Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us II and possibly season 2 of the HBO show.
Summary
The Last of Us
season 2 will focus more on Ellie, with Joel's character likely meeting an untimely end.
Joel's twist in season 1 will significantly influence the interplay among the characters in season 2, bringing about a distinct atmosphere. The objectives of the characters in season 2 will undergo a transformation, as Ellie redirects her attention from searching for a cure to pursuing vengeance following Joel's demise.
HBO's highly-anticipated release, The Last of Us season 2, will introduce a fresh take on the series compared to its predecessor. The initial nine episodes followed Ellie and Joel as they navigated a post-apocalyptic America plagued by the Cordyceps infection. The objective was to transport Ellie, who is immune, to the Fireflies in hopes of finding a cure for the transformation of humans into creatures.
Both the show and video games take a dramatic turn in the conclusion of The Last of Us, where Joel sacrifices the Fireflies to ensure Ellie's survival, prioritizing her over the entirety of humanity. This decision will have significant consequences in The Last of Us season 2. If the second game is closely followed, viewers can expect an entirely new series with familiar characters and recurring threats. However, the tone will evolve, and their journeys will be driven by fresh objectives.
7 The Last Of Us Will Focus More On Ellie
The Last of Us season 1 devotes equal attention to Ellie and Joel, treating both characters as co-leads. This dynamic remains consistent in the games, but The Last of Us II shifts its focus primarily to Ellie due to a tragic event. In The Last of Us II, Joel is tragically killed by the doctor's daughter, seeking revenge for the Firefly massacre he committed. The season 1 finale of The Last of Us foreshadows a similar fate for Joel, implying that his character will meet an untimely end in season 2. Assuming the series follows the source material and executes Joel's death early on, Ellie will emerge as the sole focus moving forward.
6 THAT Joel Twist Will Change The Last Of Us Forever
The finale of season 1 of The Last of Us will have a profound impact on the show. It transforms the narrative from a heartwarming tale of kinship and resilience into a poignant exploration of the darker aspects of love. Joel's actions will cast a shadow over the events of season 2, altering the dynamic between him and Ellie. As long as Joel remains in the picture, their relationship will be fraught with tension. Despite her reluctance to confront it, Ellie senses that Joel is hiding something about the Fireflies. This revelation will strain both characters and give season 2 of The Last of Us a distinct and compelling atmosphere.
5 The Characters' Goals Will Be Different In Season 2
The main focus in The Last of Us season 2 shifts away from the goal of delivering Ellie to the Fireflies for a potential cure to the fungal disease decimating humanity. With Joel's death, Ellie's objectives change and she embarks on a quest for revenge against Abby. Her sole motivation becomes the desire to punish Abby, causing any consideration for finding a cure to fade away. Since Ellie's immunity is not utilized for discovering a remedy in The Last of Us II, season 2 may omit this storyline altogether.
4 Abby's Debut Flips The Last Of Us' Character Dynamic
Abby, a controversial character from The Last of Us II, will undergo significant changes in her debut in the adaptation. Not only will she be responsible for killing Joel in The Last of Us' second season, but Abby will also evolve into a secondary lead in the game. In the HBO show, her introduction may potentially elevate her to the status of The Last of Us' new main character, sharing the spotlight with Ellie in the second season. Considering Ellie's seemingly conclusive ending in The Last of Us II, the focus of The Last of Us season 3 might entirely shift towards Abby.
3 Believe It Or Not, The Last Of Us Gets Darker
2 There Will Be No "Special" Episode In The Last Of Us Season 2
With the inclusion of two character arcs focused on seeking revenge, The Last of Us II takes an even darker turn compared to its predecessor. If The Last of Us season 2 follows suit, we can anticipate a similar bleakness in the upcoming episodes. While the first season offered glimpses of hope through narratives like Bill and Frank's, as well as Joel's bond with Ellie, the second season will embrace a more ominous atmosphere. With Joel's absence, Ellie makes unsettling choices, embracing a more cynical outlook on humanity. In this regard, she shares similarities with Abby, which indicates a future filled with anger and despair for viewers.
Regarding Bill and Frank, showrunner Craig Mazin has confirmed that The Last of Us season 2 will not have a dedicated episode like their season 1 installment. This decision allows the series to prioritize Ellie's story and signifies a notable departure from season 1. The love story between Bill and Frank beautifully complements the initial journey, instilling hope for humanity while shedding light on the impact of the Cordyceps infection on regular individuals. With the second season leaning towards a less hopeful tone and requiring less world-building, it is reasonable that a similar aside will be absent. Nevertheless, this choice underscores the distinct approach the series will be taking.
1 The Last Of Us Season 2 Will Be An Ending Of Sorts
The Last of Us on HBO has just begun, so it may seem premature to contemplate its conclusion. However, The Last of Us II effectively brings Ellie's journey to a satisfying end. Even if the HBO adaptation continues beyond the events of the second game, The Last of Us season 3 is expected to redefine the show once again. The major distinction between season 2 and season 1 lies in the fact that season 2 will serve as a conclusion, whereas the first season unmistakably felt like a starting point. This will undeniably intensify the emotional impact of Ellie's journey. Although the story may extend beyond Ellie's storyline, the Last of Us will undergo significant changes after season 2. Firstly, it will surpass the source material unless Naughty Dog releases The Last of Us III before season 3 airs. Additionally, it is likely to wrap up Ellie's character development and shift its focus onto other characters. It goes without saying that not only season 2, but season 3 will also resonate as an entirely distinct show.