Exploring the Potential of The Last of Us to Excel Where The Walking Dead Fell Short, Through the Lens of Abby's Perspective
The second season of "The Last of Us" has reached its conclusion, leaving viewers with a decisive moment in the penultimate episode that echoes the brutal murder of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, at the hands of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. This shocking turn of events, while expected by some, has sparked speculation about the series' potential ratings decline following the loss of beloved characters.
In a historical parallel, the viewer exodus seen in "The Walking Dead" following the graphic and senseless deaths of key characters in its seventh season has cast a long shadow over "The Last of Us." However, early ratings suggest that HBO's hit adaptation has managed to avoid the same fate, despite a steep decline in viewership for the season finale.
One reason for the show's resilience could be its willingness to offer perspective, even when it proves painful to fans still mourning Joel's demise. The second season delves deeply into the fallout from the horrific bloodbath that ended the first season, providing context for Joel's actions and offering a glimpse into the lives of those who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
The murder of Joel's father figure, Abby's father, is a central theme in the series, with the consequences reverberating throughout Ellie's quest for revenge. In episode 5, Abby's companion, Nora, reads out a grim indictment of Joel's actions, stating, "Don't you know what he did? He killed everyone in that hospital, including the only person alive who could make a cure from you. That was Abby's father. And Joel shot him in the head."
While Abby's motivation for killing Joel is explored, so too is Joel's reasoning for saving Ellie. In a flashback, Joel confesses, "I'll pay the price, but I'd do it all over again, because I love you, in a way you can't understand. Maybe you never will. But if that day should come, if you should have one of your own, well then, I hope you do a little better than me."
The brutal death of Joel has sparked debate among fans over whether the series is aiming for longevity by flipping the morality of its characters, with Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel transitioning from a lovable protagonist to a villainous antagonist. However, it is important to note that the series does not present a clear-cut dichotomy between good and evil, with characters' motivations and actions revealing a more complex and nuanced morality.
Season 3 of "The Last of Us" is likely to continue focusing on Abby's perspective, given the season 2 finale's shift in viewpoint. With a more balanced approach to character development and an exploration of a more morally grey world, the series may be able to retain its viewership and critical acclaim in the face of major character deaths.
For more in-depth analysis of the series, check out our review of "The Last of Us" season 2. You can also stay up-to-date with everything we know about "The Last of Us" season 3.
- The shocking murder of Joel in "The Last of Us" has led to debates about the series' potential ratings decline and whether it is oscillating between hero and villain, as portrayed by Pedro Pascal.
- Flipping the morality of characters, such as Joel's transformation from protagonist to antagonist, seems to be a tactic employed by the series to maintain viewer interest.
- The second season of "The Last of Us" provides a deeper exploration of characters' motivations, particularly Abby's, and presents a more complex and nuanced morality.
- The apparent willingness of "The Last of Us" to offer perspective, even if it proves challenging for fans mourning Joel's demise, could be a key factor in the show's resilience to viewer exodus.
- Viewers may find solace in the exploration of Abby's motivations for killing Joel and understand Joel's reasoning for saving Ellie, as depicted in the show.
- In addition to following the storyline of "The Last of Us," readers can gather further insights from reviews and updates on the upcoming season 3 of the show.
