The Last of Us 2's Mind-Blowing Twist is Poised to Thrive in the HBO Adaptation
The transformation of Joel's character in The Last of Us TV show sets the stage for an even more devastating and emotionally gripping depiction of his death scene, intensifying the impact it will have on viewers
Highlights
The recharacterization of Joel in the TV series makes his death scene more believable and emotionally impactful.
The live-action performances in the TV show have the potential to make Joel's death scene even more heart-wrenching and impactful compared to the game, as Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel is softer and more vulnerable.
The recharacterization of Joel in HBO's The Last of Us TV series enhances the impact of the infamous twist from The Last of Us Part II. In the game, Joel's sudden and brutal murder by Abby raised doubts among audiences regarding his trust in her. However, Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel in the TV show presents a softer and more vulnerable version of the character. This makes his death scene in season 2 more believable.
The original game version of Joel is depicted as an emotionless killing machine who became hardened after the loss of his daughter, Sarah. Pascal's portrayal in the TV show, on the other hand, shows a Joel who is hesitant about taking lives, adding to the shock value when he commits a massacre. He often experiences panic attacks and fears that he may not be strong enough to protect Ellie. Despite these differences, both versions of Joel share similarities, such as their gradual connection with Ellie and their past actions to survive.
The TV Joel is initially cautious of strangers but becomes friendlier once he trusts them, similar to his interactions with Sam and Henry. Therefore, the audience will understand his decision to let his guard down and assist Abby in her escape from the infected. As this Joel is more sensitive, his brutal encounter with Abby will likely elicit a greater sense of sadness than in the game.
There has been extensive discussion surrounding the approach of dividing The Last of Us season 2 into episodes for television. One suggestion is to incorporate the Jackson flashbacks from Part II into the second season, allowing the Ellie/Abby revenge narrative to unfold during the third season. However, this idea has several flaws. A whole season centered around the Jackson flashbacks would lack genuine stakes or conflict since Joel and Ellie lived comfortably during that time, albeit with a gradual drift in their relationship due to trust issues. Utilizing the flashbacks to intersperse the vengeance storyline serves as timely reminders of Ellie's motivations and exposes the complexity of Joel and Ellie's evolving dynamic since the first game. Ultimately, it is crucial for Joel's death to occur early on as it sets an unforgettable tone for Part II and immediately informs the audience that the story will not conform to their expectations.
Joel’s Death Scene Could Be Even More Heartbreaking In The Last Of Us TV Show
The death of Joel in The Last of Us Part II is undeniably one of the most emotionally wrenching moments in the world of gaming. The sheer terror and helplessness etched onto Ellie's face as she is compelled to witness it, combined with Abby's merciless method of taking his life - mercilessly beating him with a golf club - and considering the shockingly early occurrence of this tragedy within the storyline, all converge to make Joel's demise an utterly devastating scene. Regardless of how many times fans may replay the game, it becomes impossible to witness this savage murder, hear Ashley Johnson's desperate pleas for mercy, and not feel a surge of overwhelming emotion. However, the heartbreak intensifies when this scene unfolds in the form of a live-action cinematic experience in The Last of Us TV show.
The scene in the game is distressing and moving, but the use of CG animated characters creates a sense of emotional detachment from the audience. However, if the scene were to be portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the TV show, it could be even more distressing. Pascal's real and tangible human face, marked by blood-soaked bruising, and Ramsey's own human face, conveying terror, heartache, desperation, and hopelessness, will enhance the devastating impact of this scene compared to the original source material. Joel's death is a contentious moment in gaming history, but it has the potential to be more impactful in the TV show.
