Does joel die in the video game
Does Joel Die in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2?
April 21, 2025 – HBO’s “The Last of Us” season 2 episode 2 has fans reeling after a major plot development involving Joel, played by Pedro Pascal. Viewers and gamers alike are asking: Is Joel really dead? Did Joel die in the show like he did in the game?
This article explores what happens in Season 2, Episode 2, how it compares to The Last of Us Part II video game, and why this moment matters.
Joel’s Fate in Season 2: Did He Die?
Yes — in The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, Joel Miller is brutally killed. His death, which closely mirrors the controversial scene from The Last of Us Part II video game, marks a turning point for the HBO series. In the show, Joel is attacked by a group of strangers, one of whom is later revealed to be Abby, a major character introduced in this season.
Joel’s death occurs early in the episode and is both sudden and violent, leaving Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) traumatized. Many viewers who hadn’t played the video game were shocked by the scene, while longtime fans saw it as a faithful recreation of the original narrative.
How Does Joel Die in the Game?
In The Last of Us Part II, Joel dies at the hands of Abby Anderson, who is seeking revenge for her father’s death — a Firefly surgeon Joel killed at the end of the first game. The scene is graphic and emotionally charged, making it one of the most divisive moments in gaming history.
With the HBO series staying largely faithful to the source material, Joel’s death was inevitable. The showrunners, including Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, confirmed they wanted to preserve the emotional impact of Joel’s death as it originally unfolded in the game.
Why Did the Show Kill Off Joel?
Many fans have asked, “Why did they kill off Joel in The Last of Us?” The answer lies in the themes of revenge, grief, and trauma that define the second part of the story. Joel’s death propels Ellie into a spiral of vengeance and shapes the rest of the narrative in Season 2 and beyond.
Killing off a beloved character like Joel was a bold move, but it underscores the show’s commitment to telling a complex, emotionally resonant story. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal has received widespread acclaim, and his departure leaves a significant void in the series.
Is Joel Really Dead, or Will He Appear Again?
Joel is dead in the present timeline, but that doesn’t mean Pedro Pascal is gone for good. As in the game, Joel may appear in flashbacks, memories, or dream sequences, particularly as Ellie struggles to cope with his loss. Season 2 is expected to explore more of their relationship through non-linear storytelling.
Who Is Abby and Why Did She Kill Joel?
Abby, portrayed in the HBO series by Kaitlyn Dever, is introduced as part of a group of survivors. Her backstory reveals that Joel killed her father, the Firefly surgeon, years earlier. Her actions are driven by vengeance, making her one of the most complex and polarizing characters in The Last of Us universe.
What Happens Next in The Last of Us Season 2?
With Joel gone, Ellie becomes the main protagonist in a darker and more emotionally charged arc. The rest of Season 2 is expected to follow Ellie’s journey as she seeks revenge against Abby, mirroring the plot of the video game.
Ashley Johnson, who voiced Ellie in the original game, has also returned in Season 2 in a cameo role, adding a layer of nostalgia for longtime fans.
