HBO's adaptation of "The Last of Us" had us all invested in Joel Miller's journey through a fungal apocalypse - until they killed him off in Season 2. Was this faithful adaptation of the video game's storyline a critical misstep that could derail the entire series?
The magic of Season 1 came from how perfectly it translated the game's emotional core to television, creating a near shot-for-shot recreation of iconic moments while giving viewers time to connect with Joel. His complexity - a man whose protective rage is matched only by his capacity for empathy - made him the undeniable heart of the show. By following the game's controversial decision to kill him early in the sequel, HBO may have sacrificed their strongest asset.
What makes this creative choice particularly questionable is the execution. The show's version of Abby lacks the physically imposing presence of her video game counterpart, described as a "female Adonis" with significant muscle mass. Instead, we're asked to believe someone who "looks like a stiff wind could blow her over" could overpower and beat Joel to death. Beyond believability issues, the remaining characters simply don't carry the same emotional weight. Ellie comes across as less sympathetic than her game version, and supporting characters like Tommy and Dina haven't been developed enough to fill the void Joel leaves behind.
Perhaps the most compelling alternative would have been to keep Joel alive by sacrificing Tommy instead. This would maintain the revenge narrative while allowing viewers to witness Joel's "scorched earth" approach to vengeance - something we've seen glimpses of in his protection of Ellie. Great adaptations know when to diverge from source material to better serve their medium, and The Last of Us may have missed an opportunity to elevate beyond simple recreation.
Have you continued watching after Joel's death? Do you think the series can recover without its most complex character? Share your thoughts on this controversial creative decision and whether HBO truly killed their golden goose.

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