SPOILER ALERT: This article has spoilers for Season 2, Episode 1 of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” now streaming on Max.
The Season 2 premiere of “The Last of Us” checks in on Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) five years after we last saw them. They’ve settled into life in Jackson, Wyoming, a walled settlement run by Joel’s brother, Tommy (Gabriel Luna), and his wife, Maria (Rutina Wesley). Joel works on building new homes for the growing community while Ellie, now 19, is training in combat and marksmanship alongside Jackson residents, including her best friend, Dina (Isabela Merced).
However, things are strained between Joel and Ellie, who now live close but hardly communicate. Feeling the rift, Joel sees a therapist named Gail (Catherine O’Hara), hoping to understand how to reconnect with Ellie.
“It’s not that the five years have been all bad,” co-creator Craig Mazin points out. “Most of it has been good, but when we meet them now, they’re back in their corners.”
In an interview, Mazin, along with co-creator Neil Druckmann and Bella Ramsey, shared insights about the season opener, the evolving relationship between Ellie and Dina, and the carefully crafted set of Jackson, which adds a rich backdrop to the story.
Therapy as a Plot Device
Interestingly, the idea of Joel going to therapy wasn’t new. Mazin had first planned it during the writing of Season 1 but had to cut it for pacing reasons. Bringing it back was important because it allows for deeper character exploration, especially with Joel’s burdens. Dialogue from Gail reveals the emotional toll of past actions, including a pivotal moment from Season 1 when Joel made a morally controversial choice to save Ellie. Mazin likens therapy scenes to action sequences, capturing the intense emotions that can surface suddenly.
Druckmann adds that the conversation Joel has with Gail echoes a similar one he has with Tommy in the game’s sequel. However, by moving it to a different character, they create new emotional layers and insights about Joel’s struggles.
Evolution of the Infected
In the premiere, Ellie encounters a more strategic infected in an abandoned supermarket. This change reflects not just a plot twist but a broader evolution within the series. Druckmann explains that just as players face tougher challenges in the game, the show aims to convey this sense of danger through character encounters, emphasizing the sad truth that traces of humanity remain in these creatures.
Building Jackson
The set of Jackson was intricately designed to enhance the storytelling. Mazin mentioned that they constructed far more of the town than most productions would, creating a grounded, immersive environment. The town, built in a small Canadian community, features detailed interiors that pull actors like Ramsey into their roles, making everything feel like a lived-in reality.
Ellie and Dina’s Relationship
The episode culminates in a heartfelt scene at a New Year’s Eve party in Jackson where Ellie and Dina finally share their first kiss. This moment resonates with players who experienced similar developments in the game. Mazin has emphasized the importance of integrating key game moments into the show, capturing the essence of those experiences for fans.
Ramsey, who is not a gamer, became emotionally engaged with Ellie’s journey through the production process, observing and absorbing the character’s struggles and happiness. This added depth allows viewers to connect with Ellie’s feelings of uncertainty regarding her relationship with Dina.
Overall, the Season 2 premiere of “The Last of Us” dives deeper into character complexities and relationships while maintaining the intense atmosphere that fans have come to love. With thoughtful storytelling and a focus on both interpersonal and external challenges, the show continues to captivate audiences.
Check out this related article: Season Premiere Recap of The Last of Us: Discover the Thrills of Wyoming’s Post-Apocalyptic Landscape!
Source linkBella Ramsey,Craig Mazin,Neil Druckmann,The Last of Us
