The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Ending Explained: Joel’s Shocking Fate Unveiled

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has wasted no time in delivering gut-wrenching moments, and the second episode, “Through the Valley,” leaves viewers reeling with a devastating twist. For those searching for any answers, or maybe even some form of closure, this article dives deep into the emotional and narrative weight of the episode’s climax, unpacking the pivotal event that changes the course of the series.

With the show closely adapting The Last of Us Part II video game, fans and newcomers alike are grappling with the fallout of a moment that redefines Ellie and Joel’s journey.

Spoiler Warning: This article contains major spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2. Proceed with caution if you haven’t watched the episode.

What Happened in the Episode 2 Ending?

The closing moments of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 deliver a brutal shock: Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), the hardened survivor and surrogate father to Ellie (Bella Ramsey), is killed by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). After Abby and her group arrive in Jackson, Wyoming, seeking revenge for Joel’s actions in Season 1, they encounter him during a patrol.

In a harrowing sequence, Abby lures Joel and Dina (Isabela Merced) to her group’s hideout. There, she brutally murders Joel with a golf club while Ellie, arriving too late, watches in horror. This moment, lifted directly from The Last of Us Part II game, marks a turning point, shattering the fragile peace Joel and Ellie had found in Jackson.

The episode ends with Ellie’s anguished screams and Abby’s unresolved expression, hinting at the emptiness of her vengeance. For viewers, it’s a moment of disbelief—how could the show kill off its co-lead so early?

Why Did Abby Kill Joel?

Abby’s motivations stem from the Season 1 finale, where Joel massacred the Fireflies in a Salt Lake City hospital to save Ellie from a fatal procedure meant to create a cure. Among those killed was Abby’s father, the lead surgeon. This loss fuels Abby’s years-long quest for revenge, introduced in the Season 2 premiere through a flashback showing her grief.

Her decision to kill Joel is both personal and merciless, but the episode subtly portrays her lack of satisfaction post-act. As co-creator Neil Druckmann noted, Abby’s act leaves her in “existential confusion,” setting up her complex arc as a character who’s both antagonist and protagonist.

How Does Joel’s Death Impact Ellie?

Ellie’s world unravels with Joel’s death. Despite their strained relationship—caused by Joel’s lie about the Fireflies—Ellie’s love for him runs deep. Witnessing his murder ignites a thirst for vengeance, mirroring Abby’s own motivations and setting the stage for a cycle of violence central to The Last of Us Part II.

The episode underscores Ellie’s emotional fragility. Her immunity to the Cordyceps infection, once a source of hope, now feels like a curse as she loses the one person who made her feel safe. This loss propels her toward a darker path, with the “Weeks Ahead” trailer teasing her pursuit of Abby.

Why Was Joel’s Death So Early in the Season?

Killing Joel in Episode 2 is a bold narrative choice, especially for a show with only seven episodes this season. In the game, Joel’s death occurs early to shift the focus to Ellie and Abby’s parallel journeys. The show follows suit, using his death as the inciting incident for the season’s exploration of revenge and morality.

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann prioritized getting this moment right, with director Mark Mylod focusing on its emotional and technical execution. The early timing ensures the story doesn’t stagnate, pushing Ellie into uncharted territory while challenging viewers to empathize with Abby.

How Does the Attack on Jackson Fit In?

The episode also introduces a simultaneous threat: a horde of infected attacking Jackson, amplified by Cordyceps growing in the town’s pipes. This deviation from the game heightens the sense of chaos, showing that even Jackson’s walls can’t protect against external and internal dangers.

The attack, combined with Joel’s death, underscores the fragility of safety in this world. As Druckmann explained, this dual threat illustrates “how dangerous the world is and how fragile everything is,” amplifying the stakes for Ellie and the community.

What’s Next for The Last of Us Season 2?

The fallout from Joel’s death will dominate the remaining episodes, with Ellie likely embarking on a revenge mission against Abby. The trailer hints at intense confrontations, new factions like the Seraphites, and a deeper look into Abby’s perspective, which may challenge viewers’ allegiances.

The show’s creators have confirmed that The Last of Us Part II’s story will span multiple seasons, meaning Season 2’s cliffhanger ending will leave some questions unanswered. Fans of the game know a showdown between Ellie and Abby is inevitable, but the series may introduce surprises, as seen with the Jackson attack.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 delivers a heart-wrenching blow that redefines the series, proving HBO’s adaptation isn’t afraid to take risks. Joel’s death at Abby’s hands is a pivotal moment that sets Ellie on a path of vengeance while inviting viewers to wrestle with complex moral questions.

Now that we have The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Ending explained, it’s clear the show is crafting a narrative as emotionally devastating as the game, with performances and production that elevate the stakes.

With five episodes left, the journey ahead promises more heartbreak, action, and revelations—brace yourself.