Exploring the Power of Collective Revenge in HBO’s The Last of Us: A Democratic Take on Justice

New episodes of season 2 of The Last of Us are airing on HBO every Sunday. Kyle Orland, who has played the games, and Andrew Cunningham, who hasn’t, discuss the episodes every Monday. These conversations include major spoilers, so it’s best to watch the episode first.

Andrew: We’ve crossed into our first episode without Joel. It feels different. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel as the “reluctant uncle” is a big part of this series, and it’s hard not to miss him.

Kyle: I agree. The relationship between Ellie and Joel was what drew me into the first game. Its absence in the second season is noticeable. I was struck during the hospital scene when Ellie mentioned she had a chance to talk to Joel one last time but didn’t take it. For fans of the game, that moment is significant and defines their bond. I hoped we’d see that scene later in a flashback, but now it seems unlikely.

Andrew: (I’m avoiding that video to keep my thoughts fresh!)

Kyle: She might have just been lying to a therapist. But if their final talk is truly gone… It raises questions about the show’s direction. If it’s a twist for gamers, perhaps it’s an intriguing move.

Andrew: Ellie has a history of lying, as we learn from her untrustworthy therapist. I think we’ll see pivotal moments come into play that impact her journey. The show moved ahead three months, giving us a peek into Jackson, a community healing after recent losses. It contrasts sharply with the chaos elsewhere.” It’s rare to see a functioning community in this world, where most groups are violent. Jackson is a breath of normalcy.

Kyle: We did see the Boston version of Ellie’s childhood, which felt uneasy between “paramilitary psychopaths” and “normal community.” The show paints a grim picture of human behavior under stress, making Jackson stand out even more.

Andrew: I noticed that the town hall meeting felt drawn out, leaning into the philosophical discussions around vengeance. Though it serves to explain why Ellie and Dina decide to seek revenge, parts felt unnecessary.

Kyle: Yeah, it felt like they could have cut some of that out. Watching characters debate vengeance in the middle of a crisis leads to mixed feelings.

Andrew: Exactly! There’s always a clash of politics, especially when one guy dismisses concerns with “who cares about vengeance?” Meanwhile, there’s a lot of emotional weight in these decisions, even if the characters don’t realize it.

Kyle: I appreciate that they show Ellie’s emotional urge for revenge. Yet, I can’t help but wonder how Joel would react. He was pragmatic and protective, focused on what mattered most.

Andrew: The pacing slows when Ellie leans into community bonds in her statement. But when that fails, she and Dina immediately set off alone, which feels impulsive. Their dynamic has changed, lacking Joel’s grounded influence.

Kyle: You know, watching them ride through such beautifully crafted scenery adds depth, almost drawing attention away from the impending danger. The scene where Dina asks Ellie for feedback on her kissing skills stands out. It’s a fun twist on their relationship.

Andrew: Exactly! And the line “You’re gay, I’m not” shows how complicated identity can be, especially in a post-apocalyptic world where societal expectations get amplified.

Kyle: As the episode wraps, we see an ominous setup for upcoming threats. Ellie and Dina need to prepare for a looming confrontation with armed soldiers. The stakes feel higher in a grounded show like this than they might in a video game.

Andrew: I’m intrigued by how Ellie’s mindset is evolving. She tries to blame others for her problems to simplify her emotions. We’ll see if this strategy holds as they face off against their challenges.

In moments like these, the show reflects a broader commentary on relationships, vengeance, and survival within a chaotic world. As viewers, we’re left wondering how far Ellie will go to find closure.

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