The Last Of Us Season 2 Review: Bella Ramsey Brilliantly Anchors HBO’s Sophomore Outing

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As a devoted fan, I can’t help but share my excitement for the upcoming second season of HBO’s groundbreaking series, “The Last of Us,” which premiered in 2023. This captivating show, inspired by the critically acclaimed PlayStation game developed by Naughty Dog, quickly took the premium network by storm with its gripping tale centered around Joel Miller (played brilliantly by Pedro Pascal) and his unforeseen protege Ellie (Bella Ramsey).

Pascal delivers a compelling portrayal of Joel, a resilient survivor who’s guarded his heart fiercely ever since the tragic loss of his daughter Sarah (Nico Parker) during the initial cordyceps outbreak. The transformation of humans into terrifying zombies only intensified this sense of loss.

Ramsey, who already demonstrated her impressive talents as the young and powerful Lady Lyanna Mormont on “Game of Thrones,” brings Ellie to life on the small screen with raw determination, grit, and a generous helping of the colorful language that HBO is known for (or, in simpler terms, she swears like a sailor).

Now that you’re all caught up on Season 1, let’s dive into the anticipation for Season 2 of “The Last of Us.

I haven’t had the chance to play the original games, as I don’t own a PlayStation. However, coming into “The Last of Us” series with some prior knowledge but not the full backstory, I’m thrilled to express that the second season skillfully broadens the show’s universe without venturing too far, offers even more impressive performances than Season 1, and masterfully adapts “The Last of Us Part II” in a way that appeals to both gamers and non-gamers alike. Once again, the brilliant minds behind the show, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (the latter being involved with the original game), have delivered an outstanding production.

Season 2 expands the universe while keeping the story intimate

Discussing Season 2 of “The Last of Us” without revealing any spoilers can be quite a challenge, especially since those who’ve played “The Last of Us Part II” may have some expectations. However, I can certainly share that the second season boasts an impressive array of talented actors joining the cast. While in Season 1, performers like Anna Torv, Nick Offerman, Melanie Lynskey, and Murray Bartlett made brief appearances, in Season 2, several new faces become more integral members of the series, adding depth and richness to the world of “The Last of Us.

The main new character here is Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby, a significant figure for gamers, surrounded by a cast that includes Danny Ramirez (“Top Gun: Maverick”), Tati Gabrielle (“You”), Ariela Barer (“Runaways”), and Spencer Lord (“Riverdale”), who play Manny, Nora, Mel, and Owen respectively. Ellie gains two new companions – the sharp-tongued but kind-hearted Dina, played by “Madame Web” actress Isabela Merced; and the stern yet loyal Jesse, portrayed by “Beef” actor Young Mazino. In the community of Jackson, Wyoming, Joel’s brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and his wife Maria (Rutina Wesley) are joined by therapist Gail (Catherine O’Hara), a more serious role for the comedic powerhouse. Jeffrey Wright returns as Isaac from the game, similar to Merle Dandridge who played Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, in a previous season.

As a gamer, I’ve noticed that “The Last of Us” is introducing quite a few new faces, but don’t let that fool you. This series isn’t just about the cordyceps-infected zombies; it’s about the profound connections you forge amidst unparalleled horror and sorrow. The emotional landscape of “The Last of Us” manages to remain intimate, despite the growing list of characters. Even with the usual high stakes involving zombies, the personal battles between characters hold just as much weight – if not more – and watching these struggles unfold is nothing short of captivating.

To elaborate further, Bella Ramsey has truly shone in the second season of “The Last of Us.” While the first season was largely focused on Joel, this new season takes center stage with Ramsey’s character, Ellie. Her acting progression over recent years is truly commendable, and she’s currently at her best. It’s a joy to witness such an outstanding performance from Ramsey, one that I believe will earn them nominations during the upcoming award season (and it wouldn’t surprise me if Molly Dever also finds herself in that discussion).

The Last of Us Season 2 uses its short time wisely

In “The Last of Us” Season 2, a five-year time leap at the beginning allows the show to skip over extensive explanations, placing us directly within Joel and Ellie’s permanent residence in Jackson, Wyoming. Their strained relationship is evident, as Ellie largely avoids contact with Joel; viewers are aware that Joel may have prevented Firefly rebels from discovering a cure by allowing Ellie’s body to be used scientifically at the end of Season 1, but the extent of Ellie’s knowledge about this event remains unclear. The season starts off smoothly, efficiently reintroducing characters and settings without appearing overly deliberate.

In the latter part of the season, there are moments where the pace feels uneven, moving at a leisurely and then breakneck speed to reach its final destination, but it’s quite subtle that you might not even catch it. This is a minor point I’m making for the sake of maintaining balance in my review. In essence, “The Last of Us” Season 2 is exceptionally well-crafted; the showrunners have a clear vision and each performer delivers flawlessly. Over the course of seven episodes, we are given a rich, new narrative about our beloved characters. However, I must warn you, have tissues handy for this emotional rollercoaster.

“The Last of Us” Season 2 premieres on HBO and Max on April 13.

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2025-04-07 19:33