The Epic Continuation of The Last of Us: Season 2 Hinges on 1 Vital Condition
The Last of Us Season 2 should be the final chapter, unless a specific condition is met Continuing the series in Season 3 poses a significant dilemma and should only happen if there's another game
Summary
HBO's The Last of Us adaptation should end with season 2 to maintain its fidelity to the source material and avoid straying too far from the original story.
To maintain the quality of storytelling and ensure fan unity, it is advisable not to extend the series beyond season 2. However, if there is another game to draw from, The Last of Us season 3 can be considered as it would provide new source material, direction, and continuity.
HBO's The Last of Us has quickly gained immense popularity in pop culture. However, it is suggested that the show should conclude after its second season, unless a certain condition is fulfilled. This adaptation of Naughty Dog's beloved video game franchise successfully captures the essence of the original material, with Bella Ramsey portraying Ellie and Pedro Pascal taking on the role of Joel in season 1, which follows the story of the first game. Season 2 is expected to delve into the events of the second game, The Last of Us: Left Behind.
Although the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike may have an impact on The Last of Us, the fact that season 2's storyline is based on the second game provides an advantage in terms of the writing process. Hopefully, the creators of The Last of Us are also considering the longevity of the series. The HBO show's immense popularity may tempt the continuation beyond two seasons, even if it is not in the best interest of the show. However, there is one possibility for the occurrence of The Last of Us season 3 without compromising the quality of the show.
Why The Last Of Us Should End With Season 2
The Last of Us should conclude with season 2, aligning with the source material. The show's strength lies in its faithfulness to the games, closely adapting the original video game without unnecessary additions or changes. This has garnered a devoted following among fans of the source material. It is common for TV series to decline in quality as they deviate further from the original material, and The Last of Us should learn from past hits like Game of Thrones in order to maintain its integrity.
Co-creator Craig Mazin's suggestion of continuing beyond season 2 would require significant setup for season 3. This would likely involve straying from the plot of the Naughty Dog games, potentially compromising the overall quality of the show. The Last of Us season 2 already faces a storyline challenge, and it should avoid taking unnecessary risks with its beloved narrative. However, the presence of Neil Druckmann in the writing room may help navigate these dilemmas. As one of the game's creators, Druckmann may have insights into the future direction of The Last of Us after season 2.
The Last Of Us Season 3 Should Only Happen If There's Another Game
Another The Last of Us game should be developed prior to HBO's consideration of pursuing season 3, enabling The Last of Us to maintain its storytelling excellence by drawing upon the original material. The concept of a third installment in The Last of Us franchise has been circulating for quite some time, but there hasn't been an official confirmation yet regarding the commencement of production for another sequel. Should that materialize, it would be logical for The Last of Us to proceed with a third season. Otherwise, the continuation of Joel and Ellie's journey would be accompanied by substantial risks.
The Last Of Us Season 3 Risks A Huge Dilemma
The Last of Us season 3 faces a significant dilemma, even if a third game is released. A continuation beyond season 2 would risk surpassing the source material, resulting in a lack of direction for the story. Moreover, deviating from the source material could potentially lead to a divergence of opinions among fans, particularly if the show's storyline differs from that of a potential third game. Currently, The Last of Us enjoys a united and passionate fanbase that largely supports the show and the creative choices made by the writers. However, straying too far from the original games could jeopardize this unity and support.
Instead, The Last of Us could opt for a third season by waiting for the release of the next game. However, this would result in a significant time gap between seasons 2 and 3. Developing video games usually takes several years, unlike TV shows that can be written and filmed within a couple of years. A five-year wait between seasons 2 and 3 could potentially cause various issues for The Last of Us. Fans may lose interest, and actors could outgrow their roles. These consequences would be equally detrimental as deviating from the source material.
