The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2: Joel’s Fate and the Heartbreak That Shook Fans

If you’re a fan of The Last of Us, you’re probably still reeling from the emotional rollercoaster that was The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley.” This episode, which aired on April 20, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max, delivered a gut-punch that left viewers across the USA and beyond grappling with one question: Does Joel die in The Last of Us? Spoiler alert: the answer is yes, and it’s as brutal as it was in The Last of Us Part 2 video game.

Let’s dive into what happened, why it hurts so much, and what it means for the show’s future, all while addressing the buzz around Joel’s death, Pedro Pascal’s performance, Abby in The Last of Us, and more.

The Moment That Broke Our Hearts: Joel’s Death in The Last of Us

In The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2, Joel Miller, played by the beloved Pedro Pascal, meets a tragic end that mirrors the shocking moment from The Last of Us Part 2 game. For those wondering, Did Joel die in The Last of Us?—yes, he’s really dead. The episode, directed by Mark Mylod and written by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, stays true to the source material while adding its own devastating twist. Joel dies at the hands of Abby, a new character portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, who’s driven by a thirst for revenge.

Here’s how it goes down: Joel and Dina (Isabela Merced) rescue Abby from a horde of infected during a snowstorm near Jackson, Wyoming. Abby, a former Firefly now with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), tricks them into bringing her to a lodge. Once there, her group ambushes Joel. Why did they kill Joel in The Last of Us? Abby’s motive is personal—Joel killed her father, a Firefly surgeon, in the Season 1 finale to save Ellie.

In a chilling scene, Abby shoots Joel in the leg and fatally wounds him with a golf club, while Ellie (Bella Ramsey) arrives too late to stop it. Unlike the game, where Abby delivers a final blow to Joel’s skull, the show has her pierce his neck, making Joel’s death in The Last of Us just as gruesome. Social media, especially The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Reddit threads, exploded with fans asking, Is Joel actually dead in The Last of Us? and Why did they kill off Joel in the Last of Us show?

Why Joel’s Death Hits So Hard

For fans of The Last of Us game and the HBO series, Joel’s death in Season 2 is a seismic shift. Joel, the gruff survivor who became a father figure to Ellie, was the heart of the story for many. Pedro Pascal’s portrayal brought warmth and depth to Joel in The Last of Us, making his loss even more painful.
The show’s The Last of Us cast, including Ashley Johnson (who played Ellie in the games and appears as Ellie’s mother, Anna, in the series), has been praised for their raw performances. Johnson’s connection to the franchise adds a layer of authenticity, especially in episodes like “Through the Valley,” where emotions run high.

The question Does Joel die in the Last of Us video game? has a similar answer: yes, in The Last of Us Part 2, Joel meets the same fate early on, sparking controversy among players. Why did they kill Joel in Last of Us 2? The game’s creative director, Neil Druckmann, explained it was to drive Ellie’s revenge arc and explore themes of justice and trauma. The show follows suit, setting up Ellie’s journey in TLOU Season 2. But fans are still asking, Is Joel dead in The Last of Us 2? and Does Joel really die in The Last of Us? because the pain feels so real.

Abby: The Controversial New Face

Abby in The Last of Us is no simple villain. Kaitlyn Dever’s performance in Abby: Last of Us Season 2 humanizes a character who divided fans in The Last of Us 2. Does Abby die in The Last of Us? Not in Episode 2—she survives, leaving Ellie and Dina alive, which fuels speculation about her arc. In the game, Abby’s story parallels Ellie’s, forcing players to empathize with her despite Joel’s death in Last of Us 2.

The show seems to be taking a similar approach, with The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 Reddit discussions debating whether Abby’s actions are justified. How does Joel die in the Last of Us 2? It’s nearly identical to the show, but the series adds a massive infected attack on Jackson, making the stakes feel even higher.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for The Last of Us?

The Last of Us Season 2 won’t cover all of The Last of Us Part 2, as Neil Druckmann and Mazin have confirmed it’ll span multiple seasons. With only seven episodes, The Last of Us episodes are packed with intensity, and Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 sets the stage for Ellie’s vengeance. When does The Last of Us air? New episodes drop Sundays at 9 p.m. ET, with What time does The Last of Us come out? aligning with that slot. When does Last of Us episodes come out? Weekly through May 25, 2025.

Fans are already looking ahead to The Last of Us 3, though HBO has only confirmed a third season so far. Ellie: Last of Us will carry the story forward, with Bella Ramsey delivering a fierce performance. The Last of Us video game fans know Ellie’s path is dark, and TLOU showrunners are remixing the timeline to keep things fresh. The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 release date was a milestone, but questions like When does Joel die in The Last of Us? and Does Joel die in Episode 2? dominated X posts, with some fans in denial, asking, Is Joel dead?

Why It Matters

Why did Joel die in The Last of Us? It’s not just shock value. Joel’s death in The Last of Us Season 2 Joel death pushes the story into uncharted territory, challenging viewers to grapple with loss and morality. How does Joel die in the Last of Us? It’s brutal, deliberate, and unforgettable, thanks to Mark Mylod’s direction and the cast’s commitment. The Last of Us cast, from Pedro Pascal to Ashley Johnson, makes every moment resonate.

For USA audiences, The Last of Us is more than a show—it’s a cultural touchstone. Whether you’re a gamer who played The Last of Us game or a newcomer, Joel dies in Last of Us is a moment that unites fans in grief and anticipation. Last of Us release time and What time does Last of Us come out? are now weekly rituals. As we wait for the next episode, one thing’s clear: The Last of Us will keep breaking our hearts, and we’ll keep coming back for more.