The Last of Us Season 2 Finale: Review & Reactions
- The season finale of "The Last of Us" plunges viewers into the aftermath of Ellie's brutal act against Nora, solidifying the loss of her innocence.
- Despite his youth, Jesse emerges as the responsible voice, cautioning Ellie against her destructive path.
- Ellie's internal conflict mirrors her earlier decision to chase after Joel, prioritizing her heart over the safety of the Jackson community.
‘The Last of Us’ Season Finale: Seattle Revenge Mission Ends in Tragedy
Updated May 26, 2025
The season finale of “The Last of Us” plunges viewers into the aftermath of Ellie’s brutal act against Nora, solidifying the loss of her innocence. Her detached demeanor contrasts sharply with her emotional outburst after fighting David in season one. Now, Ellie grapples with protecting Dina and her unborn child, a role she struggles to embrace fully as the lure of revenge proves too strong.
Despite his youth, Jesse emerges as the responsible voice, cautioning Ellie against her destructive path. His pleas fall on deaf ears,culminating in a bookstore revelation where he admits opposing the mission against Abby. Jesse’s maturity shines as he gently tries to guide Ellie, but she remains steadfast in her vengeful pursuit.
Ellie’s internal conflict mirrors her earlier decision to chase after Joel, prioritizing her heart over the safety of the Jackson community. This pattern reveals her inability to learn from past experiences, driven by love and hate. The dynamic between Ellie, Dina, and jesse forms a compelling first half, but the episode shifts gears toward a darker, more violent climax.
the horrifying murders of Mel, who is pregnant, and Owen serve as the finale’s centerpiece. The accidental nature of Mel’s death raises questions, potentially softening the impact of Ellie’s descent into darkness. Rather of portraying Ellie as a terrifying figure, the show risks portraying her as a lost child stumbling into a nightmare.
The episode’s final 20 minutes rapidly shift between locations and characters, including Isaac’s armada and Ellie’s near-hanging by Seraphites. These fragmented scenes, while intriguing, may disorient viewers unfamiliar with the game’s narrative.
The decision to mirror the game’s structure, revealing Abby’s perspective, is a bold move. Though, the impact of this shift remains uncertain, especially without the gradual buildup of animosity toward Abby. Even Jesse’s death feels rushed, leaving little time to process the loss.
Ultimately, the success of this narrative arc hinges on the upcoming third season. The choice to rewind time and explore the story from a new perspective, without the familiar anchors of Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, presents both a challenge and a captivating opportunity.
What’s next
Viewers now face an extended wait to see how the events of this season’s finale will shape Ellie’s future and the ongoing conflict between the various factions in this post-apocalyptic world. The next season promises to delve deeper into the perspectives of new characters, further complicating the already intricate web of relationships and motivations.
