Last Updated on April 21, 2025 by Mrunal & Jiten
The second episode of HBO’s highly anticipated second season of “The Last of Us” has delivered a shocking and emotionally devastating blow to viewers, mirroring a pivotal and controversial moment from its video game source material. Titled “Through the Valley,” the episode culminates in the brutal murder of Joel Miller, the hardened survivor and surrogate father figure portrayed by Pedro Pascal, at the hands of the vengeful Abby, played with chilling intensity by Kaitlyn Dever.
The episode, which aired Sunday night, has already ignited a firestorm of reactions online, with many viewers expressing grief, anger, and disbelief at the sudden and violent departure of a central character who anchored the narrative of the acclaimed first season. Comparisons to the infamous “Red Wedding” from “Game of Thrones” are already circulating, highlighting the episode’s capacity to inflict profound emotional trauma on its audience.
While the episode unflinchingly depicts Joel’s agonizing death – bludgeoned with a golf club by Abby as Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is forced to watch in horror – it also weaves in a parallel narrative of survival against overwhelming odds. As Joel, Ellie, and Dina (Isabela Merced) are away from the seemingly secure community of Jackson, Wyoming, the town is suddenly besieged by a massive horde of infected. This intense battle for survival, skillfully directed by “Game of Thrones” veteran Mark Mylod, raises the stakes for the remaining characters and underscores the ever-present dangers of this post-apocalyptic world.
The juxtaposition of Joel’s brutal individual demise with the collective struggle for Jackson’s survival adds a layer of tragic irony to the episode. While the community fights tooth and nail to protect itself, the very foundation of Ellie’s newfound peace and security is violently ripped away. The episode dedicates significant screen time to the ensuing chaos in Jackson, featuring characters like Joel’s brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and his wife Maria (Rutina Wesley) as they desperately fight to protect their home and loved ones. This highlights the fragility of even the most fortified havens in this unforgiving landscape.
For those familiar with “The Last of Us Part II” video game, Joel’s death is a well-known and deeply divisive plot point. The series’ commitment to adapting this narrative faithfully has been a subject of much anticipation and apprehension among fans. The episode’s execution of this pivotal moment is both visceral and emotionally raw, leaving little room for ambiguity about the finality of Joel’s fate.
The first season of “The Last of Us” was largely defined by the burgeoning bond between Joel and Ellie and the underlying hope for a potential cure. However, the second season has swiftly and decisively shattered that hope, plunging viewers into a darker and more vengeful narrative. Ellie’s forced witnessing of Joel’s murder sets the stage for a relentless quest for retribution that promises to consume her and drive the season’s central conflict.
Interestingly, the episode also dedicates time to humanizing Abby. Through flashbacks and present-day interactions, viewers are offered glimpses into her own trauma and the motivations behind her thirst for revenge. This nuanced portrayal, while not excusing her actions in the eyes of many, provides a more complex understanding of her character and the cycle of violence that permeates this world. Kaitlyn Dever’s performance has been particularly praised for capturing both Abby’s fierce determination and her underlying vulnerability.
Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie’s raw anguish and burgeoning rage is equally compelling. The episode marks a significant turning point for her character, as the innocence and resilience she displayed in the first season are now overshadowed by a burning desire for vengeance. Her journey in the episodes to come will undoubtedly be shaped by this profound loss and the consuming need to make Abby pay.
“Through the Valley” serves as a stark reminder that in the brutal world of “The Last of Us,” no character is safe, and the consequences of past actions can have devastating and far-reaching effects. The episode has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on viewers, sparking intense debate and setting a grim and gripping tone for the remainder of the season. The lines between hero and villain are increasingly blurred, and the true cost of survival and revenge is poised to be a central theme moving forward.
