HBO’s The Last of Us set the bar high with its first season but did not land the point with its second season.
It delivered intense storytelling, faithful but even-handed video game translation, outstanding performances, and stunning set design with a virtually flawless combination of emotional impact and world-building that engaged long-time fans and newcomers alike.
The Knockturnal hit the red carpet at HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 premiere at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre in LA 🎬✨ We caught up with some of the cast and soaked in the post-apocalyptic glam. #TheLastOfUs #PedroPascal #HBOMax #RedCarpetStyle pic.twitter.com/YJyTegxIrE
Season 2 had every opportunity to capitalize on that momentum, but instead presents a mixed bag. It is a season that takes some bold steps forward but too many awkward missteps backward.
Let’s have this done with first: Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are back, albeit briefly. Those familiar with the game recognized what was building, even if the show manipulated setup and payoff to keep expectations off. The little adjustments in how those moments ultimately play are engrossing bold even but whether or not they pay off will be situational based on how close the viewer is to the original material. The emotional payoff still exists, but it’s differently carried.
Bella Ramsey once more proves they’re a force of nature. Their performance this time around feels even more authentic, and the Ellie-Dina dynamic (acted beautifully by Isabela Merced) is a highlight. Theirs is a naturally sounding connection, with chemistry that adds emotional richness to the season. Ellie’s rage, anger, and vulnerability are all on full display, and if the Emmys come calling again, it would be well-deserved as by the end of the year, I have a feeling she will be in those conversations
Conversely, Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby is complicated. The character herself brings a huge tonal shift to the narrative, just as she does in the game. The catch is that Dever’s performance lacks the physicality and intensity that made Abby work so effectively in the game. She’s given more screen time and a deeper backstory, which on paper should add complexity. But her line delivery consistently feels flat, as if she’s telegraphing her marks instead of inhabiting the emotional turmoil Abby has. And to make matters worse, she’s introduced immediately in the first episode — taking away the mystery that made her path so shocking and compelling in the game.
As for the world at large, the infected are still hidden too much. Yes, their presence is noted when they do appear, but the intensity and fear that they brought in Season 1 is diluted here. You start to forget that they even exist in this world. I understand that the visual style in making them powerful was in making every sighting count, but a few more would have maintained the tension sharp.
The Seraphites plot is a slow burn but a good one. For gamers, it’s nice to see this arc get some proper development. The brutal and philosophical opposition between the Seraphites and the WLF adds much-needed tension in subsequent episodes. Jeffrey Wright as Isaac is good casting: cold, controlled, and authoritative. But sadly, he gets wasted. There are moments of brilliance in his scenes, but his screen time does not equal the weight his character is supposed to carry.
Visually, Season 2 still dazzles, but less consistently. Whereas episodes 2, 3, and 6 were filmed great and emotionally charged, others look as though they have been stripped by a tighter budget. There is an evident shift not just in production scale but of pace. Ironically, despite only having 7 episodes, the season feels long. The filler storylines overstay their welcome, and story beats that are meant to be punchy instead linger too long after their welcome has expired. It’s the sort of slow burn that approaches a slog.
The Last of Us Season 2 isn’t bad but it’s just uneven. It boasts incredible performances, particularly from Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced, and moments of cinematic loveliness and deep emotional payoff. But it’s undermined by pacing issues, underwhelming character introductions, and a lack of sense of urgency in its world-building.
It’s not the emotional win that Season 1 was, but diamonds are here. As a gamer, I love that they took those risks. I just wish they rewarded slightly better. Season 3 needs to refine the storytelling and restore the constant intensity that made Season 1 unforgettable.
