Only a few more days to wait. This Monday, April 14, Max subscribers have a date with the first episode of the second season of The Last of Us. It took two years to finally discover what the future holds for Ellie and Joel. A waiting period that has become a common occurrence in the television and streaming industry, but one that gives viewers time to forget the crucial elements of the narrative. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin's creation is eagerly awaited and already promises to surprise newcomers. As a reminder, it adapts the events of the second game released in 2020. Clappers, spores, and lies... We take stock.
Trauma
The adventure begins in the early 2000s for The Last of Us. In recent months, a pest has appeared and contaminated wheat and barley crops. This pest is the cordyceps. This parasite was previously harmless to humans, but climate change has allowed it to better adapt to warm environments and therefore survive in the human body. Anyone who consumes products containing contaminated flour gradually loses their cognitive abilities and becomes what is called "infected."
A few hours after the opening scene, which shows Joel and his daughter enjoying a peaceful breakfast with Tommy, the epidemic spreads rapidly. Joel and Sarah's neighbor is infected and the world descends into chaos. The two characters flee, but Sarah is killed by soldiers before reaching safety. The loss of his child is the foundation of Joel's character as he is portrayed in the games, a ruthless smuggler who is forced to bond with a rebellious teenage girl.
Ellie also experienced her share of trauma in her childhood. Her mother died during childbirth after being bitten by an infected person. As a baby, Ellie was entrusted to Marlene's care and grew up in Boston, where she met Riley. The two girls became friends, but Riley was killed during a jaunt to an abandoned mall. Bitten by a runner, she was shot by Ellie. Ellie also thought she would succumb to her wound, but miraculously survived. We later learned that her mother's bite at birth gave her immunity. The cordyceps recognize her as one of their own.
The Fireflies
After the disaster, the U.S. Disaster Response Agency (DRA) declares martial law in quarantine zones, such as Boston. As the government's last bastion, it takes control of all food supplies and housing. It imposes strict curfews and does not hesitate to use force to maintain order. In such a context, rebel movements are born. This is the case of the Fireflies, who work in the shadows to find a cure for the epidemic. Marlene is one of the key figures in this faction and it is she who asks Joel to take Ellie to Salt Lake City, to a hospital run by the Fireflies. Once there, Joel discovers that the only way to make a cure is to sacrifice his charge.
The lie
It's in the final episode of the first season that Ellie and Joel's relationship takes a turn. He massacres all the scientists and rebels there and runs away with her. Through an extremely violent scene, we understand that Joel now considers adolescence as his own daughter and that he is ready to do anything to save her. He doesn't want to see one of his loved ones die like he did with Sarah. Back in Jacksonville, Ellie was asleep during the entire final battle, he openly lies to her. Joel tells her that the Fireflies' attempts were unsuccessful. This lie should be at the epicenter of season 2, as it was in the game. He deprived her of her freedom to choose, doesn't let her be the actress of her own life. Will Ellie learn the truth? How will she react? These are all elements that the sequel to the acclaimed series will have to evoke in its next episodes.
So, join us from April 14 on Max to discover what the future holds for the characters played by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. As a reminder, the story will take place five years after the events described in the first series. The duo's adventure will begin in Jacksonville. New characters will be at the epicenter of the story, starting with Abby played by Kaitlyn Dever and Dina played by Isabela Merced. Gabriel Luna will also return to the role of Tommy Miller. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann will remain at the helm of the project; the game's creator is heavily involved in this adaptation.
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