The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2: Where will the future "Ellie vs Abby" arc take us emotionally?

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has ignited intense emotions with the explosive clash between Ellie and Abby, setting the stage for a heart-wrenching journey in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2, which has essentially set up an Ellie vs Abby arc for the show going forward.

Drawing from the critically acclaimed video game The Last of Us Part II, the rivalry between these two complex characters promises to push viewers through a rollercoaster of grief, rage, and unexpected empathy. As the show adapts the game’s morally gray narrative, where will this feud take us emotionally, and how will HBO balance fidelity to the source with fresh storytelling?

Let’s dive into the potential emotional impact, with spoilers clearly marked for those yet to experience the game’s twists.

What Drives Ellie and Abby’s Rivalry?

The core of The Last of Us Season 2 Episode Ellie vs Abby lies in a cycle of vengeance sparked by a devastating act. SPOILER WARNING: Major plot points from The Last of Us Part II and Season 2, Episode 2 ahead. In the game, Abby kills Joel, Ellie’s surrogate father, as retribution for Joel’s slaughter of her father, a Firefly surgeon, in the first game’s climax. This brutal act, depicted in Season 2’s second episode, sends Ellie on a relentless quest for revenge, mirroring Abby’s own grief-driven mission.

Viewers are likely to feel torn—initially siding with Ellie’s anguish over losing Joel, only to grapple with Abby’s justified pain. HBO’s decision to reveal Abby’s motives earlier than the game shifts the emotional weight, making her less a villain and more a tragic parallel to Ellie. This setup could deepen the audience’s internal conflict, forcing us to question who, if anyone, is “right.”

How Will Ellie’s Revenge Shape Her Character?

Ellie’s arc in The Last of Us Part II is a descent into darkness, and Season 2 seems poised to follow. After Joel’s death, Ellie hunts Abby and her Washington Liberation Front (WLF) allies in Seattle, leaving a trail of bodies. The game shows her killing Abby’s friends—Nora, Owen, and Mel—often in visceral, morally troubling ways. These acts erode Ellie’s humanity, straining her relationships with Dina and Tommy.

For viewers, this could evoke a mix of sympathy and discomfort. Bella Ramsey’s nuanced portrayal of Ellie’s trauma and rage will likely amplify the pain of watching her unravel. HBO may soften some of the game’s violence to avoid alienating audiences, but the emotional toll—guilt, isolation, and self-destruction—will hit hard, especially as Ellie’s actions mirror the very vengeance she condemns in Abby.

Can Abby Become a Sympathetic Figure?

Abby’s journey in the game is one of redemption, and HBO’s adaptation is already laying the groundwork. SPOILER WARNING: Details of Abby’s arc in The Last of Us Part II. After killing Joel, Abby’s perspective unfolds, revealing her bond with Lev and Yara, two Seraphite siblings who challenge her black-and-white worldview. Her efforts to protect them, even at great personal cost, humanize her, forcing players to empathize with someone they once hated.

Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby, though less physically imposing than her game counterpart, exudes vengeful rage and vulnerability. The show’s earlier glimpse into Abby’s backstory could make her redemption arc more seamless, potentially winning over viewers sooner. However, her brutal act against Joel may linger, leaving audiences conflicted—empathizing with her pain yet struggling to forgive her cruelty. This tension could spark heated debates on platforms like X, amplifying the show’s emotional grip.

What Happens in Their Climactic Confrontation?

SPOILER WARNING: Major ending details from The Last of Us Part II. The game’s emotional peak comes in Ellie and Abby’s final confrontation in Santa Barbara. Both are broken—Ellie by her obsession, Abby by captivity and loss. Ellie forces Abby to fight by threatening Lev, leading to a brutal brawl where Ellie nearly drowns her.

A flashback to Joel spares Abby’s life, with Ellie choosing mercy over vengeance. Abby sails away with Lev, while Ellie returns to an empty home, her fingers maimed, unable to play the guitar Joel taught her.

This moment could devastate viewers. The catharsis of Ellie’s choice, paired with the tragedy of her losses, may leave audiences weeping yet hopeful. HBO might tweak the pacing or context, but preserving this scene’s raw emotion—Ramsey and Dever’s chemistry will be key—could make it a defining TV moment. Expect to feel drained, uplifted, and haunted all at once.

Will HBO Stay True to the Game’s Emotional Core?

HBO’s adaptation has already diverged, with changes like the Jackson infected assault and Abby’s earlier backstory reveal. These alterations suggest a willingness to adapt the game’s nonlinear structure for TV’s linear format, potentially smoothing the emotional whiplash of switching perspectives. Yet, the show risks diluting the game’s subtlety by over-explaining motives, as some critics note.

The emotional stakes—grief, forgiveness, and the cost of revenge—remain intact, promising a season that challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. If HBO nails the balance, The Last of Us Season 2 Episode Ellie vs Abby and beyond could surpass the game’s impact, leveraging Ramsey and Dever’s performances to make every gut-punch land.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As The Last of Us Season 2 unfolds, the rivalry between Ellie and Abby will likely take viewers on an unforgettable emotional odyssey, echoing the game’s themes of loss and redemption while carving its own path.

From rage to reluctant empathy, this feud will test our loyalties and leave us questioning the cost of vengeance.

Whether you’re a gamer or a newcomer, brace for a season that breaks hearts and rebuilds them in unexpected ways.

Tune into HBO and prepare to feel everything.