Warning: Includes SPOILERS for The Last of Us season 2’s ending and for The Last of Us Part II video game!
There’s one video game scene that will win fans over to Abby’s side inThe Last of Usseason 3, and I guarantee it’s worth the wait.The Last of Usseason 2’s endingcontained a shocking plot twist for TV viewers, with a gunshot and the climactic scene cutting to black, before shifting perspectives to the season’s primary antagonist, Abby.Those who invested themselves in the adaptation due to their love for Pedro Pascal might not be too fond of Abby, making it alarming to find out that season 3 will be focused on her story.
Abby killing Joelwas a pivotal moment forThe Last of Usseason 2, just as it transformed the franchise forever with the 2020 video game sequel. The following episodes never achieved the same degree of critical or fan success as the first season, which is the standard that HBO, the premier prestige television network, is known for. However, the TV series is progressing with full steam ahead, with Kaitlyn Dever’sAbby set to be the main character in season 3, showing her account of the three days leading up to season 2’s finale.
Seeing The Last Of Us Season 1’s Ending From Abby’s POV Will Win Over Skeptical Fans
Give Abby’s Story A Chance In The Last Of Us Season 3
The Last of Usseason 1’s endingsaw Joel in an impossible situation, forced to choose between Ellie’s life and the hope for humanity. Both the game and the series make a point to say, “Wouldn’t you do the same in his shoes?” The season 1 finale challenges audiences to empathize with Joel in this situation. Even if what he does is the wrong thing, many would argue that it’s the human thing.The Last of Usseason 2 adds a critical element to this moral dilemma, using the audience’s empathy for Joel as a weapon.
The Last of Usseason 2 adds a critical element to this moral dilemma, using the audience’s empathy for Joel as a weapon.
Season 2 introduced us to a character who was a direct victim of Joel’s actions, and that should have already established some level of sympathy for Abby. Season 3 will take matters up a notch, directly showing the events of season 1’s ending in Salt Lake City from her perspective.The game’s flashbacks allow audiences to meet the surgeon Joel killed, and, in one of the most heartbreaking moments, witness Abby as she discovers her father’s bodyafter he’d been brutally murdered.
For anyone who’s doubtful that they’ll enjoy following Abby for a season, I encourage giving season 3 a chance. I highly doubt the TV series would skip this scene, andwhen audiences see it in the adaptation, I guarantee it will change their perspectives. I’m writing this as someone who had plenty of issues with how season 2 was handled, but I thoroughly believe season 3 will justify it. HBO is known for making daring choices, and I believe the irregular format ofThe Last of Uswill pay off in the long run.
Abby’s Story Is What This Franchise Is Really All About
Image via Max
It’s easy to hate Abby when she’s mercilessly beating Joelto death. Not only was he the lead protagonist until then, but in the TV series, the character is portrayed by a beloved actor. We’re then invited on Ellie’s revenge tour as she goes to take out those responsible, and even that’s understandable to an extent. That’s how much audiences have been led to hate Abby. The fact that there could even be a moral debate regarding Nora’s brutal death would be absurd without that perspective.
That’s what makesThe Last of Us Part II, and likelyThe Last of Usseason 3, so challenging, and yet so fulfilling. Season 1 creates a challenge, while season 2 turns that challenge on its head. Ultimately, whatThe Last of Usis about isn’t who’s right or wrong; there’s no correct answer, and it doesn’t matter.The purpose of the series is to engage audiences with diverse perspectives, prompting them to consider questions about these situations. Engaging with those questions is what matters.
