The Last of Us Season 2 May Have a Problem

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  • Is Bella Ramsey the Right Fit for The Last of Us Season 2?
  • What Should The Last of Us Season 2 Do to Soften the Hate?

As a passionate fan of The Last of Us series, I can’t help but feel a pang of concern for Bella Ramsey as she steps into the role of Ellie for Season 2. Having witnessed the fiery debate that erupted around The Last of Us Part 2, I can’t help but empathize with her as she prepares to face the wrath of the internet.


Caution: This content reveals spoilers for The Last of Us Part 2. Before HBO’s The Last of Us premiered, it appeared that Bella Ramsey was more likely to face criticism over a sound she made rather than the actual Clickers pursuing her. For Ramsey, the biggest challenge wouldn’t be battling against the Infected or treacherous human adversaries en route to the Firefly base. Instead, it would be the legion of armchair critics watching from their sofas. The anticipation directed toward her character before she even drew her pistol gives a clear indication of the negative response to her casting as Ellie in The Last of Us.

In the original text, the sentence “many are asking if Ramsey is still the right fit” implies that there are doubts about Bella Ramsey’s continued suitability for her role in Season 2 of The Last of Us due to the direction the show appears to be heading.

Bella Ramsey’s Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2

Amidst the tumultuous times of the pandemic, the unveiling of “The Last of Us Part 2” sparked considerable uproar due to its storyline and portrayal of LGBTQ+ themes. Much of the criticism against LGBTQ+ narratives was simply a wave of homophobia that eventually subsided. However, the discontent over the plot was more justified. “The Last of Us Part 2” dared to push boundaries with its storyline, killing off Joel early on and requiring players to play as his murderer for extended periods. Many fans were not pleased, and even four years later, “The Last of Us Part 2” is still viewed as a letdown by many, despite winning the Game of the Year award in 2020.

Actress Bella Ramsey faces a significant challenge in portraying Ellie in The Last of Us Season 2, as the character evolves into a complex anti-hero with a darker personality. While Ramsey’s performance in Season 1 was spot on for the original game’s Ellie, maintaining that authenticity for the more morally ambiguous Ellie from the second game might prove demanding. This isn’t to say that Ramsey lacks the talent; it’s just that her youthful and innocent appearance could potentially clash with the mature, morally questionable persona of the character in later stages.

Is Bella Ramsey the Right Fit for The Last of Us Season 2?

In most cases, a casting choice doesn’t please everyone, but as our attachment to these narratives strengthens, an ownership mentality has only intensified this trend. It might be reasonable to trust Bella Ramsey based on her performance in Season 1, yet the significant influence of The Last of Us Part 2 within popular culture presents a challenge. Fan outrage at its initial release stemmed from it not following a preferred storyline, making it a disappointment. Bella Ramsey now faces this hostility as she strives to portray Ellie’s increasing moral deterioration and sorrow in a television adaptation that mirrors the cultural ownership of the narrative.

It’s crucial to consider the change in format, as a TV show might lead to an unfairly high level of blame towards Bella Ramsey for Ellie’s character development in Season 2. Since viewers won’t have control over the characters they cherish, there’s a chance that pent-up internet frustration could flare up. As the main face, Bella will likely absorb this anger. The online community is often blunt and unforgiving. Furthermore, the accumulated anger from the second game might lessen fan rage towards the upcoming season, as they may comprehend that Bella isn’t in control of the creative direction. Regardless, Bella Ramsey could face significant repercussions if the new season is not well-received.

What Should The Last of Us Season 2 Do to Soften the Hate?

In simpler terms, it appears that the producers have no options left for changing the course of events in Season 2 of “The Last of Us.” It’s unfortunate, but it seems like a predictable outcome. It seems unlikely that Bella Ramsey’s casting will be altered, and it’s best if it isn’t. The most unpredictable aspect is how the online discussion will unfold, whether it will reignite criticism towards the game or just target the season itself. In essence, Bella Ramsey’s role is secure, as it should be.

In the event that Bella Ramsey decides to darken her look for Season 2, I believe the intense emotion and complexity she brought to the character last season will only amplify the controversy surrounding the upcoming season. Whether this is seen as a positive or negative development seems almost irrelevant. History has shown us that heated debates such as these can only lead to more division. So, when The Last of Us Season 2 premieres, approaching it with a divisive mindset will only serve to fuel the already contentious nature of what promises to be an extremely polarizing season. After all, it’s this very dynamic that has led us to where we are now.

Rather than saying “The Last of Us Season 2 could dominate cultural discussions like few other shows and spark reflection,” you might consider rephrasing it as: “Season 2 of The Last of Us has the potential to be a significant part of our cultural dialogue, opening up opportunities for thoughtful discussions.” And instead of saying “Do you remember Joel? The man whose head was bashed in with a golf club by a girl? This season, he sports long hair,” you could rephrase it as: “Remember Joel, the character who met a gruesome end at the hands of a young woman with a golf club? In this new season, he’s seen with longer locks.” Lastly, instead of saying “The Last of Us is streaming on Max,” you could say: “Catch The Last of Us on Max.

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2024-10-05 02:01