The Last of Us Season 2: Why Abby's Story Will Be Even Sadder Than Ellie's

The Emotional Amplification of Season 2

The Last of Us season 2 will have a more emotional plot compared to season 1, and Abby's story will be even more tragic than Ellie's. While season 1 already showed how dark and sad the show could get, season 2 is set to amplify this with more heartbreaking stories.

Abby from The Last of Us game and Ellie and Joel in the TV series

The Last of Us Part II will be the inspiration behind the HBO show's next season, and while it may deviate from the game somewhat, it is likely to closely follow its biggest events. This means not only will Ellie suffer great loss, but so will Abby. Despite being bitter enemies in the game, Ellie and Abby share many similarities, including their dark narratives.

Abby from The Last of Us Part II aiming her gun off Screen with Joel and Ellie in the Background

The Last of Us season 2 will have to overcome the storytelling challenge that comes with the characters having separate yet overlapping journeys. In Part II, Abby and Ellie are the main characters, yet act as antagonists to one another. Their circumstances may be very different, but they are both consumed by revenge due to traumatic events.

Abby scowling in The Last of Us Part II next to Bella Ramsey looking sad as Ellie in HBO's Last of Us

The Tragedy of Loss

Joel's death is by far the most controversial moment in The Last of Us 2 and is the franchise's saddest moment, but Abby losing her father is equally tragic. From an audience perspective, Joel's death scene in The Last of Us seems heartless, making it all the more painful to experience. It will no doubt shock viewers when season 2 comes around and make some turn on Abby.

Abby From The Last Of Us Part 2 Looking Sad

After Joel kills the fireflies in The Last of Us game, it seems almost inconsequential. However, one of the doctors is Abby's dad, resulting in Abby killing Joel. In Abby's mind, there is no justifying Joel murdering her father, mirroring Ellie's feelings about Abby killing Joel. Given the journey of season 1, it is easier to sympathize with Ellie, but neither loss is less tragic than the other.

Jerry and Abby in a flashback at the hospital in The Last of Us Part II

The Difficult Journey Ahead

Abby's journey in The Last of Us season 2 will be even more challenging than Ellie's. Tracking down Joel was a difficult task in itself, but life in the Washington Liberation Front's base was far from easy either. It was run by the sadistic Issac Dixon who demanded discipline, and even Abby's personal life was full of struggle. Her former friend was pregnant with Abby's ex-boyfriend's child, causing rifts in the entire group's friendship.

Abby and Lev in a basement in The Last of Us Part II

During Ellie's path of revenge, Abby also faced some of The Last of Us' deadliest threats, indicating her journey is far from easy. This will all be portrayed in season 2, which may also feature the Rat King and the zombie-infested hotel that Abby had to endure in The Last of Us Part II. In comparison, Ellie will lose Joel but have a blossoming relationship with her girlfriend and a safe home. Choosing to leave this behind twice to try and kill Abby will show the similarities between Ellie and Abby next season.

Kaitlyn Dever and Abby in The Last of Us