Emotional Turning Point: Last of Us Season 2
The Last of Us season 2 has taken a dramatic turn, and the aftermath of Joel's death will continue to shape the story. With the introduction of new themes and character developments, the show is poised to explore the complexities of human emotion and the consequences of trauma. As the characters move forward, the audience will be left to ponder the lasting impact of Joel's death and the future of the characters.
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The second episode of The Last of Us season 2, "Through the Valley," marked a pivotal moment in the story, as Joel Miller's death becomes a reality, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and the audience. The episode's creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, carefully handled this moment, and the cast, including Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, delivered emotional performances.
The scene, filmed over two days in Kamloops, Canada, was a challenging and intimate moment for the cast and crew. Pascal, who played Joel, had known about his character's death from the start of the season, but the exact details were not revealed until filming. The camera focused on the faces of the actors, conveying the emotional impact of the scene. The episode's director, Mark Mylod, described the scene as "the hardest part" of filming, as it was a simple yet powerful moment.
The episode also explored the theme of stuckness, as characters like Dina and Abby struggle to move past their trauma. The introduction of a dream sequence showing Abby's backstory and a monologue not in the game added depth to the story. The episode ended with a haunting rendition of the song "Through the Valley," performed by Ashley Johnson, who originated the role of Ellie in the video games.
Pedro Pascal's co-star Bella Ramsey agreed that the most devastating part of the episode wasn't Joel's death, but his final action, attempting to lift his hand towards Ellie in his final moments. The show's second season is in full swing, but the aftermath of Joel's death is still being felt by the characters and the audience. Laura Bailey, the voice actress who originated the role of Abby Anderson in The Last of Us Part II, thinks HBO made a wise choice by adding scenes to brace the audience for Joel's death.
The episode received praise from critics, with many noting that it was a well-crafted and emotional episode. The show's creators took risks with the scene, but they paid off, and the episode was a testament to the show's ability to balance action and emotion. As the season continues, the characters will navigate the consequences of Joel's death, and the audience will be left to process the emotional impact of this pivotal moment.