Does Abby Die in ‘The Last of Us’? Here’s What Happens to Her

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In the ruthless, unyielding universe of “The Last of Us,” decisions are harsh and moments are gut-wrenching. HBO’s adaptation of Naughty Dog’s compelling video game saga has kept me captivated with its gripping drama and morally ambiguous characters. The second season brings Abby, a character that has sparked passionate responses, leaving viewers pondering her survival in this merciless narrative.

As a movie reviewer, I found myself captivated by the powerful portrayal of Kaitlyn Dever’s character, Abby Anderson, in this recent film. Her performance mirrors the profound influence of her character from ‘The Last of Us Part II,’ stirring up controversy and setting events in motion that echoed the game’s divisive narrative.

Abby’s actions ignite a whirlwind of chaos, and she finds herself on a collision course with Ellie. Their story unfolds in a tangled web of revenge, as messy and intricate as any post-apocalyptic world could be. In this analysis, I delve into Abby’
s arc within the HBO series, compare it to her journey in the game, and speculate on whether she manages to survive the ordeal. Buckle up, because things are about to get intense!

Abby’s Role in HBO’s Season 2

In ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Abby enters as a Firefly with revenge on her mind for her father, who was a surgeon and met his end at Joel’s hands in the first game’s finale. In episode 2 of the show’s second season, she pursues Joel to Jackson, Wyoming, and ends his life with a golf club when he saves her from infected amidst a blizzard. This echoes the game’s surprising early plot twist, however, HBO discloses Abby’s reasons for revenge immediately, contrasting with the game’s gradual revelation of her past.

Kaitlyn Dever’s performance emphasizes the emotional depth of her character, Abby, rather than her physical strength, a decision made by showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann to align with television’s emphasis on drama over action. The narrative is primarily driven by Abby’s grief and anger, which sets up a confrontation with Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, who is now determined to seek revenge. In this season, we follow Abby’s journey with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) in Seattle, where she encounters both infected creatures and Ellie’s pursuit.

In an interview with Variety, Mazin revealed that they modified Abby’s initial scene to foster empathy and potentially mitigate the criticism she received during the game. However, her controversial actions continue to spark intense discussion as Season 2 progresses.

Does Abby Survive in the Game?

In ‘The Last of Us Part II’, Abby’s journey is as unpredictable as a rollercoaster ride. Following the death of Joel, she finds herself back in Seattle, where her WLF companions, including Owen and Manny, encounter the fury of Ellie. Determined, Ellie tracks them down, resulting in the deaths of most of Abby’s allies. A crucial event unfolds when Abby and her friend Lev, a young member of the Seraphites, are apprehended by the Rattlers, a group of slave traders, several months after their confrontation with Ellie in Seattle.

In her relentless pursuit following Joel’s demise, Ellie locates Abby in Santa Barbara, who appears feeble and confined. A fierce encounter on the beach verge of turning fatal for Abby, but at the last possible instant, Ellie decides to spare her life. This decision was prompted by a poignant recollection of Joel, leaving Ellie with a heavy heart. With Lev, Abby embarks on a journey seeking a fresh start, although her destiny remains unclear and debatable. The ending stirred up diverse reactions among players—some found it compassionate, while others felt she should have faced consequences for killing Joel.

In a 2024 commentary regarding the game’s remaster, Neil Druckmann revealed that the original plan was for Abby to perish at Ellie’s hands. However, they decided to alter this concept in order to avoid the cycle of revenge, which is central to the narrative. This decision significantly influenced Abby’s character development towards redemption, although it stirred passionate discussions among fans.

Will Abby Die in HBO’s Show?

In a more casual and understandable manner: HBO’s second season of “The Last of Us” features seven episodes and follows part of the storyline from “The Last of Us Part II,” ending before Ellie and Abby’s final confrontation. The upcoming third season, which has already been renewed, will focus on Abby’s later story, including her time with the Rattlers. Since the show closely follows the key events in the game, it is expected that Abby will survive until the end of Season 2 because her encounter in Santa Barbara occurs later in the storyline.

Kaitlyn Dever appears in every episode of the series and leaked photos from Vancouver indicate that she’s shooting important scenes for WLF, suggesting a significant role. Yet, there’s room for the storyline to alter her character’s destiny.

Season 3 could potentially hold more unexpected twists and turns, as hinted by Mazin. Abby’s narrative might develop further to align with television storytelling, potentially strengthening her connection with Lev, portrayed by Spencer Lord. At this point in Season 2, Abby remains alive, grappling with the consequences of her decisions while Ellie approaches, leaving Abby’s destiny uncertain as we move forward into the show’s next season.

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2025-04-21 09:44