Did THE LAST OF US Pull the Trigger Too Fast on a Major Moment from the Game?

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Warning: This content reveals significant plot points from The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, as well as The Last of Us Part II video game. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers!

Regardless of the outcome for Joel Miller in the game “The Last of Us Part II”, it was uncertain how HBO’s adaptation would approach that pivotal scene. Given that the first season closely followed the source material, yet still introduced alterations to the narrative, and considering Pedro Pascal’s significant talent and popularity, there was a strong possibility Joel’s death could be delayed until later seasons. However, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann decided to depict Joel’s shocking demise in “The Last of Us” season 2’s second episode instead.

In the narrative, the choice made was as daring as the game itself, with Abby taking Joel’s life prematurely within the plotline. The query arises: Was Joel’s death an appropriate move for HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us?

Regardless of how astonished you might feel after witnessing Pedro Pascal’s character Joel Miller’s shocking demise in The Last of Us—Part II, his death is particularly startling. The series’ second season delves into Abby’s past in Salt Lake City, but the game doesn’t immediately reveal who Abby is or her purpose in Jackson. Interestingly, much like in HBO’s The Last of Us portrayal, Joel manages to save her life before she brutally takes his own life. This adds an extra layer of bewilderment to her actions. In the game, Joel’s death seems sudden and unforeseen.

Joel’s demise, though shocking in all aspects, is authentic to both the universe and the narrative of “The Last of Us.” He made the same choice at the end of the initial game, as he did at the end of season one, and every action bears consequences. In a world overrun by cordyceps and survivors clinging to hope, consequences frequently lead to death. In this tale, any character could meet their end at any moment.

In a remarkable twist, not only is the moment where one of the main characters dies in The Last of Us series an iconic gaming experience, but it was also a bold narrative choice. In the first game, similar to season one of HBO’s adaptation, the story revolves around Joel and Ellie. The unexpected death of one of them at the start of the sequel took many by surprise, including some fans who, despite acknowledging its logical progression, flawless execution, and profound emotional impact, still found it hard to accept. After all, they had grown deeply attached to Joel and Ellie’s lives. The poignancy of this event is heightened by its painful reality, resonating equally within the game and the show.

While the depiction of Pascal’s Joel in “The Last of Us” was faithful to its source material (with slight adjustments in timing and execution), it doesn’t automatically guarantee that it was the optimal decision for the television series. The medium of television differs significantly from video games, as watching a show is fundamentally distinct from actively playing a game. These experiences cater to different expectations and audiences. Moreover, Pedro Pascal is not a video game character; he is a renowned A-list actor who contributes significantly to the enjoyment of “The Last of Us.” It’s worth noting that the show doesn’t feature an extensive cast like “Game of Thrones,” where characters such as Ned Stark get beheaded. Instead, Joel and Ellie have been the heart and soul of this storyline throughout.

I’d like to clarify that the criticism towards Troy Baker’s portrayal of Joel in the game is not a comment on his exceptional voice acting skills. Instead, it reflects the distinct contrast between live-action and animation. Mark Hamill’s Luke Skywalker is widely recognized for a reason, and it’s not solely due to his Joker character. Similarly, not everyone was thrilled about Troy Baker’s Joel being killed off early in The Last of Us Part II, and there were certainly those who disliked the development, just as some may have felt the same about recent events on the show.

As a film enthusiast, I can’t help but reflect on the creative choices made by HBO, Mazin, and Druckmann in adapting The Last of Us Part II. In a scenario where they could have potentially eased some viewer discontent by altering a contentious narrative decision, they chose to stay true to the source material. This meant preserving the startling death of Joel, a moment as impactful in the show as it was in the game. Was this the right call? Was it a smart move? Could the series have gained from a delay or slight modification? These are questions that continue to spark debate among fans and critics alike.

In simpler terms,

You’re the one who can decide if Joel Miller’s death in “The Last of Us” made an impact on you or not. As the story unfolds, your feelings might change, but one thing remains constant—the death scene was brave and sincere, adding to the show’s authenticity and raw emotion. In a world filled with all sorts of monsters, even main characters can perish. This is just part of the narrative.

Mike Walsh, our staff writer at TopMob, finds himself longing for Joel’s presence. Keep up with his updates by following him on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. Additionally, don’t forget to check out where Mike ranks the Targaryen kings!

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2025-04-21 05:03