Episode ends with Abby and crew watching Jackson from afar—setting the stage for a storm
Dubai: Season 2 of The Last of Us kicks off with Joel doubling down on his version of events—spinning a tale Ellie clearly doesn’t buy, judging by her epic side-eye.
Meanwhile, in Salt Lake City, Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) has moved past mourning and straight into mission mode, vowing revenge for the Fireflies.
Flash forward five years: Joel and Ellie are living in Jackson, Wyoming, but all is not well.
Their bond is fraying—Joel throws himself into community work, while 19-year-old Ellie, emotionally distant, trains in combat. He seeks therapy from Gail (Catherine O’Hara), confessing he killed her husband, Eugene—a raw revelation that hints at his gnawing guilt.
During a patrol, Ellie and her friend Dina (Isabela Merced) face off with a new, smarter type of infected. Ellie is bitten but, once again, shows no symptoms, confirming her immunity. That night, at a New Year’s Eve party, Ellie and Dina kiss, only to be confronted by a hostile local. Joel steps in, sparking a public scuffle that deepens the tension between him and Ellie.
The episode ends with Abby and her crew watching Jackson from afar—setting the stage for a storm that's about to break.
The premiere has drawn widespread acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it boasts a 100% approval rating based on 24 reviews, with an average score of 8.4/10. Critics praised Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s performances, Craig Mazin’s sharp direction, and the show's delicate balance of staying true to the game while forging new ground. The debut of a more intelligent infected and the early sparks between Ellie and Dina were spotlighted as standout elements.
Sign up for the Daily Briefing
Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox