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By Getuma Okemwa
HBO’s The Last of Us has never shied away from heartbreak, but Season 2, Episode 2 has left fans reeling with one of the most devastating moments in the series yet — the brutal and unexpected death of Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal.
Warning: Major spoilers ahead for Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley.”
A Turning Point Fans Saw Coming — But Still Weren’t Ready For
In a move that closely mirrors the events of the video game The Last of Us Part II, Sunday’s episode, which aired on April 20, delivered a gut-punch finale as Joel meets a violent end at the hands of a new character, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Her introduction last episode hinted at deeper tensions to come, but few expected such a swift and vicious payoff.
Joel, who served as a father figure to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and the emotional core of Season 1, is ambushed by Abby after helping her escape danger near Jackson. The scene begins innocently enough, with Joel and his brother Tommy extending the same compassion they once gave Ellie. But kindness turns to catastrophe when Abby reveals her true identity and motive: revenge for her father’s death.
In a tense and heart-wrenching climax, Abby confronts Joel, ties him up, and bludgeons him with a golf club while Ellie watches helplessly — arriving too late to stop it, but just in time to witness the horror.
Why Did Abby Kill Joel?
The backstory that fuels Abby’s rage is directly linked to the Season 1 finale. Viewers will recall that Joel, in a desperate bid to save Ellie from a fatal surgery that might’ve led to a cure for the Cordyceps infection, killed the Firefly surgeons — including Abby’s father — at the Salt Lake City hospital. What he saw as an act of love, Abby saw as cold-blooded murder.
This episode peels back the layers of that moment, exposing how one man’s salvation became another woman’s ruin. Abby’s vendetta isn’t blind violence; it’s calculated, emotional, and years in the making. And now, with Joel gone, the torch of vengeance and grief has been passed to Ellie.
A Bold Narrative Shift
Joel’s death isn’t just a shocking twist — it’s a seismic shift in the story’s direction.
What made The Last of Us stand out in the crowded field of post-apocalyptic dramas was its deep emotional core. The relationship between Joel and Ellie was the heart of Season 1, a reluctant bond forged in fire and tragedy. Killing Joel forces the show into new, darker territory — one that fans of the video game know well, but television audiences may find jarring.
It’s a bold narrative risk. Killing off a beloved main character early in the season is never easy — for creators or viewers — but it’s a move that reaffirms the show’s dedication to emotional realism and thematic depth. This is a world where actions have consequences, no matter how noble or loving the intent behind them.
The Aftermath: What’s Next for Ellie?
Ellie’s reaction in the final moments is nothing short of devastating. Powerless to save Joel, she screams, cries, and ultimately crumples under the weight of what just happened. But her grief is short-lived — because grief is fuel.
This episode sets Ellie on a new path, one that promises to be darker, more dangerous, and emotionally fraught. We are now watching a story about vengeance, about the poison it brings, and the cost of clinging to it.
Season 2 now shifts its focus squarely onto Ellie’s emotional journey — how she will deal with the loss of Joel, what justice means to her, and what she’s willing to sacrifice in its name.
Reactions Pour In
As expected, fans took to social media immediately after the episode aired, many expressing shock, sadness, and even anger at the loss of one of television’s most compelling characters.
“Not Joel. Not like this,” one fan tweeted. “I knew it was coming, but I still feel like I’ve been hit by a truck.”
Others praised the show for its bold storytelling and adherence to the video game’s narrative. “Heartbreaking and brilliant. Pedro Pascal gave us one of the best performances on TV, and I’m going to miss him deeply,” another fan wrote.
Pedro Pascal’s Exit: End of an Era
Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel has been widely acclaimed, earning him award nominations and praise for bringing a grizzled, grief-ridden, and ultimately lovable character to life. His exit leaves big shoes to fill — and a big emotional gap in the series.
Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (who also wrote the game) have been vocal about staying true to the source material, and Joel’s death, as painful as it is, was always part of that plan.
“It’s about consequences,” Druckmann said in a recent interview. “The story of The Last of Us is a cycle of violence, and we can’t tell that story truthfully without showing what happens when people make the choices Joel made.”
The Last of Us
Has once again proven that it’s not just a story about monsters and survival — it’s a story about people, about loss, love, and the ugly, beautiful mess of being human.
Joel’s death is more than a plot point. It’s a narrative fulcrum that will now propel the story into uncharted emotional territory. Whether you agree with the decision or not, there’s no denying the power of that final scene — or the void it leaves behind.
As we look ahead to the rest of Season 2, one thing is certain: Ellie’s journey is just beginning. And if this episode is any indication, it’s going to be one hell of a ride.
The Last of Us airs Sundays on HBO and is available to stream on Max.