Revenge Arc in The Last of Us

**Excerpt from *The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2: The Haunting Meaning Behind the Final Song***

HBO’s *The Last of Us* Season 2 delivers one of its most devastating moments in Episode 2, as Joel (Pedro Pascal) meets his brutal end at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). But what lingers isn’t just the violence—it’s the haunting cover of *”Through the Valley”* by Ashley Johnson, the original voice of Ellie in the games. The song’s lyrics—*”I fear no evil, ’cause I’m blind to it all”*—serve as a chilling epitaph for Joel, reflecting his ruthless survivalist code and the moral fallout of his past choices.

For gamers, the track carries deeper weight: in *The Last of Us Part II*, it only plays after completing the punishing Permadeath mode, mirroring the finality of Joel’s fate. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann weave this Easter egg into the show, amplifying the tragedy for fans. As Ellie (Bella Ramsey) cradles Joel’s body, the scene sets the stage for her bloody revenge—and signals that the pain is only beginning.

**Where to Watch:** New episodes air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

*Key Details:*
– **Song Significance:** Ashley Johnson’s cover ties the game and show together, foreshadowing Ellie’s dark path.
– **Joel’s Legacy:** Flashbacks may keep Pedro Pascal in the story.
– **What’s Next:** Ellie’s grief fuels Season 2’s relentless emotional toll.

This episode isn’t just a turning point—it’s a masterclass in layered storytelling, where every detail cuts deeper.

**Excerpt:**

*”The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 delivers a gut-wrenching twist with the death of Joel Miller—a moment that both mirrors and reimagines the game’s most shocking scene. While the brutal confrontation with Abby Anderson remains central, key changes reshape the narrative: Abby’s motives are revealed earlier, Tommy is replaced by Dina during the attack, and Joel’s death takes a gruesome new form. These shifts deepen Abby’s complexity and set the stage for an altered revenge arc, leaving fans divided but undeniably captivated. As Ellie grapples with helplessness and grief, the show proves it’s unafraid to forge its own path while honoring the emotional core of the story.”*

*(Condensed to highlight the major differences, character impacts, and fan reactions while maintaining the article’s tone.)*