The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 Review: A Haunting Return to Joel and Ellie’s World

In this The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 Review, we dive into the highly anticipated premiere of HBO’s post-apocalyptic masterpiece, which aired on April 13, 2025.

Returning to the fungal-infested ruins of America, the episode, titled “Future Days,” picks up five years after the seismic events of Season 1, reintroducing us to Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they navigate fractured bonds and new threats.

While the episode sets a slower pace, it lays a rich foundation for what promises to be an emotionally devastating season. Drawing from critical reactions and detailed analysis, here’s a breakdown of what worked, what didn’t, and why fans are buzzing about this return.

What’s the State of Joel and Ellie’s Relationship?

The premiere wastes no time addressing the elephant in the room: Joel’s lie about the hospital massacre that ended Season 1. Five years later, the duo resides in Jackson, Wyoming, a haven amidst the chaos, but their relationship is strained. Ellie, now older and grappling with her identity, senses Joel’s deception, while Joel buries his guilt in therapy sessions and dad jokes.

Critics note the palpable tension. IndieWire observes, “Joel and Ellie are on the outs, the tendrils are making their way in, and Jackson’s promising construction is already in danger of tumbling down.” This dynamic sets the stage for a season exploring trust and consequence, with Pascal and Ramsey delivering performances that feel both familiar and evolved.

The episode’s quieter moments—like Ellie’s interactions with Dina (Isabela Merced)—hint at her longing for connection, while Joel’s vulnerability in therapy reveals a man haunted by his choices. It’s a slow burn, but one that promises deeper payoffs.

How Does the Premiere Balance Action and Emotion?

Unlike Season 1’s action-heavy opener, “Future Days” leans into character-driven drama, with infected encounters taking a backseat. A chilling sequence involving tendrils signals the ever-present danger, but the focus remains on emotional stakes. Some fans, expecting more zombie chaos, felt the pacing lagged.

ScreenRant captures this sentiment: “Things get off to a slow start with Joel & Ellie at odds, but I have faith in what’s being set up.” The episode’s restraint prioritizes world-building, showcasing Jackson’s fragile community and introducing new characters like Catherine O’Hara’s mysterious therapist, who adds layers to Joel’s arc.

When action does hit, it’s visceral—think clickers lurking in shadows—but it’s the quieter scenes, like Ellie’s hesitant guitar strums, that linger. This balance may divide viewers, but it underscores the show’s strength: humanizing a brutal world.

Are There Changes from the Game, and Do They Work?

Adapting The Last of Us Part II, the premiere stays faithful to the game’s tone but tweaks certain beats. Fans on X have mixed feelings, with some praising added depth to Jackson’s community, while others question changes to character motivations. One X user noted, “Some interesting world-building added but quite a few unnecessary and inexplicable changes to the source material that damage characterization.”

Variety praises the adaptation’s ambition: “Creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann continue to hew tightly to their source material in Season 2.” Yet, the episode’s divergence—particularly in pacing and dialogue—has sparked debate. For newcomers, these changes are seamless, but purists may need convincing as the season unfolds.

The introduction of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) is teased subtly, setting up her pivotal role without stealing focus. It’s a delicate dance, and the premiere mostly sticks the landing.

What Are Critics Saying About the Performances?

The cast remains a highlight, with Pascal and Ramsey anchoring the episode’s emotional core. The Hollywood Reporter raves, “There’s still much to love about the new episodes, including next-level work by stars Ramsey and Pedro Pascal.” Ramsey’s Ellie is a standout, blending teenage defiance with quiet pain, while Pascal’s Joel feels wearier, his gruff exterior cracking under guilt.

Newcomers like Merced and O’Hara shine, though their roles are still unfolding. Critics agree the ensemble elevates the slower pace, making every glance and pause resonate. As Rotten Tomatoes notes, “Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey continue to amaze, as does the show’s drama.”

Does the Premiere Live Up to Season 1’s Hype?

Season 1 set a high bar, earning near-universal acclaim as HBO’s best video game adaptation. Season 2’s opener doesn’t match that debut’s intensity, but it’s not trying to. Instead, it carves a new path, prioritizing introspection over spectacle. Mashable reflects, “Season 2 is just as moving as its predecessor, but it’s also infinitely more frustrating.”

The episode’s cliffhanger—hinting at dangers encroaching on Jackson—ensures viewers will return. While some, per X posts, found it “underwhelming” (scoring it 6/10), others see it as a bold setup for a sprawling story. It’s a divisive start, but one brimming with potential.

Some Closing Thoughts: Is “Future Days” a Worthy Return?

This The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 Review finds “Future Days” a haunting, if measured, return to HBO’s dystopian saga. It trades Season 1’s immediacy for a slower, character-focused approach, trusting viewers to invest in Joel and Ellie’s fractured bond. While not flawless—pacing and game deviations may polarize—it’s a testament to the show’s craft that every frame feels alive with dread and hope.

As the season unfolds, expect bigger stakes and bolder swings. For now, “Future Days” invites us back into a world where survival demands sacrifice, and love carries a heavy price.

Tune in next Sunday on HBO or Max to see where this journey leads.