‘The Last of Us’ Season 2: An Emotional Journey
As viewers watch The Last of Us unfold, the current season has already delivered a rollercoaster of emotions. Following the recent episodes, fans are beginning to digest the profound developments that have taken place. Warning: Spoilers ahead for all aired episodes of The Last of Us Season 2.
Significant Character Losses
In just the first three episodes, co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have crafted intense narratives, including the shocking demise of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, in the second episode titled “Through the Valley.” In the third episode, “The Path,” audiences were offered a moment to pause and reflect amidst the chaos.
Setting the Scene: A Community in Mourning
Taking place three months after the devastating events of the previous episode, “The Path” explores the daily lives of the Jackson settlement as its residents grapple with loss and strive to rebuild. Meanwhile, Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, is transitioning from her hospital stay, where she recuperated from injuries suffered during her efforts to save Joel.
Ellie’s Emotional Reawakening
One poignant moment occurs as Ellie returns home for the first time, confronting the emotional emptiness left by Joel’s absence. She walks through their shared space and steps into Joel’s bedroom, where memories flood back, highlighted by his belongings—a watch and gun resting on the bed. Notably, she discovers his iconic flannel-lined jacket, a key item in his wardrobe, which sparks a profound emotional response.
A Difficult Scene to Portray
Ramsey recounted the challenges of showcasing this grief in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, describing the scene as one of the most challenging they faced. “That was the hardest [scene],” Ramsey stated. “I can get a tear out, but that’s different from crying.” They explained their discomfort with showing such vulnerability in front of a crew, adding, “Having to do that on set full of people with the monitor… it’s virtually impossible for me.”
Channeling Joy to Express Grief
Interestingly, Ramsey approached the scene in an unconventional manner. Instead of focusing on personal sadness, they recalled joyful memories shared with Pascal. “I was remembering the happiest of memories that I have with Pedro,” they expressed, noting how recalling those moments heightened the sense of loss. “The thing that is always the saddest for me is remembering the happy things.” For Ramsey, the bond between the characters Joel and Ellie is intricately tied to their own memories with Pascal, enriching the emotional portrayal of their relationship.
Conclusion
As viewers continue to journey with Ellie and the rest of the characters in The Last of Us, the emotional depth and storytelling prowess displayed by the creators promise a season filled with rich character studies and poignant moments.
