HBO’s The Last of Us Made a Big Mistake Adding a Fake Final Scene

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As a movie reviewer, I found myself in an unusual position when it comes to HBO’s “The Last of Us.” It seems almost counterproductive to advise a series that thrives on emotional depth and stellar performances not to include a heart-wrenching scene between its two central characters. However, I believe the writers made a misstep by including Joel and Ellie’s poignant porch conversation before Joel’s untimely demise.

In a story as raw and authentic as this one, omitting that final interaction might have added a layer of unpredictability and realism that would have strengthened the narrative. Including it, unfortunately, feels like a missed opportunity for a more powerful impact.

In the HBO series “The Last of Us,” Ellie’s investigation into the truth about the Fireflies in Salt Lake City unfolds differently than in the second video game. Instead of doubts leading her to return and uncovering Joel’s lies about her past, the number of immune individuals, and the possibility of a cordyceps cure, it is the circumstances surrounding Eugene’s death that cause their rift. In the TV show, Joel only reveals what happened in Salt Lake City on the night before Eugene’s demise.

In the sixth episode of season two, Joel and Ellie’s discussion on the porch bore striking resemblance to conversations from “The Last of Us Part II”. This scene, which was shown out of sequence, wasn’t revealed until after viewers witnessed Joel’s death in “The Last of Us”. Similar to its portrayal in the game, on the porch, Joel expresses his willingness to save Ellie again before she mentions her eventual forgiveness. In both instances, this conversation seems remarkably convenient and typical of a scripted drama, serving as a poignant moment of catharsis, especially since one character’s death was imminent the following day.

Which is exactly why HBO’s The Last of Us shouldn’t have done it.

The show “The Last of Us” effectively communicates a heart-wrenching narrative, one that resonates across both its mediums, due to its authenticity. In this post-apocalyptic setting, the characters are not just ordinary survivors; they’re complex individuals with flaws, capable of making mistakes that cause harm and sometimes lead to irreversible consequences, like the untimely death of a character such as Eugene.

Eugene, in his final moments, yearned to see his wife one last time. However, Joel, being a cautious character, understood the risks involved and denied this request, as the world they inhabit is not one where rash decisions are made lightly. It’s a horror series, but it avoids stereotypical characters who act irrationally. Instead, it presents characters that respond realistically to their dire circumstances, even if their actions may seem harsh.

Eugene’s death and its aftermath were powerfully portrayed in “The Last of Us,” striking a chord with viewers because of its raw, painful authenticity. The scene felt all too real, reminding us that even in the most extraordinary circumstances, the human experience remains fundamentally the same.

In contrast to Ellie and Joel’s dialogue on the porch in The Last of Us season two, episode six, a lack of their final, healing conversation seems more realistic. Many people who lose a loved one unexpectedly carry regrets about things left unsaid. Unspoken words like “I love you,” “I’m proud of you,” and “I’m sorry” can linger like an ongoing wound, eating away at us. Yet, these unspoken moments also teach us something vital: tomorrow isn’t guaranteed to any of us or the people we cherish. They remind us that we shouldn’t delay saying what needs to be said because we might not get another opportunity.

In The Last of Us, withholding that particular moment from Joel and Ellie would have been a daring choice in storytelling, as it now seems like an error not to include it. This decision was similarly bold when executed in the game and on the show, making it all the more impactful. The execution of Eugene, a subplot exclusive to HBO’s series, was particularly moving because it felt genuine to both the game’s world and our own reality. It truly captured the essence of The Last of Us.

In my opinion, the scene in question, though arguably overly dramatic for convenience’s sake, remains compelling and poignant across both mediums. It underscores the power of drama to rekindle the raw emotions that life so often denies us. However, HBO’s adaptation added an extra layer of frustration due to its initial suggestion that the event wouldn’t unfold as it did. In the second season opener, Ellie parted ways with Joel under the moonlit sky, a decision that left viewers like me feeling both heartbroken and infuriated for believing otherwise.

Witnessing her disregard for him intensified the emotional impact of the subsequent events on “The Last of Us”. She didn’t engage with him and this moment marked the end of their interaction. This seemingly significant encounter was actually a misleading build-up designed to tug at our heartstrings, enabling the show to have its cake and eat it too. We felt Ellie’s remorse when Joel passed away, but were later treated to an emotionally charged farewell between them. It was nothing short of dramatic overkill in a narrative that thrives on avoiding such excess.

It’s unusual to argue that a powerful, emotional scene performed by talented actors was incorrectly included in a scripted drama. However, what makes “The Last of Us” exceptional is its ability to feel incredibly authentic. The poignant farewell just prior to an unforeseen demise certainly felt too real.

Mike Walsh serves as a staff writer at TopMob. Although he was correct about it, he found Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey extraordinary while they were on that porch. You can keep up with him on Bluesky under the handle @burgermike. Additionally, you’ll find him among those who are listing the Targaryen kings in rankings.

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2025-05-19 16:33