Joel’s Shocking Exit: The Last of Us Season 2 Plummets in Ratings

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As a film enthusiast, I’ve got to say that Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel Miller was pivotal in making “The Last of Us” one of HBO’s shining achievements. However, the creators dared to stick with one of the game’s more contentious choices and conclude Joel’s character just two episodes into season 2. This move stirred up controversy and, unfortunately, led to a noticeable dip in viewership for “The Last of Us” season 2.

Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” aired on April 20, 2025. In a remarkably faithful recreation of the source video game, Joel encounters an ambush right outside Jackson, Wyoming. This attack catches him off guard, resulting in his abrupt and shocking demise in a rapid and intense sequence.

For those who haven’t seen the original content, the scene felt shockingly intense. Data suggests that some viewers deliberately skipped the second episode upon learning about the violent sequence, and even more didn’t come back for the next one.

Based on reports from “Programming Insider”, the U.S. premiere of Season 2 attracted 938,000 live viewers. However, viewership for Episode 2 plummeted to 643,000, a significant decrease of approximately 31.5%. While Episode 3 showed some improvement with 768,000 viewers, it still lagged behind the premiere by more than 170,000, suggesting that viewers were taken aback and some decided to stop watching.

According to Rotten Tomatoes, there was a change in overall opinion. Previously, the audience score hovered around the mid-60s, but after the contentious episode, it dipped to 49%. Metacritic exhibited a similar pattern, as its user rating plummeted from 6.3 to 4.1.

As a passionate cinephile immersed in the world of gaming narratives, I knew Joel’s exit was a predictable plot twist. However, for those fresh to this franchise within the realm of television, it felt quite sudden. Joel, with his profound emotional depth, had been the backbone of the series. His absence left many viewers, including myself, scrambling to find our bearings amidst the shifting narrative landscape.

Online responses came quickly and passionately. Many people discussed the scene’s atmosphere, stating that it was significantly more intense than they had anticipated. This intensity was heightened by Ellie’s powerlessness and the prolonged tempo of the scene. The adaptation’s choice to increase the level of violence ignited a discussion, with some commending its accuracy to the game, while others contended it veered towards shock value rather than substance.

Critics have generally commended Kaitlyn Dever’s portrayal of Abby, yet even among favorable opinions, there is an understanding that Joel’s departure so early in the season disrupted the momentum established in Episode 1. Some critics pointed out that by focusing on a siege at Jackson, the show may have diverted attention from what should have been the emotional heart of the episode.

In other places, publications such as The New Yorker have cautioned that The Last of Us may be overemphasizing spectacle to the detriment of its initial season’s world-building and depth. On YouTube, numerous breakdown videos have been uploaded – detailed analyses of Joel’s final scene, examining aspects like lighting, choreography, and pacing. Some video creators have debated whether this lengthy scene seemed more exploitative than powerful.

In contrast to the original game, which allowed players to have immediate control over Joel during the early stages, the TV adaptation removed this element of player involvement. Instead of being actively engaged in the narrative, viewers found themselves merely observers as the scene unfolded unexpectedly and swiftly, without much warning or opportunity for emotional preparation. This left spectators feeling more like passive onlookers rather than active participants in the story.

Although facing criticism, numerous industry figures have supported the decision, believing it lays the groundwork for Ellie’s path of vengeance. Some consider this move a daring narrative gamble as the series transitions from game format to television. However, even among those who endorse the choice, there are worries about the potential costs – in terms of creativity and viewer trust.

It’s evident that Joel’s departure has sparked intense debate throughout the year. This event has triggered a fresh wave of conversations about adaptation, staying true to original works, and the unique challenges TV shows face when meeting fan expectations compared to video games.

As a film critic, I must admit that the creative minds behind this production certainly sparked dialogue with their latest work. However, the question of whether it can bounce back from the controversy – only time will tell that tale.

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2025-05-09 21:22