Summary
HBO didn’t take much time in renewingThe Last of Usfor a second season after the show received a thunderous response from critics and audiences. However, some became skeptical when the network announced that the show’s second season would follow the events of the second game in the franchise,The Last of Us Part II.Although regarded as one of the best games ever made, certain decisions were criticized by several gamers. When Season 2 was announced, some people didn’t want the makers of the TV series to follow in the footsteps of Naughty Dog and give them two perspectives on the same narrative. Surprisingly, the showrunners did what they had to, and finished the second season by showing that Season 3 would focus on Abby Anderson’s time in Seattle.
Those who haven’t playedThe Last of Us Part IImight not know about the controversy that took place after the game’s release. Even though the game received near-universal acclaim from critics, several gamers were not happy with the sections in which the player controlled Abby, even when the game was focused on how Ellie wanted to avenge Joel’s death and find Abby, along with her group. The TV series did the same thing by ending Season 2 on a cliffhanger and showcasing Abby’s Day One in Seattle. In the game, the decision to show Abby’s story left fans divided, and the reception was somewhat similar for the TV series. While this might seem like a bold or even controversial decision, it could be the best move forThe Last of Usseries.
What Happens in The Last of Us Season 2 Finale?
The finale ofThe Last of Usseason 2 focused on Ellie’s journey in Seattle. Dina, injured, rests in a theater where they took refuge. Ellie and Jesse decide to meet Tommy at the rendezvous point and see what they can do next. Jesse finally learns Dina is pregnant with his baby, and says that they need to get out of Seattle because he can’t risk anyone’s lives for a war that is not theirs. Meanwhile, Ellie finally realizes what Nora meant by “whale and wheel,” and deduces that Abby might be taking refuge inside the Seattle Aquarium. Though Jesse tries to stop her, Ellie doesn’t listen, and makes her way there.
After a near-death experience in the river and the forest, Ellie arrives at the aquarium and starts searching for Abby. Instead,she finds Owen and Mel, two of Abby’s partners and who supported her when she killed Joel. She makes them a deal: she won’t kill them if they pinpoint Abby’s whereabouts. However, Owen goes for the gun, and as soon as he does, Ellie kills both of them. After doing so, Ellie learns that Mel was pregnant, making her feel numb. A few moments later, Ellie, Jesse, and Tommy reach the theater and plan to return to Jackson.
Tommy leaves the duo so that they can talk to each other, but their conversation is cut short when they hear gunshots from the hall. As soon as Jesse opened the door of the hall, he is struck in the face and killed. Abby tells Ellie to come out, or she’ll kill Tommy. As soon as Abby sees Ellie, she realizes that she had saved her that day, but she wasted her chance. The screen goes black, and viewers hear a gunshot.
Afterward, Abby is seen waking up and going to the balcony of a stadium that has been taken over by the WLF. The scene is accompanied by the words “Seattle Day One,” confirming that Season 3 will be about Abby.
Why Is Season 3’s Focus On Abby A Good Thing?
The Last of Us Part IIis not just about thrilling visuals, epic storytelling, menacing characters, and scary zombies. One of the major themes is perspective. The game forces players to live through the same three days in Seattle, but from two different angles: Ellie’s and Abby’s. The decision might be controversial, but the result was powerful. Bringing a similar kind of storytelling might be risky, but it also shows how HBO and the makers of the show are stepping back from their commitment to telling the full story.
In Season 2, HBO did an excellent job of staying true to the game’s storyline. They did take some creative liberties, but it only made the narrative better, and added depth to the characters and sequences.The Last of Usseason 2followed the initial portions ofPart IIclosely, and they were masterfully shot. Now, shifting to Abby’s story in Season 3 feels like both good and faithful storytelling.
Abby’s narrative opens up a whole new side ofThe Last of Usuniverse. Viewers will get to see the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) in great detail and how they began their fight with the Seraphites. Her storyline can also focus on secondary characters that are important for the story to move forward. For example, fans might see Lev and Yara in the upcoming season. These two characters are pivotal to Abby’s storyline and her redemption arc. As soon as she meets them, her personality changes, especially after learning about Yara’s illness. She starts to understand the value of human life, and focuses on keeping others safe. By spending time with them, Abby begins to see things in a new way and slowly lets go of her need for revenge. Focusing on such plotlines widens the lens, showing that the post-apocalyptic world is full of stories beyond Ellie’s.
Just like the game,The Last of Usseries has made it clear that it won’t shy away from morally gray storytelling. By now, the audience has realized that Abby is not a “typical” villain. She is a person who lost her father and sought revenge, just like Ellie wanted to after Joel’s death. Her narrative will prompt viewers to sit with her story, emotions, and pain, challenging them to think about what heroism means.
Abby’s friends — Nora, Owen, Mel, and Manny — will also get a chance to be in the spotlight, giving the show a chance to dissect the relationship between Abby, Owen, and Mel. The first scene in Season 2, where viewers meet Abby and her friends, makes it seem like Owen and Abby are in a relationship. However, the ending of the season makes it clear thatOwen and Mel are together, and Mel doesn’t like Abby much. This would be another interesting theme to explore in Season 3 and showcase how Abby’s relationship changed with her own people. Multi-perspective storytelling gives the writers room to explore deeper emotional arcs.
Traditional narratives have the good and the bad guys clearly defined. However, this franchise refuses to play by those orthodox rules. By giving Abby center stage, the series reinforces one of its most significant messages: every character has their own path, their own reasons, and their own pain. Season 3 will be pivotal in showing viewers who Abby is and why she became fearful, yet so menacing. The decision to put the focus on Abby is more than just a plot twist. It’s a promise that this story won’t shy away from pain, redemption, or complexity. For those who have played the game, it will be a chance to reimagine the story in a bigger and better way. For those who haven’t, Abby’s arc will be fresh and give them another emotionally resonant storyline, just like Ellie’s.
Whether people find it controversial, Abby is coming, and there’s no doubt that her story matters, giving fans a chance to know the other side of the story. That’s the prime reason whyThe Last of Usis such a beloved franchise.
Both seasons ofThe Last of Usare available for streaming on HBO MAX.
