Headline: Shocking Twist in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2: How Fans Reacted to Joel’s Heartbreaking Demise

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” delivered one of the most gut-wrenching moments in television history with the brutal death of Joel Miller, played by Pedro Pascal. Airing on April 20, 2025, on HBO, this episode adapted a pivotal and controversial moment from The Last of Us Part II video game, leaving audiences reeling.

Fans, both new to the story and those familiar with the game, took to social media platforms like X to express their heartbreak, anger, and awe. But how exactly did viewers react to this seismic twist, and what does it mean for the future of the series?

Why Was Joel’s Death in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 So Shocking?

For viewers unfamiliar with The Last of Us Part II, Joel’s death at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 came as a brutal shock. The episode depicted Abby, driven by revenge for her father’s death, torturing and killing Joel with a golf club while Ellie (Bella Ramsey) watched in horror.

Social media posts on X captured the raw emotion, with users like @saintelain lamenting that the show’s early humanization of Abby dulled the emotional punch compared to the game’s blindsiding impact. Others, like @Gabuchogram, called the execution “underwhelming,” arguing it failed to capture the defining weight of Joel’s demise.

Yet, the episode’s 9.5/10 IMDb rating from 26,000 reviews suggests many found it masterful.

The shock was amplified by the show’s fidelity to the game’s polarizing choice to kill off a beloved character so early. As The Guardian noted, Joel’s death was “the biggest open secret in TV history,” yet it still felt like “The Red Wedding times a million” for unsuspecting viewers.

Fans unfamiliar with the game expressed betrayal, with one X user writing, “Players knew this WHOLE TIME that Joel was gonna die and didn’t warn me?!?”.

How Did Fans Express Their Grief Over Joel’s Death?

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 left fans in mourning, with X posts flooded with crying emojis and heartfelt tributes. Comments like “I JUST finished the episode Pedro, how dare you ” on Pascal’s Instagram selfie with Dever reflected the visceral pain.

Another fan on X pleaded, “Pedro, go back to set and change what I just saw. Joel is fine and he gets up. Thank yew!!”. The imagery of Ellie cradling Joel’s bloodied body was particularly haunting, with Esquire noting it was “too much to bear” for some, surpassing even Pascal’s brutal Game of Thrones death.

Bella Ramsey’s tearful reaction to reading the script—“I actually sobbed my little heart out”—mirrored the audience’s response. Fans praised the emotional depth, with

@Yasos1993 on X calling the episode a “visual masterpiece, full of emotion” despite its sorrowful tone.

The silent end credits, a nod to HBO’s tradition for tragic episodes, further amplified the grief.

What Made Pedro Pascal’s Performance Stand Out?

Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 was a focal point of praise, even amidst the tragedy. Fans on X lauded his ability to convey vulnerability, with @eternallypascal noting his “lip quivering” and “pain on his face” as Emmy-worthy.

Pascal himself admitted to being in “active denial” about Joel’s death, a sentiment echoed by fans unwilling to let go. His bloodied makeup on set reportedly “killed the vibe” among the cast, underscoring the scene’s intensity.

Pascal’s chemistry with Kaitlyn Dever also resonated. He described their bond as ironic, given the violent scene, saying, “Something so violent and tragic between characters can immediately bond you to the actor”. Fans appreciated this dynamic, with Dever’s caption of “My best snow buddy” on a set selfie softening the blow for some.

How Did the Show’s Changes Affect Audience Reactions?

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 made notable changes from the game, influencing audience reactions. Unlike the game, the show introduced Abby’s motivations earlier, revealing her father’s death by Joel’s hand before the killing. This reduced the mystery that made the game’s twist so jarring, prompting mixed responses.

The Daily Beast criticized the show for stripping away Abby’s intrigue, arguing it rushed a pivotal moment. Conversely, Polygon praised the change for deepening the conflict, making Abby a “tragic threat” rather than a sudden villain.

The absence of Tommy (Gabriel Luna) from Joel’s death scene, unlike the game, also sparked debate. Luna told Esquire this alteration reflected Tommy’s military background, avoiding carelessness.

Some fans appreciated the narrative tweaks, with @NotiPlay_ on X praising the episode for improving the game’s context, while others felt it diluted the story’s impact.

Will Joel’s Death Shape the Rest of Season 2?

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 sets Ellie on a revenge-driven path, with showrunner Craig Mazin confirming Joel’s death will remain a focal point. Fans are already speculating about Ellie’s parallels with Abby, as hinted by co-creator Neil Druckmann.

Mazin also teased flashbacks featuring Joel, ensuring Pedro Pascal’s presence lingers. X users expressed hope for these scenes, with some anticipating the iconic porch scene from the game.

The episode’s impact extends beyond immediate reactions, with Forbes noting it marks a turning point for the series. As fans process their grief, the show’s ability to balance heartbreak and hope will be crucial, especially with a confirmed third season.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 has left an indelible mark on viewers, with Joel’s death sparking a torrent of emotions from devastation to admiration.

Pedro Pascal’s poignant performance, coupled with the show’s bold narrative choices, has fueled passionate discussions across X and beyond. As fans grapple with this loss, the promise of flashbacks and Ellie’s journey offers a glimmer of hope.

One thing is certain: The Last of Us continues to redefine storytelling, and its audience will be watching—tears and all—for what comes next.