Joel's Death Alters The Last of Us Forever

In Season 2, Episode 3 of HBO's The Last of Us, Joel is killed by Abby, leaving Ellie traumatized and determined to seek revenge. The episode depicts the immediate aftermath of his death in Jackson, then jumps ahead three months, spotlighting Ellie and Dina as they decide to leave Jackson together to track down Abby. The show visually marks Joel’s absence by removing his silhouette from the opening credits, signaling a narrative shift to Ellie's journey. Bella Ramsey's portrayal of Ellie's grief receives praise for its authenticity, with the creators choosing to linger on the emotional fallout rather than move past it quickly. Showrunner Craig Mazin assures viewers that Joel's death will strengthen connections to surviving characters. Previews for Episode 4 tease new threats and changes in Ellie's immunity storyline that diverge from the original game.