The Last of Us | S2E6 | Joel’s Porch Confession and the Astronaut Dream
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Frank and Thomas sit down on Challenge Accepted to unpack Episode 6, “The Price.” They cover the museum space sequence, Joel’s flashback, Ellie’s growing doubts, and whether seven episodes can truly deliver the season’s emotional punch. Along the way they praise Pedro Pascal’s layered work and debate the show’s biggest changes from the game.
Timestamps and Topics 00:00 | First reactions and why this feels like a return to form 01:00 | Space-museum scene and game accuracy 02:00 | Ellie’s attitude shift and Bella Ramsey’s range 04:00 | Joel’s childhood flashback and father-son parallels 07:00 | Where is Tommy and why his absence matters 09:00 | Season length worries and missing Abby moments 10:00 | Astronaut dream, father-daughter themes, Pedro’s subtle acting 12:00 | Joel’s lie to Gail, Eugene’s fate, and rising plot holes 15:00 | Porch conversation breakdown: “I’d do it all again” 17:00 | The show without Joel and gamer reactions 19:00 | Need for deeper Abby focus before the finale 20:00 | Pedro Pascal’s career year and upcoming roles 22:00 | Listener takes, teen-parent dynamics, and Christina’s view 24:00 | Joel’s hidden depth and the puddle analogy 25:00 | Will Joel return in flashbacks 26:00 | Finale expectations and a Walking Dead–style drop-off risk 27:00 | Toy leaks, prequels done right, and season wrap-up hopes
Key Takeaways
The space-museum sequence perfectly honors the game and cements Joel’s devotion to Ellie.
Joel’s flashback reframes his protective instincts and adds emotional weight.
Seven episodes feel tight given key characters like Abby and Tommy are still underused.
Pedro Pascal’s nuanced performance anchors the season’s biggest moments.
Ellie’s rebellion finally feels justified as she spots gaps in Joel’s story.
The finale must balance closure with setup for Season 3 to keep viewers invested.
Quotes
“If I had the chance to do it all again, I would do it all over again tonight.”
“Just because you see a puddle doesn’t mean it isn’t four feet deep.”
“Pedro Pascal is a generational talent and we get to be the beneficiaries.”
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Apple Podcast Tags The Last of Us, HBO, Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, TV review, video game adaptation, geek culture, episode recap, post apocalyptic drama, Challenge Accepted
218 episodes