THE LAST OF US Season 2 ‘Spoiled’ an Abby Twist, Here’s Why

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In certain instances, adaptations must undergo significant transformations because what’s effective in one format may be impractical to replicate in another. For instance, when someone decides to engage with a video game, they likely plan to invest at least 40 hours or more into it. However, no one would dedicate 40 hours to watching a TV series. (The reasons are unclear, but that’s the reality we face.) In the case of “The Last of Us” season two, a new major character from the game, Abby, was introduced. However, the television series alters Abby’s introduction and reveals information about her that players only learn after extensive gameplay almost immediately upon introduction.

Some gamers found this adjustment perplexing and disheartening, yet creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann clarified to the media that they had no other option than to alter Abby’s initial appearance and character revelations as they were in the original games.

Druckmann explained how Abby from the “The Last of Us” games was altered for its television series, stating, “In the game, since you’re controlling Abby, an instant empathetic bond is created because you’re experiencing her survival, running through snow, and battling infected. We could keep some aspects a secret to be unveiled later in the story. However, this isn’t feasible for the show as you aren’t controlling Abby.

Speaking as an enthusiastic fan, Druckmann shared his thoughts on why Abby needed to be integrated swiftly into the broader narrative of the HBO series. “Placing that revelation in the game would mean viewers would have to endure a lengthy wait for that context, which could potentially spoil it during seasons. We didn’t want that, so it seemed fitting for those reasons to advance that part and provide the viewer with the necessary context right from the start.

During an interview with Collider, Druckmann added, “We kept Abby’s identity as a Firefly hidden in the game for a long time. However, this time around, we chose to disclose it early and fully explore her character. The essence of Abby is her fierce and unyielding nature, which you’ll witness throughout the season… In the game, Abby offers a unique power to the player, but we don’t have traditional gameplay. Consequently, the way we deliver information needed to be innovative.

It seems that Timing, Character Connection, and Telling a Compelling Story could be three key factors driving the decision to modify Abby’s narrative in The Last of Us season two from its original game counterpart. The essence of an adaptation lies in adapting, allowing new interpretations for those who prefer not to play the games directly.

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2025-04-15 18:32