The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2: The Haunting Meaning Behind the Final Song
HBO’s *The Last of Us* Season 2 has already delivered one of its most devastating moments in just its second episode. Fans of the game knew Joel’s death was coming, but seeing it unfold on screen—with Pedro Pascal’s gut-wrenching performance—left viewers in shock. Yet, what made the scene truly unforgettable wasn’t just the violence. It was the song that played as Ellie cradled Joel’s lifeless body: *”Through the Valley,”* a haunting cover by Ashley Johnson. This choice wasn’t random—it carried deep emotional weight and foreshadowed the darkness ahead.
Joel’s Tragic End and the Song’s Hidden Meaning
The episode recreated one of *The Last of Us Part II*’s most brutal scenes: Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her group ambush Joel, leaving Ellie (Bella Ramsey) shattered. As the screen fades to black, Ashley Johnson’s rendition of *”Through the Valley”* fills the silence. Johnson, who originally voiced Ellie in the games and played her mother in Season 1, adds an eerie layer of nostalgia to the moment.
The lyrics, *”I fear no evil, ’cause I’m blind to it all. And my mind and my gun, they comfort me,”* mirror Joel’s hardened survivalist mentality. They also hint at the moral consequences of his choice to save Ellie in Season 1, suggesting he was already “damned” long before his death. The song becomes a chilling epitaph for a man who lived—and died—by his own ruthless code.
A Nod to the Game’s Hardest Challenge
For gamers, the song holds extra significance. In *The Last of Us Part II*, *”Through the Valley”* only plays if players complete the game on Permadeath mode—where one death means starting over. This detail reinforces the finality of Joel’s fate: there are no second chances. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann included this Easter egg deliberately, making the TV moment even more poignant for fans.
What’s Next for Ellie—and Pedro Pascal?
While Joel’s death marks a turning point, Pedro Pascal may not be gone for good. The game frequently uses flashbacks, and the show could follow suit, giving Pascal more screen time in future episodes. For now, the focus shifts to Ellie’s rage and grief, setting the stage for her violent quest for revenge.
Where to Watch and What to Expect
New episodes of *The Last of Us* Season 2 air weekly on HBO and Max, Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. If Episode 2 is any indication, viewers should brace for an emotionally brutal season.
Key Players Behind the Scenes
Pedro Pascal delivers a heartbreaking final performance as Joel. Bella Ramsey captures Ellie’s devastation with raw intensity. Kaitlyn Dever makes a chilling debut as Abby. And Ashley Johnson bridges the gap between game and show with her soulful cover.
This episode isn’t just a pivotal moment—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, where every detail, down to the closing song, carries weight. And for fans, the pain is only just beginning.
