Joel’s Gruesome Death in The Last of Us Rivals Game of Thrones’ Most Heartbreaking Moments

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Note: Contains potential plot reveals for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 titled “Through the Valley”, as well as references to Game of Thrones. Proceed with caution if you wish to avoid spoilers.

The second episode of season 2 in the series “The Last of Us,” titled “Through the Valley,” bears a striking resemblance to an iconic episode from “Game of Thrones.” Both shows, being two of HBO’s most influential programs, have significantly impacted pop culture and expanded the horizons of television. “Game of Thrones” raised the bar for fantasy TV, offering an experience that feels like a movie. On the other hand, “The Last of Us” has redefined expectations for video game adaptations, managing to stay true to their original content, attract a wide audience, and receive critical acclaim.

The fan bases for George R. R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” books and “The Last of Us” video games were substantial beforehand, and have continued to expand as each installment is released. Both series generate a sense of urgency, with fans eagerly anticipating each new episode. After the release of “The Last of Us” season 2, episode 2, the similarities between these high-profile productions are even more noticeable.

“Through The Valley” Feels A Lot Like “Hardhome” From Game Of Thrones Season 5

There Are Significant Parallels

In the scene, Jackson is besieged by hordes of infected, which reminds me of the episode “Through the Valley” or “Hardhome” from Game of Thrones’ fifth season. This memorable episode depicts the Night King and his Army of the Dead brutally slaughtering the Free Folk and members of the Night’s Watch at Hardhome with a relentless onslaught. The humans struggle to survive as they are confronted by an unimaginable number of the undead, all while battling against a treacherous winter storm.

Both episodes showcase some of the most gripping and complex action scenes from their respective series. They manage to blend grand-scale human battles against thousands of undead with intimate conflicts such as Jon Snow facing off against a White Walker, and Tommy battling a bloater. Regardless of how many undead are vanquished, new ones keep emerging, creating an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and impending doom that looms over every character.

The Last Of Us Co-Creator Craig Mazin Confirmed He Was Inspired By “Hardhome”

The Episode Stuck With Him For An Important Reason

Before the premiere of season 2 for “The Last of Us,” co-creator and co-showrunner Craig Mazin revealed that the intense battle scene in “Hardhome” from “Game of Thrones” had inspired him. He mentioned that what particularly moved him wasn’t the action, but the poignant moments like the Free Folk woman Karsi turning into a wight, as well as the Night King adding freshly slain bodies to his army and glaring at Jon Snow. Here are Mazin’s thoughts on this:

As a devoted “Game of Thrones” enthusiast, I recall watching the episode “Hardhome,” not just focusing on the intricate and stunning action sequences. Instead, I was deeply touched by the emotional significance of events unfolding within them. The Wildling woman [Karsi], her transformation, and the chilling moment when The Night King summoned the dead, subtly hinting at an impending conflict with Jon Snow. The palpable despair, the overwhelming sense of hopelessness – these are the memories that remain etched in my mind.

Our approach is deeply rooted in taking action. So, when constructing this series, we were quite ambitious as our goal was to vividly illustrate the worst-case scenario. However, throughout the process, we constantly questioned ourselves: Why are we doing this? What impact does it have, what difference will it make, and how might it influence our community in the future?

In the first episode, I find myself growing and expanding, yet there’s a touch of arrogance about me that seems oblivious to the turmoil brewing beyond. I must admit, I’ve grown a bit too comfortable, perhaps even complacent. We’re hosting a New Year’s Eve dance, attending therapy sessions, refurbishing homes, and perfecting our patrol system. Yet, as I watch these events unfold, I can’t help but think: Fellas, don’t you realize you’re stars in a TV show?

In both “Through the Valley” and “Hardhome,” the action is grandiose and daring; however, the intense violence never eclipses the profound personal struggles that characters like Tommy, Jon Snow, and others are grappling with. The episodes are propelled by a sense of despair, loss, and a shattered sense of safety as people from Jackson and the Free Folk suffer the heartrending loss of loved ones. Despite Jackson’s survival and Hardhome’s demise, neither event softens the brutal impact that “The Last of Us” episode holds.

The Last Of Us’ “Through The Valley” Is Even More Devastating Than “Hardhome”

Joel’s Death Makes “Through The Valley” More Heartbreaking

Regardless of the grim slaughter depicted by the Army of the Dead, key or beloved characters such as Jon Snow, Tormund Giantsbane, Dolorous Edd, along with other survivors manage to escape. Although Karsi’s death and subsequent transformation into a wight is unfortunate, given her debut in this episode, it pales in comparison to losing a primary character. The outlook for Jon Snow and others appears bleak as the Night King confronts him and summons the dead, but there remains some optimism due to the presence of surviving characters.

The poignant scene at “Hardhome” pales in comparison to the heart-wrenching moment of watching Joel’s demise in “The Last of Us”. In the final episode, “Through the Valley”, Joel is subjected to a brutal and agonizing death at Abby’s hands. Ellie, powerless to intervene, witnesses this horrific scene and cannot save her friend. This tragic event bears similarities to the death of Ned Stark in “Game of Thrones”. Just as Arya was forced to watch helplessly as her father, Ned Stark, met his end in season 1, episode 9, “Baelor”, Ellie finds herself unable to save Joel.

Despite Jackson surviving, Joel’s demise makes “Through the Valley” a harder episode to view, given its similarity to “Hardhome” and the death of Ned Stark in terms of emotional impact within a single installment. Joel and Ellie were the soul of The Last of Us, and without Joel, the series will undeniably lose some of its essence and uniqueness. Regardless of how distressing this episode may be, it has the potential to stand among the show’s finest moments, much like “Hardhome” remains one of the most acclaimed Game of Thrones episodes.

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2025-04-24 01:18