The second season of The Last of Us has kicked off on HBO – along with the plot of the second game
By ForGeeks The Last of Us series is back on screens – and from the very first episode, season two takes on a high emotional tone, accurately portraying key moments from The Last of Us Part II. The new chapter of HBO’s popular adaptation kicks off in sync with the opening events of the video game’s second installment.
The first episode begins with a lie – but not from the writers
The opening scene brings us back to a tense moment: Ellie (Bella Ramsay) demands that Joel (Pedro Pascal) swear that everything he said about “Cicadas” is true. Joel, without exhibiting a shadow of doubt, replies: “I swear.” That’s the line that kicks off the second season, just as it did in the game – with the consequences of the decisions the characters made in the finale of the first installment.
This moment sets the tone for the entire story – it’s no longer about survival here, but about guilt, pain and revenge. The second installment of the franchise boldly explores the devastating consequences of violence, and the series follows the game’s script step by step.
New cast and the return of familiar characters
In addition to the familiar Pedro Pascal (Joel), Bella Ramsay (Ellie), Gabriel Luna (Tommy) and Rutina Wesley (Maria), the cast has been joined by:
- Caitlin Dever as Abby
- Isabela Merced – Dina
- Young Masino – Jessie
- Ariela Barer as Mel
- Tati Gabriel – Nora
- Spencer Lord as Owen
- Danny Ramirez – Manny
- Jeffrey Wright – Isaac
- Katherine O’Hara guest stars as a therapist named Gail
The character Gail is a new name on the show that wasn’t in the original game. Her presence could add some unexpected “Clan Sopranos”-like twists and turns to the series, especially since her patient is extremely reluctant to make contact.
The Last of Us part two is a truly sweeping story
The show follows the timeline of The Last of Us Part II, where events take place five years after the end of the first installment. The world is more violent and unpredictable, and the relationship between Joel and Ellie is tenser than ever. In fact, while the first season was about how the characters survived in a broken world, the second season is about how they have to pay for their decisions.
The creators say the second season only covers the first half of the second game. That gives every indication that a third season – already confirmed by HBO – will be the conclusion of Ellie and Joel’s story within the existing video game canon.
Season three will be the conclusion of Ellie and Joel’s story within the existing game canon.
Creator comments and future plans
“We worked on the second season with the idea that it should be something we were really proud of. And the result has exceeded expectations – thanks to our partnership with HBO and the incredible work of the cast and crew. We look forward to continuing the storytelling in season three.”
Neal Druckmann, creator of the original game and co-creator of the series, added:
“To see The Last of Us brought to life on screen so beautifully and accurately is the pinnacle of my career. Thank you so much to the fans for your support and dedication. We are happy to continue on this journey.”
Why the second season might be even stronger than the first
Despite the noticeable differences between the actors and their game prototypes, the new cast shows impressive depth and characterization from the very first minutes. Abby, Jesse and Dina are particularly convincing.
The second season will consist of 7 episodes and is already available on HBO and streaming service Max. Given the scope of the second installment, a third season is rumored to continue the adaptation of its plot and wrap up the story. However, if the show’s popularity continues, the series could surpass its game-based premise – similar to what happened with “Game of Thrones.”
