The season two finale of the Last of Us feels less like a conclusion and more like an intermission. While it marks the end of this year’s installments, and possibly a longer wait, the episode structure leaves viewers hanging. The episode culminates in a cliffhanger, followed by a rewind to the arrival of Ellie and Dina in Seattle, now viewed through Abby’s outlook as a member of the WLF.

A Season That Just Stops

The season’s ending is abrupt and somewhat confusing. The initial scene with Abby inside the stadium features her holding a copy of City of Thieves, a novel by Game of Thrones co-creator David Benioff. The novel is about two young Russian men during World War II sent on a pointless quest. This mirrors the characters’ search for vengeance.

The Perils of Splitting Source Material

Splitting source material across multiple seasons carries inherent risks. When prosperous, as with the recent Dune movies, it allows for a comprehensive adaptation.However, when it fails, like with the Hunger Games movie series, it can feel padded and incomplete. This season of The Last of us, with only seven episodes, leans towards the latter.

Missing the Mark

serialized dramas typically build towards a clear character or story arc within a season. This season,however,consists of four episodes focused on Ellie’s revenge against Abby,leading to a perspective shift.This leaves viewers feeling like they’ve only seen half the story.

The Revenge Story

Even if the revenge story is accepted, the execution has been questionable. The intensity of Bella Ramsey’s performance carries the series.The season framed Ellie and Dina’s decision to stay in Seattle despite the dangers and Dina’s pregnancy. The decision lacks emotional sense,as both characters seemed overjoyed at the prospect of parenthood,yet still refused to leave.

Character Development

The flashback episode highlighted the loss of Joel and the disappointing development of new characters like Jesse and Dina. Despite their presence throughout the season, they lack the depth of characters like Joel’s dad and Gene, who made a important impact in a short amount of time.

The Seattle Conflict

The season struggles with how much to reveal about the Seattle characters. Showing events only as Ellie experiences them coudl have created an interesting disorientation.Instead, viewers receive context that the protagonists lack, yet not enough to fully understand the conflicts between the Wolves and the Seraphites.

The Monster at the End of This Book

Ellie’s encounter with The Monster at the End of This Book mirrors the series’ themes. Just as Grover fears the monster only to find it’s himself, The Last of Us revealed Joel as the monster in the first season. Now, the story seems headed for a sequel.

Choosing Revenge Over Family

Ellie discovers Abby’s location and chooses revenge over family. She kills two of Abby’s sidekicks and is horrified to realize one was pregnant. Her attempt to deliver the baby fails.