The The Last of Us universe has delivered one of its most pivotal and divisive moments once again, as fans witnessed the heartbreaking and violent death of Joel in The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2. The episode, which closely follows the controversial plot of The Last of Us Part II video game, confirmed what many had speculated for months: Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is dead. As the episode aired, questions flooded social media: Did Joel die in the last of us? Is Joel really dead? Why did they kill Joel in the last of us?
Joel Miller’s death in the HBO series marks a turning point, not just in the narrative, but in the emotional stakes of the show. The character, beloved for his gruff exterior and complex bond with Ellie, meets his end at the hands of Abby, a new character introduced this season. For fans who played The Last of Us Part II, this scene was inevitable, yet seeing it play out in live action with Pedro Pascal’s visceral performance reignited the emotional storm originally sparked by the 2020 game.
In the series, Joel’s death is nearly identical to the events in the game, where Abby, seeking revenge for her father’s death, brutally kills him. Many are revisiting the question: How does Joel die in the game? The answer remains brutally consistent Abby bludgeons him with a golf club in front of Ellie. The show’s creators, including Neil Druckmann and director Mark Mylod, stood by the decision, explaining that staying true to the source material was critical for Ellie’s arc to remain emotionally grounded.
Online reactions were swift. On Reddit threads like The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Reddit, fans debated the storytelling choice. Some praised the show’s boldness, while others expressed outrage. Many pointed to the series’ faithful adaptation of The Last of Us 2 and The Last of Us Part 2 as both its strength and its greatest challenge.
Ashley Johnson, who originally voiced Ellie in The Last of Us video game and appeared in Season 1, tweeted support for the cast’s powerful performances: “Watching Joel’s final moments again was just as gut wrenching. Pedro Pascal brought incredible depth to Joel the last of us fans have known and loved for a decade.”
As the season continues, viewers wonder what comes next. Does Abby die in The Last of Us? remains one of the biggest questions. While the series has made small deviations from the games, the major story beats appear to be intact. The tragic fall of Joel sets Ellie on a path of vengeance, moral ambiguity, and deep emotional scars that will likely shape the remainder of the series.
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 doesn’t just echo the game it reopens the debate: Why did they kill Joel in The Last of Us? Whether you agree with the direction or not, Joel’s death once again proves that The Last of Us is unafraid to challenge its audience. The next episodes will continue exploring the cost of violence and the fragility of hope in a world defined by loss.
