Season 2 of The Last of Us ends with an episode titled “Convergence”, and while it has powerful moments, it doesn’t quite deliver a satisfying finish. Some parts are emotional and gripping, others fall flat. Overall, it feels more like a setup for Season 3 than a strong conclusion on its own.
A Season Full of Highs and Lows
This season tried to juggle a lot—new characters, deeper backstories, and plenty of action. Unfortunately, it didn’t always flow smoothly. Some episodes, like “Through the Valley” where Joel (Pedro Pascal) meets a tragic end at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), feel like mini-movies. They’re intense and well done. But others seem to drag, with little actually happening.
Still, there were standout episodes that hit the emotional core, especially “The Price.” This quieter, more reflective episode shows the growing and changing bond between Joel and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). It tracks their relationship over Ellie’s birthdays—from a handmade guitar at 15 to space-themed museum trips and first patrols at 19. These moments give us a deeper look into their father-daughter dynamic and how much they mean to each other.
The Finale: Strong Emotions, Weak Structure
The final episode tries hard to bring together the various storylines from the season, but it only partly succeeds. There’s action, tension, and emotion, but the pieces don’t quite fit together to give the story a full sense of closure.
One of the most emotional parts is when Ellie finally learns the truth about what happened at the hospital with the Fireflies. Joel admits that he lied to protect her, and while Ellie says she can’t forgive him yet, she’s willing to try. Sadly, Joel’s death stops any chance of rebuilding their bond.
New Faces, New Conflicts
This season also introduces some major characters, like Isaac Dixon (played by Jeffrey Wright), a former FEDRA officer who ends up leading the WLF after turning against his own people. His character is intense and intimidating but doesn’t get as much development as he deserves.
We also meet the Seraphites, a brutal cult with a strong belief system and violent methods. These two factions add tension and danger, building up to the final conflict in “Convergence.”
But the payoff doesn’t feel as big as the buildup promised. The ending—featuring a gunshot and a quick fade to black—comes across as awkward rather than shocking. Switching the focus to Abby at the very end reflects the game’s narrative, but the timing feels off and disrupts the pacing.
Moments of Mercy and Brutality
One scene that stands out is Ellie choosing not to kill Alice, the WLF dog. In the game, this moment is controversial and brutal, so the show’s decision to change it is a relief. There’s already a lot of violence in the series, and this change brings a small but meaningful sense of mercy.
Mel’s (Ariela Barer) death is another harsh moment, reminding us of the personal cost of the ongoing conflict. These scenes help ground the story in real emotional stakes, even when the plot itself feels scattered.
Visuals and Performances Shine
While the story has its issues, the production remains top-notch. From the rain-soaked island to Ellie’s desperate boat journey, the visuals are stunning. The show does a great job of creating a world that feels both beautiful and broken.
Bella Ramsey continues to impress as Ellie, showing both her youthful awkwardness and deep emotional pain. Pedro Pascal’s performance as Joel is heartfelt and strong, making his loss even more impactful. Jeffrey Wright brings a menacing energy to Isaac, though the writing doesn’t give him much to work with. Isabela Merced, as Dina, adds warmth and spark, balancing out Ellie’s intensity.
The Season’s Structure Could Be Better
One of the biggest problems with Season 2 is its structure. It often jumps from one crisis to another without much time for the story or characters to breathe. Long stretches of action—running, fighting, shooting—don’t do much to move the plot forward.
The creators might have been better off making a longer season instead of breaking up the story across multiple ones. A mid-season break could have allowed more time to explore characters and make the pacing smoother.
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2: A Promising Yet Uneven Ride
Season 2 of The Last of Us has moments of brilliance, emotional depth, and great performances. But it also struggles with pacing and structure. The finale feels more like a bridge to Season 3 than a true ending.
If you’re a fan of the show or the games, there’s still a lot to appreciate. Just be prepared for an uneven journey that hints at more to come, especially with Abby’s story likely taking center stage next.
