The Last of Us TV Show: An Epic Twist in the Final Episode Guarantees Its Survival Beyond Part II

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Part II and The Last of Us season 1.

Summary

In The Last of Us season 1, episode 8, Bella Ramsey impressively demonstrated her leadership skills as Ellie. This episode also previewed Ellie's darker persona, emphasizing her merciless slaying of David and foreshadowing her unyielding and vengeful deeds in The Last of Us Part II.

Despite Joel's eventual departure, the show can still flourish without him. His death is crucial to the storyline, and the series can incorporate flashbacks or delay his demise to satisfy the audience.

While The Last of Us will face the challenge of addressing Part II's major twist involving Joel, one episode has already demonstrated the show's ability to withstand this obstacle. The initial Last of Us game featured Joel as the protagonist, but Part II shifted the focus to Ellie, alongside Abby. In HBO's TV adaptation, where Joel also takes a prominent role, future seasons may face difficulties without Pedro Pascal's star power. Fortunately, the show has proven its capacity to overcome this hurdle. One episode showcased Bella Ramsey's ability to excel in the leading role of Ellie.

Ramsey will become the central focus of The Last of Us season 2, especially since Joel will no longer be present. As the show has faithfully followed the games, it is expected that the future of the show will continue to do so, meaning Joel will have limited presence if his storyline from The Last of Us 2 remains unchanged. In order to prepare for this leading role, Ramsey has already had a whole season as Ellie and has experience in leading episodes. This emphasizes the importance of Ellie's prominence in season 1, as audiences are already familiar with her character. One episode in particular sets the stage for Ramsey to take on this role.

The Last Of Us Episode 8 Showed What Ellie As The Main Character Is Like

In The Last of Us season 1, episode 8, the focus shifted primarily to Ellie, giving viewers a glimpse of what the show would be like with her as the main character. After Joel was severely injured, Ellie had to divert those attempting to kill him away from his location. Eventually, she was captured by David, the leader of the group, and had to escape, engaging in a fight and ultimately killing him. While Joel still played a role in this episode, it primarily centered around Ellie, mirroring the game where players control her during this segment. This particular episode reinforced the idea that Ellie is a captivating protagonist in live-action, just as she is in The Last of Us Part II.

Preceding this episode was "Left Behind," which delved into Ellie's backstory prior to meeting Joel. It provided an opportunity for audiences to learn more about her, but episode 8 showcased her ability to drive the narrative. Ramsey's outstanding performances throughout the season, particularly in "When We Are in Need," demonstrated their capability to lead the series moving forward. The Last of Us Part II may have sparked division, but all indications suggest that the show can continue its success with Ellie as the central character.

The Last Of Us Episode 8 Also Teased Ellie’s Darker Side

In addition to showcasing Ellie's leadership abilities, episode 8 also offers a glimpse into her darker side. Growing up in a post-apocalyptic world and witnessing Joel's brutal actions, it comes as no surprise that Ellie exhibits a more sinister side. Season 1 highlights this when she brutally kills David, revealing her darkest moments. After enduring torment and unspeakable acts from David, Ellie is compelled to repeatedly stab him to defend herself. This chilling scene in The Last of Us season 1 effectively underscores the horrors Ellie has experienced and how they have shaped her.

This episode represents the darkest moment in the show thus far, setting the stage for an even more ruthless Ellie in Part II. Part II's tale of revenge showcases Ellie's relentless determination to avenge Joel's death, leading her to commit some of the cruelest acts in the entire franchise. These shocking moments, likely to continue in seasons 2 and 3, will be both captivating and emotionally wrenching for viewers. Episode 8 has already begun to reveal the menacing nature of Ellie.

The Last Of Us Season 2 Will Eventually Lose Joel (& That’s Okay)

Despite the appeal of his character, The Last of Us season 2 will eventually bid farewell to Joel. However, this should not be seen as a negative development. Joel's purpose in the series was to protect Ellie and develop a bond with her that would mirror the love for his own daughter. Witnessing his transformation from reluctant helper to someone willing to commit acts of violence to save her demonstrates the extent of his character growth. Joel's choices in the season 1 finale of The Last of Us prove that he exists in a morally complex space, making him a captivating protagonist. Nonetheless, his death is inevitable.

The story of Part II cannot progress without his demise, making it an unavoidable event in the show. Although it may be difficult to let go of both the character and Pedro Pascal's portrayal, it will ultimately benefit the overall narrative. One major criticism of Joel's departure was the significant amount of game time spent without him. However, the show can address this concern by delaying his death or incorporating more flashbacks to please the audience. While Joel's death is an undeniable aspect, The Last of Us season 2 has the potential to thrive without him. Pascal can still leave a lasting impact as Joel prior to exiting the show, and his contribution can help maintain the series' positive momentum.