Shocking Twists in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2: How It Differs from the Game

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 has left fans reeling with its gut-wrenching moments and bold narrative choices, adapting one of the most polarizing sequences from The Last of Us Part II. While HBO’s adaptation stays true to the emotional core of the game, it introduces significant changes that alter the storytelling experience.

From character dynamics to pivotal events, this article dives into the key differences between the show and the game, offering fans a deeper look at how the creators have reimagined this iconic story.

Warning: Major spoilers for The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 and The Last of Us Part II follow.

What Is the Biggest Change in Joel’s Fate?

In The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2, Joel’s death is the heart-wrenching centerpiece, mirroring the game’s shocking early loss. However, the show tweaks the execution. In The Last of Us Part II, Abby kills Joel with a golf club, delivering a final, brutal blow to the head.

The show, however, has Abby break the golf club during the attack, forcing her to stab Joel through the neck with the broken shaft, creating a visceral, distinct image of violence.

This change maintains the scene’s devastation but offers a fresh visual for TV audiences. Additionally, the show has Abby explicitly reveal her identity and motive—avenging her father’s death—before killing Joel, whereas the game delays this revelation for hours, keeping players in the dark.

The context of Joel’s death also shifts. In the game, a winter storm drives Joel and Tommy to seek shelter with Abby’s group, inadvertently walking into her trap. In The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2, no storm exists; instead, a massive Infected horde threatens Jackson, and Joel heads to Abby’s ski lodge hoping to recruit her group’s help.

This alteration ties Joel’s decision to the immediate danger facing his community, adding a layer of tragic irony.

Who Accompanies Joel During His Final Moments?

Another significant change in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 is who is with Joel when he meets his end. In the game, Joel is accompanied by his brother, Tommy, during the patrol that leads to Abby’s ambush.

In the show, however, Dina takes Tommy’s place, a choice that reshapes character motivations. The show establishes a stronger father-daughter bond between Joel and Dina in Season 2, Episode 1, giving her a personal stake in seeking revenge after witnessing Joel’s death.

Moreover, the show has Dina drugged and unconscious during the murder, ensuring Ellie is the only Jackson resident to witness the act. This isolates Ellie emotionally, amplifying her grief and rage. In contrast, Tommy’s presence in the game ties him directly to the revenge arc, as he later joins Ellie in Seattle. The switch to Dina could have ripple effects on the show’s future, potentially altering Tommy’s role in the narrative.

How Does the Jackson Invasion Change the Story?

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 introduces a massive Infected attack on Jackson, a sequence entirely absent from The Last of Us Part II. In the show, Tommy leads the town’s defense against a horde breaching the walls, showcasing Jackson’s fortifications and survival tactics, like ramps, gasoline, and guard dogs.

This action-packed addition fleshes out Tommy’s leadership and gives the town a lived-in feel, but it also serves a narrative purpose: it keeps Tommy in Jackson, explaining why he isn’t with Joel during the fatal patrol.

In the game, no such invasion occurs, and Jackson remains a safe haven until later events. The show’s inclusion of this battle may foreshadow future conflicts or highlight the ever-present threat of the Infected, which Season 1 was criticized for downplaying. This change adds spectacle but risks overshadowing Joel’s death, a concern noted by some critics.

How Is Abby’s Backstory Handled Differently?

Abby’s introduction in The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 diverges sharply from the game in terms of timing and perspective. In The Last of Us Part II, Abby’s motive—avenging her father, a Firefly doctor killed by Joel—is revealed much later, after players spend hours viewing her as a villain. This delay builds tension and forces players to grapple with their hatred.

The show, however, frontloads Abby’s backstory, starting with Season 2, Episode 1, where she’s seen mourning at the Fireflies’ graves. In Episode 2, she openly tells Joel why she’s killing him, fostering earlier empathy for her character.

A flashback sequence also differs. In the game’s “Tracking Lessons” chapter, players control Abby as she discovers her father’s body in the hospital’s operating room, a raw moment that humanizes her.

In The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2, this is reimagined as a dream where an older Abby confronts her younger self, warning her not to enter the room. The camera stays outside, focusing on Abby’s tears rather than the corpse, softening the scene’s impact but aligning with the show’s more introspective tone.

Are Other Scenes Faithful to the Game?

While The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 makes bold changes, some scenes remain remarkably faithful. The awkward exchange between Ellie and Jesse about her kiss with Dina at the barn dance is nearly identical to the game, with 95% of the dialogue unchanged and similar camera work.

Likewise, Ellie’s encounter with Seth, who offers steak sandwiches as an apology for his bigotry, mirrors the game closely, though Jesse’s presence and the setting’s canteen-like appearance mark minor tweaks. These recreations ground the episode in the game’s spirit, balancing the larger deviations.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 2 delivers a heart-shattering adaptation of The Last of Us Part II, staying true to its emotional weight while reworking key moments for television.

From Joel’s altered death to the new Jackson invasion, these changes reshape character arcs and narrative pacing, sparking debate among fans.

Whether you prefer the game’s delayed reveals or the show’s earlier empathy for Abby, one thing is clear:

HBO’s bold choices keep us glued to the screen, eagerly awaiting what’s next for Ellie and her world. Share your thoughts on these differences in the comments below!