What to Know About Season 2 of HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’
After a lengthy hiatus of more than two years, HBO’s critically acclaimed series The Last of Us has returned for its second season. Set five years after the emotional conclusion of Season 1, the new season depicts a transformed world for its central characters, Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
Setting the Stage: Jackson, Wyoming
Season 2 immerses viewers in the community of Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel and Ellie are now residing alongside Joel’s brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), his wife Maria (Rutina Wesley), and their son. They work diligently to maintain the safety of their settlement amid ongoing threats from the infected.
The Tension Between Joel and Ellie
Despite the community’s efforts to combat external dangers, the relationship between Joel and Ellie is fraught with difficulties. Their personal conflicts are significant enough that Joel seeks therapy to address their growing emotional distance. In a surprising twist, Joel’s therapist, Gail, is portrayed by Catherine O’Hara.
The Unique Therapist-Patient Dynamic
This therapist-patient relationship takes an unorthodox turn, as Joel compensates for therapy sessions with cannabis, and Gail openly expresses her resentment towards him for actions taken in the past—specifically, for the death of her husband, Eugene. While Eugene is not yet visible in the series, his backstory will eventually unfold, revealing his importance in the narrative.
Who is Eugene?
Within the lore of The Last of Us video game, Eugene is not a central character but does play a part in the backstory. Previously a Firefly, Eugene’s presence in the narrative is felt through notes and photographs discovered during gameplay. In the game, he is depicted as an elderly man who forms a bond with Dina, a character who is Ellie’s close friend. By the time players encounter Eugene, he has passed away due to natural causes, distinct from the direct actions of Joel.
Expanding the Narrative
Neil Druckmann, co-creator of the game and series, articulated the rationale behind weaving Eugene into the show’s narrative, stating: “Someone like Eugene, we had a take on that character to say, ‘OK, well, how does that expand Joel and Ellie’s relationship? How does it expand the town of Jackson?’” This decision seeks to deepen the themes of love and sacrifice inherent in the storyline.
The Role of Gail
Unlike Eugene, Gail is an original character specifically created for the HBO adaptation. According to Druckmann, the inclusion of a therapist aligns with Joel’s character arc, reflecting his willingness to seek help in understanding his relationship with Ellie. “The reason he goes to therapy is because he’s trying to figure out why Ellie is icing him out,” he explained. The introduction of a therapist in Jackson also serves to enrich the show’s world-building by offering insights into characters’ inner thoughts.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the significance of Eugene and the complexities of Joel’s therapy journey promise to unfold further. The show’s creators have hinted that the exploration of these themes will be pivotal in understanding the evolving dynamics of the characters and their relationships.
Fans can catch new episodes of The Last of Us each Sunday on Max.