The Last of Us is one of the most popular video game franchises in history, notably for its gameplay and graphics, both unanimously acclaimed. Above all, it is thanks to its narrative process that the two installments, released in 2013 and 2020 respectively, revolutionized the genre. Despite everything, The Last of Us Part II has attracted some criticism due to its unique storyline and a few inconsistencies. Indeed, the series adapted from the video games, whose second season is currently streaming on Max, has just resolved a clumsiness pointed out by players. Beware of spoilers!
The Last of Us: A Season 2 as Controversial as the Video Game
Since 2020 and the release of The Last of Us Part II, fans of the franchise have been more divided than ever. Obviously, the untimely death of Joel, one of the two main characters in the first installment along with Ellie, has been the subject of much discussion. A very difficult passage, which caused a lot of tears and rage, that the series has just masterfully adapted in its second episode of season 2, despite some differences. Pedro Pascal has just said goodbye to the character of Joel, even if we should see him again in flashback form throughout the season. However, a narrative element had made gamers tick when The Last of Us Part II was released. In the game, Joel is not patrolling with Dina, but with Tommy when he meets Abby for the first time. He also saves her from the infected, then all three join the Wolves members in the chalet. It is at this moment that Tommy introduces himself to them, as well as Joel, giving their first names. The atmosphere then turns frosty: the group understands that they have finally found their target.
Tommy's mistake highlighted by game fans
At the time, fans' criticisms rained down on Neil Druckmann, the game's writer, now co-showrunner of the series with Craig Mazin. Many had trouble believing that Joel and Tommy, usually suspicious, could have been trapped so easily. According to them, Tommy should never have revealed their identities to strangers. Season 2 therefore took precautions to prevent this inconsistency from being criticized again. In this adaptation, Abby discovers Joel's identity accidentally: it's Dina who calls him by his first name, without knowing that a stranger is with him. Then, when they arrive at the chalet, it's Abby who introduces the two protagonists to the members of the Wolves.
Dina and Tommy will have a whole new importance in the series
Not only will this storyline choice resolve a long-standing fan dispute, but it gives Dina more importance in the series. She is indeed much closer to Joel, whereas, in the game, she only represents Ellie's love interest. Tommy's absence, too busy defending Jackson from the infected invasion, also adds depth to Joel's brother. On the one hand, the upcoming scenes of Tommy discovering his brother's remains should bring their share of emotion. On the other hand, he could be torn between the desire to avenge his brother — as in the game — and rebuilding the city after the cataclysm suffered in episode 2. On the website Esquire, Tommy's actor, Gabriel Luna, admits that he had expressed doubts about this criticized passage of the video game:
[ … ] From the first season, I talked with Craig [ Mazin ] and Neil [ Druckmann ] about this. Would Tommy be reckless enough to reveal Joel's identity? As a seasoned veteran, charged with protecting the city, would he be so trusting of strangers? [ … ] Craig said to me, "Don't worry, I have an idea."
Before the writers' strike [ … ] he sent me a huge text message explaining what he envisioned for Tommy. And it blew my mind. I still get emotional thinking about it. [ … ] Then I found out Mark Mylod was directing this episode. We entered a dynamic worthy of the greatest cinematic battles, taking inspiration from "The Battle of the Bastards" from Game of Thrones.
And you, what did you think of this already iconic television segment? We're waiting for your answers in the comments.
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