The Last of Us Season 2: Exploring Theories and Expectations
As the anticipation for The Last of Us season 2 continues to grow, fans are eagerly awaiting the confirmation or denial of various theories. From the mythos of the infected to the Fireflies' intentions, there are several intriguing topics that could be addressed in the upcoming season. Let's delve into the theories and expectations surrounding The Last of Us season 2.
The Hive Mind Mythos and the Unbeatable Infected
The Last of Us season 1 connected the contraction and spread of the infection to consuming contaminated flour-based foods, being bitten, or exchanging saliva. However, the hive mind approach instead of airborne spores might be even more terrifying than the idea of dormant infections, since it amplifies the infected threat because of their link supposedly through consciousness. The second game's Rat King is already a hive mind of sorts because it's made up of multiple types of infected all melded together. Adding the show's mythos would theoretically mean the Rat King could incite more infected to join in on attacking Abby. In the TV format, it's much more implausible for one human - even one as strong as Abby - to take down the Rat King in addition to numerous other infected while in a sectioned off area. Additionally, the special effects alone would make this fight a huge undertaking that could add to the complaints about the limited infected since it might require much of the budget to go into only one infected.
The Last of Us Rat King
The idea that everyone is slightly infected may be less likely, but the potential implications of the hive mind approach are a cause for concern. The show's exploration of this theory could introduce a new level of threat and complexity to the infected, paving the way for intense and gripping confrontations in the upcoming season.
Cordyceps zombie with bizarre fungal forms growing out of its face lies pinned under rubble in The Last of Us season 1
The Fireflies' Sinister Plans and the Quest for Power
While Joel thwarted The Last of Us' Fireflies, who planned to use Ellie's immunity as a way to reverse-engineer a cure, there's no confirmed outcome of how the group would've handled having this cure. If the Fireflies successfully achieved a cure or vaccine, it would immediately give them much more power. Having the knowledge of how to create a vaccine for the infection could be more cynical than it seems. The Fireflies have already shown an ability to control regions with their bombing of FEDRA areas. With a vaccine, the Fireflies could control people more easily because a cure or vaccine would be a sought-after commodity.
A bloater attacks Perry in The Last of Us
The theory that the Fireflies had more sinister plans for Ellie raises questions about the group's true intentions and the ethical implications of their actions. Exploring this theory in season 2 could shed light on the dynamics of power and control in the post-apocalyptic world, adding layers of intrigue and moral ambiguity to the narrative.
The Last of Us Season 1 Tess zombie Kiss
Abby's Immunity and the Existence of a Cure
If Abby were immune, Jerry would know she would have to die during the surgery, making Joel's actions oddly aligned with the surgeon he killed. This is set up when Marlene repeatedly asks Jerry if he'd be so willing to go through with the surgery if Abby were in Ellie's shoes, and he avoids answering. While this is speculation, it is worth unpacking since it adds an even deeper layer to the causes of revenge and anger that thematically make up much of the second game's story. With little else to go on, the TV series can address Abby's status while also expanding on the mythos behind the infection.
Ellie looking at a cluster of dead infected in The Last of Us TV series
The uncertainty surrounding Abby's potential immunity raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of the infection and the possibility of other immune characters. Addressing this theory in season 2 could provide insight into the complexities of immunity and its implications for the characters' fates, offering a deeper understanding of their motivations and actions.
Marlene in The last of Us
Ellie's Journey and the Enigmatic Future
Ellie's return to the farm in The Last of Us Part II suggests she wasn't surprised to find the house empty, but rather just reminiscent, indicating it was likely not her first visit there since Santa Barbara, where she spared Abby. There are other clues that suggest Ellie had already reconciled with Dina after leaving to pursue revenge, and she returned to Jackson after her altercation with Abby. These include some missing Dina and JJ artwork, most of the studio items relating to Joel, the season seeming the same (suggesting about a year has passed), Ellie leaving behind reminders of Joel (like the guitar), and Ellie wearing Dina's bracelet again. These suggest Ellie's process of grief moved toward acceptance, and she likely resumed her life with her partner and JJ, even facing Jackson, which is a reminder of Joel. Although perhaps more for a possible season 3, this theory can be addressed if season 2 follows similar non-linear storytelling as the game.
Jerry and Abby in a flashback at the hospital in The Last of Us Part II
Ellie's complex emotional journey and the intricate clues surrounding her decisions and relationships provide a rich backdrop for further exploration in season 2. Delving into Ellie's enigmatic future and the aftermath of her experiences could offer a compelling narrative that delves into themes of grief, acceptance, and resilience, captivating audiences with its depth and emotional resonance.
Joel carries Ellie in The Last of Us
