Season 2 of The Last of Us takes a bold step forward, picking up five years after Joel’s decision to save Ellie, which resulted in the loss of humanity’s potential cure. The premiere sets the tone by grounding viewers in a more peaceful but emotionally frail Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are attempting to adapt to a life that is anything but easy.
Now 19, Ellie has distanced herself from Joel, and their once inseparable bond has become strained. Ellie lives in a garage next to their home, avoiding conversations with Joel. The tension between them speaks volumes, and the silence is palpable, underscoring the emotional disconnect that has set in over the years.
Joel, grappling with guilt and the emotional aftermath of his choices, begins attending therapy with a grief-stricken woman named Gail (Catherine O’Hara), who recently lost her husband, Eugene. This therapy session, one of co-creator Craig Mazin’s favorite scenes, provides a rare moment where Joel confronts the truth he has long buried. When pressed about Ellie, he simply states, “I saved her,” before walking out—a quietly heartbreaking moment that echoes the guilt surrounding his massacre of the Fireflies in Season 1.
The Jackson community, led by Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and his wife Maria (Rutina Wesley), has grown into a fragile but thriving settlement. While the town welcomes survivors, Joel expresses his concerns about how quickly people are brought in, hinting at the risks of unchecked growth in a post-apocalyptic world.
Ellie, meanwhile, has matured into a capable young woman, training in combat and wilderness survival. She works alongside Tommy and her best friend Dina (Isabela Merced) to patrol the outskirts of Jackson for any sign of the infected. A chilling scene introduces a new class of stalkers, which hide and hunt rather than charging headfirst into combat—a terrifying evolution that promises more danger ahead.
The heart of the premiere, however, lies in the evolving relationship between Ellie and Dina. During a New Year’s Eve celebration, the two share a tender and somewhat hesitant dance, followed by their first kiss. This scene marks a significant moment for Ellie, who is uncertain whether Dina is still with her ex, Jesse (Young Mazino). The chemistry between the two is subtle but powerful, filled with emotional tension as Ellie slowly allows herself to feel something genuine again after years of emotional turmoil.
Bella Ramsey, who carefully prepared by watching game walkthroughs, found the scene surreal, saying, “It really feels like I’m in the game.” The delicate portrayal of Ellie and Dina’s relationship brings a fresh layer of vulnerability to the series, emphasizing the emotional depth of the characters.
The production of Jackson was painstakingly detailed, filmed in Minaty Bay, Canada, with fully recreated storefronts, homes, and even Joel’s house, complete with items like the jacket in his closet. This attention to detail helped immerse both the cast and the viewers in the world of The Last of Us.
A new character, Gail, was introduced in the series and is connected to Eugene—a name that fans of The Last of Us Part II may recognize. Eugene, portrayed by Joe Pantoliano, will appear in flashbacks, adding emotional weight to Joel’s therapy sessions.
Co-creator Neil Druckmann shared that the therapy scene had been in the works for quite some time and was originally considered for Season 1. Craig Mazin described it as “an action sequence made of words,” emphasizing its emotional impact. The scene, despite being dialogue-heavy, provides powerful insight into Joel’s character and the trauma he continues to carry.
As the second season unfolds, The Last of Us continues to explore the complexities of its characters, the shifting dynamics of their relationships, and the ever-present threat of the infected, all while delving deep into the emotional struggles that make the series so compelling.
