There’s good news for The Last of Us fans: After an overwhelming first season from the critically acclaimed critical and popular reception, HBO has officially renewed the series for a second season. With emotionally charged storytelling, performances, and breathtaking visuals, the show has huge expectations with regards to what the next chapter holds. Here’s a look at what fans can expect to see from Season 2 of The Last of Us.
Adaptation of the Game’s Sequel: New Characters and Conflicts
Season 2 is going to follow closely with the storyline of The Last of Us Part II, the video game sequel, set a few years after the events of the first movie. Ellie matures into an even meaner character, questioning both her morality and if she seeks revenge or only revenge. If the series unfolds just like the game, we will be seeing Ellie’s journey delve much deeper into darkness.
Another highly important role, for sure, is delivered by the wave of new characters in the story. Abby, for example, is a main character in the second game but has a complex arc that brings new feelings and tension. She will make the story dig deeper into new emotional lands to reveal revenge, redemption, and the cycle of violence.
Ellie’s Development and Return of Joel
The Last of US Season 1 ended with Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, lying to Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, about the events he witnessed at the Firefly hospital. This could create a split that should come to the surface in Season 2. That means Ellie’s growing sense of knowing what goes on can bring about emotional confrontations between the two wonderful characters. Joel will still be in the center, but Ellie might steal the show from him, so his character might have a different role.
More World-Building and Flashbacks With the increased budget to produce the show and the eagerness of the fans, Season 2 could delve more into world-building. New locations other than the devastation from the former season would be explored. The presence of flashbacks is also a given, which shall better provide a view of character backgrounds and motivations. This is true to the basic idea of building up narrative depth in the game as past and present timelines are interwoven.
Struggles While Adapting a Controversial Plot The Last of Us Part II is going to be one of the most contentious shows ever because of its bold choices on some characters’ fates. For this reason, showrunners will face a dilemma: piquing expectations from fandom and being faithful at the same time to this game’s storyline.
Expect another rollercoaster season that tests the mettle of the characters in an unforgiving world. More than likely to be as exciting and heartbreaking as the first, considering Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin are behind the project.
