Inside the ‘The Last of Us’ Finale: Shocking Deaths, Season 3 Changes, and Insights from the Creators

Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season Two, Episode Seven!

The season finale of The Last of Us left us reeling. It ended dramatically with a gunshot and a message: “Seattle Day One.” So, what does it all mean?

Co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann shared insights during a recent press conference. A big question on everyone’s mind: Is Ellie (Bella Ramsey) dead after being shot by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever)? The short answer is no. Mazin confirmed, “We haven’t seen the last of Ellie.” The show has closely followed the original games, where Ellie survives this encounter and plays a crucial role in what follows.

The finale hinted at a shift in focus. If the first two seasons centered on Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie, the next might explore Abby’s story. Mazin also emphasized a key theme: “The concept of the protagonist and villain is flawed. Our judgments create barriers between us.” This perspective challenge is central to the show.

Mazin elaborated, “Abby is the hero of her story.” Each character’s viewpoint matters, especially as we consider the complex relationships driven by past actions. For instance, Jesse’s (Young Mazino) death at Abby’s hands raises questions about blame and justice, especially for Dina, who had strong ties to both Jesse and Joel.

Another pivotal moment was Abby’s pregnant friend Mel (Ariela Barer) dying in a very different way than in the game. In the show, Mel’s death highlights a parent’s instinct to protect their child, making the moment even more gut-wrenching for Ellie. Mazin noted, “It captures the brutal consequences of revenge, trapping Ellie in a nightmare where she feels responsible.”

If Ellie had the chance to confront Abby, Mazin believes her desire for vengeance would overpower any hesitation. “She would have said something similar to what Abby said to Joel,” he pointed out.

Mazin and Druckmann also considered alternative endings. They knew taking risks was key to the show’s evolving nature. However, they’re aware of the challenges in maintaining fan engagement. As Mazin stated, “You’re asking viewers to embrace change while holding onto what they love.”

Will Joel return in season three? The creators hinted at potential flashbacks involving him and his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna). “Next season might offer chances to dive deeper into their pasts,” Mazin shared. This opens the door for exploring sides of characters that haven’t been highlighted yet.

Druckmann added that the next season will carry significant weight and will likely circle back to the existing storylines. Mazin teased, “We haven’t seen the last of a lot of characters, even those who are currently gone.”

As the series unfolds, the exploration of complex themes, character motivations, and moral ambiguities promises to keep viewers engaged. The conversation around these topics is crucial, not just for the storyline but for how we relate to each character’s journey.

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