In the midst of a global pandemic, distractions from the horrors unfolding around us were sorely needed. One such distraction appeared in the form of the sequel to a post-apocalyptic classic: The Last of Us Part II. The original The Last of Us is often hailed as one of the greatest video games ever made, so there was palpable excitement for its second installment. However, in April of 2020, various leaks were made regarding the game’s plot, causing outrage from certain sections of the fandom. In particular, the rumors of increased focus on Ellie’s queerness and a shocking death of the game’s protagonist Joel incited anger leading up to the game’s release. The marketing for the sequel had no indication of either element.

However, I had no issue with either decision. Ellie has been queer since the original game, with the “Left Behind” DLC firmly establishing her as a lesbian. Anyone who was complaining because the second game was focusing on a significant aspect of her character was clearly not doing so in good faith. Meanwhile, this story is being told in the first place because of Joel’s death. There is nothing else that could have occurred to justify Ellie’s subsequent revenge quest. Despite the vitriol directed at it, I personally found the second game to be more mature and gripping than the first. I hoped that would continue with the second season of The Last of Us, which only adapts half of the second game. I was concerned about the adaptation somewhat due to being a bit more lukewarm on the first season than most. Thankfully, this season does not disappoint. The Last of Us season 2 manages to improve the characters and the story while staying true to the game I adore.

The most noticeable change has to be how Abby and Dina were adapted. Abby’s character was a serious bone of contention in the second game due to her murder of Joel. I personally never liked her either, but that was more because of the game’s structure and lacking journey for her. I could empathize with the decisions she made, but the game never gave me room to connect with her. The show, on the other hand, allows you to feel for Abby right off the bat. Abby feels like a fully-realized person in this show, and I attribute this largely to Kaitlyn Dever’s excellent performance. We meet her in the very first episode, which was a change hardcore fans of the game disliked. I argue that it helps you see things from her perspective from the very beginning, allowing you to be open to the idea that she’s not so different from Ellie. Though she may only be in 3 episodes out of the season’s 7, Dever leaves an immense impact as Abby. Her performance truly hits hard in her limited screen-time, so I cannot wait to see the third season focus far more on her. 

Dina, on the other hand, was never a main talking point for The Last of Us Part II fans outside of her queerness. She always felt like a plot device to me, as her interactions with Ellie showcase how much Joel’s death has warped the latter character. The show instantly makes Dina a far more engaging character in her very first scene, pairing her up with Joel—a duo that never had a proper interaction in the game. This scene is immediately charming and establishes both Joel’s fun dynamic with Dina and frayed one with Ellie. The writing for Dina is much better in the show and makes her feel like an authentic person with her own motives, but once again, it is the acting that elevates her far beyond the game. Isabela Merced’s performance is inherently charismatic and empathetic, and she serves as the heart of this otherwise grim season. This is best exemplified in episode 4’s “Day One”, which has Merced impressing with Dina’s touched reaction to Ellie playing “Take On Me” to her horrified expression as she believes she must shoot Ellie to her tender reveal that she is pregnant.

Though Dever and Merced are the clear standouts, the rest of the cast also puts in great work here. Bella Ramsey has received egregious amounts of online vitriol due to their lack of resemblance to Ellie, but any physical incongruities are far overshadowed by their acting ability. They are truly unnerving in this season and capture Ellie’s rage to a T, especially in the episode “Feel Her Love”. Pedro Pascal’s screen-time in this season is greatly reduced, but his embodiment of Joel remains impressive and he will be sorely missed in season 3. Lastly, Jeffrey Wright reprises the role of Isaac from the game and is every bit as menacing. 

This season is largely a step up from both the previous season and the game, but it falters in its final episode. Since the second game has been split in half, episode 7 just feels incomplete. Though the game switches to Abby’s perspective in a similar fashion as the show, there is no ten hours of storyline immediately available to conclude the arc. The writing fails to satisfy on a structural level and feels sloppy on a fundamental level, with a major character death being telegraphed from the jump even to the unspoiled viewer. The dialogue is egregiously cliché, as are the plot conveniences allowing Ellie to be in danger before immediately being let go. The final episode was just messy due to the writers forcing themselves into a corner. 

Still, one mediocre episode is not enough to tank this season for me, as there is still a lot of love in the other 6 episodes. The cast is strong across the board, the writing is mostly top-notch, the cinematography is outstanding, and the visual effects are simply cinematic. I wish the season had ended on a note that left me more enthusiastic about season 3, but I will be eagerly watching the next installment nonetheless.

8/10