The Last of Us Season 2: Joel’s Dark Secret with Eugene Revealed!

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In the premiere of The Last of Us Season 2 this week on HBO, viewers might have been taken aback by a five-year time leap. The plot takes us back to Jackson, Wyoming, a location that was only briefly glimpsed in the first season. In the present day, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Joel (Pedro Pascal), who were last seen together, are now living apart and trying to move on with their lives. Ellie, now 19 years old, is discovering her own identity, while Joel grapples with the emotional turmoil of their strained relationship. The first season has already introduced new characters and storylines, including one whose impending death plays a significant role in the overall plot: Eugene.

To provide some context, Ellie’s experiences in Season 2 are characterized by her increased autonomy, joining the patrol team, and a simmering animosity towards Joel. Although much of her anger can be attributed to the usual challenges faced by a 19-year-old navigating early adulthood, it’s evident that there are hidden scars and underlying strife. In contrast, Joel appears to be impacted by Ellie’s frosty demeanor, leading him to seek counseling. Interestingly, his therapist, Gail, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, emerges as a significant figure. She is a new character in the Last of Us series and shares a connection with Eugene, a video game character whose demise in the show has already sparked a great deal of curiosity in Season 2.

Who Is Eugene, and Why Did Joel Kill Him?

In the debut of Season 2 of The Last of Us, Joel’s therapy session is filled with tension and raw emotions. Sitting opposite him is Gail, and in an effort to pay for their session, Joel offers her a bag of marijuana. Gail casually mentions that Eugene could cultivate marijuana all year round, hinting at the character for the first time. In a soft tone, she also reveals it’s her first birthday in 41 years without her husband. The weight of Gail’s words lingers unanswered by Joel. However, Gail does not let the moment pass without addressing the issue directly. She eventually confesses, revealing that Joel was responsible for Eugene’s death through a heartfelt monologue.

“You took my husband’s life with your gun. You ended Eugene’s existence. I deeply dislike you for this act, not just a tinge, but profoundly. Yes, I understand that you had no other option. I get it. I even try to forgive you. But I find myself unable, due to the manner in which the event transpired.

The disclosure about Eugene’s death is starkly honest, and although the series doesn’t delve into the details right away, Gail’s statement implies that Eugene might have been bitten by an infected individual, leaving Joel with a tough decision to make. This mystery has already captured viewers’ attention, but at least we can expect some answers soon.

In the upcoming season 2 of The Last of Us, the role of Eugene will be taken on by Joe Pantoliano, who is known for his work on The Sopranos. It’s worth noting that he won’t be present in the current timeline, but you can expect to see him during flashback scenes. Prior to the release of season 2, co-creator Neil Druckmann hinted at Eugene’s significance, expressing to Variety that “The story we presented [in the game] was only skimming the surface. The way this character enters truly delves into Joel and Ellie’s relationship.

Additionally, viewers likely saw him being pursued by Joel in the trailer as well. This footage will offer vital details and clarify Eugene’s connection with Gail, his function within Jackson, and the series of incidents that culminated in his demise. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Catherine O’Hara mentioned that she filmed a particularly impactful flashback episode, adding, “I’ve never cried so much for so many takes.

Eugene’s Role in ‘The Last of Us Part II’ Game

In the captivating world of The Last of Us, my initial impression of Eugene was modest; he made his debut in The Last of Us Part II as a transformed Firefly member turned patrolman residing in Jackson. Time and again, Ellie and Dina spoke highly of him, describing him as a crafty individual with a unique aptitude for tinkering with electronics. Beneath this resourcefulness, he was a kind yet solitary soul.

His abode, tucked away within an abandoned library, was a testament to his eccentricities. He dabbled with various electronics there, accumulated piles of adult films, and maintained a hidden underground room to cultivate marijuana.

The game subtly revealed that Eugene was married to a woman named Claire and they shared a child together. However, his dedication to the Firefly resistance often kept him away from his family, a fact painfully evident in the heartfelt note discovered in his outpost, penned by his wife, pleading for his return home.

It’s uncertain if these specific details will appear in the show, as we’ve already witnessed Joel working on breakers and springs while Dina watches attentively – a dynamic similar to what he had with Eugene during the game. Moreover, just like Gail depicts him in the series, Joel seems to be knowledgeable about weed in The Last of Us Part II. However, contrary to the game, Gail was not mentioned and her appearance in the show serves to heighten the emotional impact of Eugene’s legacy.

In my perspective as a movie critic, the most striking divergence from the game in “The Last of Us Part II” revolves around Eugene’s demise. Contrary to what we see in the game where Ellie and Dina mention that Eugene passed away from a stroke at 73 in 2038, the HBO series hints at Joel being responsible for his death. The enigma surrounding Eugene’s tale, including the motives and methods, is anticipated to be a crucial aspect in Season 2 of “The Last of Us” as it delves deeper into Eugene’s presence. For now, with Gail’s wrath and her refusal to forgive, coupled with Joel’s troubled past and the shifting dynamics of Jackson, it’s clear that the explanations will not be straightforward.

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2025-04-15 19:02