Are We Back in 2020? The Last of Us Season 2 is Facing the Same Backlash the Game Got

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In 2020, The Last of Us Part II was released, and it faced an overwhelming wave of criticism ranging from intense dislike towards Abby to blatant, unrepentant homophobia. Although much of that uproar has subsided over time, it seems like the same criticisms are resurfacing once more due to the arrival of the second season on HBO.

In the past week, The Last of Us Season 2 made its debut, and similar to the response seen with Part II in 2020, there’s been a surge of criticism that some are labeling as ‘anti-progressive.’

“It’s a Family Event”

In the second season, we’ll delve into Ellie’s journey towards maturity, similar to how Joel rediscovered his fatherhood in the first. The premiere of this season will reenact a pivotal moment from the game, Ellie’s New Year’s kiss with Dina, which is disrupted by an older, traditional character named Seth.

The show predominantly explores Ellie and Dina’s relationship, but some viewers are expressing displeasure, which I won’t delve into here. There are also comments praising Seth as the sole admirable character in this episode, while others view it as a sign of the series’ decline, seemingly forgetting that the first season included gay romance, a aspect they previously criticized.

The comments for this post are just filled with the worst takes.

It Only Gets Worse from Here

In simpler terms, as we move forward, I foresee an increase in negative feedback from fans of “The Last of Us” series, especially after a specific event occurs in the second episode. Those who have played the game should prepare for a fresh wave of online criticism from people who may not fully understand the storyline, yet will still express their unsolicited opinions once that event transpires.

Initially, I was passionately advocating for Neil Druckmann’s work during the release of Part II, even going so far as to argue for the game in heated discussions and investing countless hours writing arguments about why the negative reactions were misguided. However, Girlfriend Reviews provides a succinct perspective on the unforeseen criticism (beware, it does reveal key plot points):

[Here is the link to the Girlfriend Reviews video if you’re interested: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6KJZ3Lg-jw]

It Could be Different This Time

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but notice the shift in storytelling as I delve into Season 2, with the arrival of Abby and the remnants of her Firefly group. It’s evident that the show is taking a fresh approach to its narrative framework.

To keep the enigma of Abby’s character central to the series, showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann understood that strictly adhering to the game’s structure might not be enough to ensure everyone’s engagement for the next season. Therefore, they decided to early-reveal Abby’s identity and primary reasons for being in Jackson.

It’s uncertain at this point how they might alter the storyline for Season 2, but they may aim to have viewers cheering for Abby by the end of the season.

Translating “The Last of Us”‘s primary appeal lies in its ability to evoke emotions and empathy through gameplay, making it quite a formidable task to recreate such an emotional bond in a less interactive medium like television.

As an ardent fan, I’m optimistic that Druckmann and Mazin have found their stride; however, I can’t help but anticipate some individuals who are poised to stir up trouble with their questionable interpretations of the game, all in pursuit of Youtube views. This upcoming season for The Last of Us may prove challenging for its loyal fans, but if the series can capture our hearts as deeply as before, there won’t be any space left for that kind of negativity.

Catch The Last of Us Season 2 every Sunday night on Max.

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2025-04-16 02:13