clocking in at just over an hour, delivers gripping action, like a tense Seraphite ambush, but critics argue it lacks the cohesive punch of season 1’s standout moments.
The Last of Us Season 2’s Big Changes
This season, The Last of Us season 2 diverges from the game in ways that both enrich and frustrate. Here are four key changes that defined the narrative:
- Early Death of a Major Character: Joel’s death in episode 2 shocked viewers, coming much sooner than expected. This move, while faithful to the game’s spirit, altered the show’s emotional core, leaving a void that new characters struggled to fill.
- Ellie’s Revenge Arc: The show softens Ellie’s rage compared to the game’s relentless pursuit. Her relationship with Dina, including a pregnancy reveal, adds hope but shifts focus from vengeance.
- Abby’s Expanded Role: Abby’s motivations are revealed earlier, creating sympathy but reducing the game’s slow-burn moral complexity.
- New Characters: Additions like Gail (Catherine O’Hara) and Jesse (Young Mazino) bring fresh dynamics, though some feel underutilized.
These changes aim to adapt the sprawling story of The Last of Us Part II for TV, but they’ve sparked debate about pacing and fidelity. Episode 6, directed by Druckmann, stands out for its Joel-centric flashbacks, including a dinosaur museum scene that left fans teary-eyed. Yet, reviews suggest the season feels uneven, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by a rushed narrative.
Emotional Highs and Lows
The Last of Us season 2 excels in its character-driven moments. Bella Ramsey’s Ellie is a standout, balancing vulnerability and rage as she navigates loss. Her chemistry with Dina, especially in episode 4’s “Scars,” delivers wholesome moments like Ellie’s “Take on Me” cover, though some fans criticized the show for leaning too heavily into their romance at the expense of plot momentum. Pedro Pascal’s limited screen time as Joel still carries immense weight, with flashbacks showing his softer side, like surprising Ellie for her birthday. However, the absence of his presence looms large, and critics argue the show hasn’t fully replaced the Joel-Ellie dynamic that defined season 1.
The season’s action sequences, from stalker-filled subways to WLF war zones, keep the tension high. Yet, some episodes, like the fifth, feel like setup for future stakes rather than standalone stories. Reviewers have noted that while the show remains visually stunning, its ambition to cover half of the game’s story across seven episodes results in a fragmented pace. The finale’s attempt to wrap up Ellie’s arc while teasing season 3 feels both cathartic and incomplete, leaving viewers hungry for resolution.
What’s Next for The Last of Us Season 2?
As The Last of Us season 2 concludes, it’s clear the show is taking risks to carve its own path. The writers have confirmed that season 3 will continue adapting The Last of Us Part II, potentially spilling into a fourth season to cover the game’s sprawling narrative. Fan reactions on social platforms show a mix of awe at the performances and frustration over changes, with some calling the season “flawed but riveting.” The introduction of new characters and the expansion of Abby’s story suggest the show is building toward a broader exploration of morality and survival, but it must regain its footing to match season 1’s near-perfect run.
For now, the finale leaves us with Ellie at a crossroads—torn between vengeance and the possibility of a future with Dina. The show’s ability to balance these themes while staying true to its roots will determine its legacy. As we await season 3, The Last of Us season 2 remains a bold, if uneven, chapter in a story that continues to break our hearts.
Missed the finale? Stream The Last of Us season 2 on HBO or Max now and join the conversation about Ellie’s journey. What did you think of the changes? Share your thoughts in the comments!