The Last of Us just did a 'Game of Thrones'—What now?

In a shocking turn of events, The Last of Us Season 2 has taken a bold leap reminiscent of Game of Thrones, killing off a central character in just the second episode. Fans watched in disbelief as Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) brutally ended Joel's (Pedro Pascal) life while Ellie (Bella Ramsey) looked on, helpless and horrified.

This moment mirrors the storyline from The Last of Us Part II video game, where players experience the aftermath from both Ellie’s and Abby’s perspectives. The show continues to stay faithful to the source material while also making some noteworthy changes.

Why Did Abby Kill Joel?

The seeds of this conflict were sown back in Season 1, when Joel stormed the Fireflies' facility in Salt Lake City to rescue Ellie. In the process, he killed 18 Fireflies, including a doctor—who turns out to be Abby’s father. Season 2 reveals that Abby has spent years hunting Joel down, driven by vengeance.


Her plan comes together during a patrol gone wrong. Abby, seemingly in need of help, lures Joel and his companion Dina to a remote lodge under the guise of seeking shelter. Once inside, the ambush begins. She shoots Joel in the leg and delivers the fatal blow with a fire iron. Ellie arrives moments too late but is forced to witness the brutal murder—an act that will drive the emotional arc of the season.

What's Next for the Series?

Despite Joel’s death, this is far from the end of The Last of Us. The show has already been renewed for Season 3.

If anything, Joel’s demise opens the door to deeper storytelling. As per reports, the creators may keep bringing Pedro Pascal's character through flashbacks while introducing new characters like Gail (Catherine O’Hara), Joel’s therapist—an original addition to the show—suggest the series will delve further into Joel’s psyche and his complicated relationship with Ellie.

The show is also taking creative liberties. For example, Dina replaces Tommy during key sequences, and a large-scale attack on Jackson adds cinematic tension. These changes appear aimed at enriching character dynamics and heightening dramatic stakes.