‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 2 Sets Impressive Record Despite Mixed Rotten Tomatoes Scores
The Last of Us aired its most explosive episode to date last night with Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley.” After Episode 1 opened things up, the second installment effectively sets up the rest of the season with the death of Joel (Pedro Pascal). There were even some changes to this scene, including Dina (Isabela Merced) being there in the lodge instead of Tommy (Gabriel Luna), Manny (Danny Ramirez) not spitting on Joel, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) taking a second to embrace Joel before going back to Jackson. However, these changes haven’t stopped The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 from landing the highest rating ever for an episode of The Last of Us at 9.5 on IMDb. This is just ahead of The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 5, “Endure and Survive,” and fresh on the heels of the show being review bombed on Rotten Tomatoes with a 53% audience rating.
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For those who aren’t familiar with The Last of Us games, last night’s episode might have come as quite a shock. However, those who experienced this pain and trauma back in 2020, upon release, were expecting it after dealing with one of the biggest shocking twists in any video game history. Joel is one of the most beloved characters in video game history, not because he’s perfect, but because he’s flawed. He’s made a lot of mistakes in his life and lost a lot of people he cares about. But this isn’t what defines him, as he consistently proves to be a good person, always coming through for other people when they need him. Pascal’s performance in Season 1 earned him an Emmy nomination, and although he likely won’t be around in the same capacity in Season 2, he could still earn recognition in a guest or supporting role.
What Happens in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ After Joel’s Death?
Following Joel’s death in The Last of Us Part II, Ellie leaves Jackson with Dina to seek revenge on Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and the rest of the Wolves. On her journey, she runs into other members of the team, such as Nora, Owen, and Mel, and also has a few run-ins with the Scars, the religious cult known for whistling and using dated weaponry like bows and arrows. Ellie’s journey for revenge ultimately culminates when she comes face to face with Abby after taking out several other comrades.
The first two episodes of The Last of Us Season 2 are now streaming. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the series and watch The Last of Us on Max.
- Release Date
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January 15, 2023
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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Craig Mazin
- Directors
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Craig Mazin, Peter Hoar, Jeremy Webb, Ali Abbasi, Mark Mylod, Stephen Williams, Jasmila Žbanić, Liza Johnson, Nina Lopez-Corrado
- Writers
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Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
