The most recent episode explores broken ties between Joel and Ellie … just before the most devastating blow

A guitar, a lie and a goodbye that comes too late. So the last episode of The last of usentitled The pricewho left the fandom in shattered as fascinated. In a narrative movement full of emotions, the HBO series brought us through the Russian mountains that explores The years lost between Joel and EllieJust before the story gives its feared turning point.

But what really made the Ardan forums was not only the dramatic load … but a Unexpected cameo of the Marvel universe. The actor Tony Daltonthat we saw as Jack Duques Hawk eye And this will also appear in Daredevil: born againJoel’s father gives life to a flashback that redefines everything we knew about the character.

Trauma, half truths and a surprise cameo

The episode begins with a look at Joel’s pastWhen he was still a teenager in front of his father’s violent character. Dalton interprets this hard man but with a twisted idea of ​​redemption: “I try not to exceed the same thing I lived,” says Joel after hitting him. The idea of Generational trauma The entire episode flies, in a clear connection with the current relationship of Joel with Ellie.

Years later, we see Joel giving Ellie a guitar for his birthday. He burned his arm to hide the bite brand and, with 16 years, explore a museum and sit in a space capsule, tracked down the moment of the video game that will play players of The last part of us II.

But the adolescence holder conflicts. Ellie begins to experience her identity, consumes drugs and tattooswhich generates tensions with a Joel who, although he wants it, You don’t always know how to accept your evolution. The reaction to know that Ellie is gay is not the best, and although you try to reconnect with her, A lie too big to separate them again.

A key moment, the new scene of Gail

In a scene that It does not appear in the video gameJoel and Ellie meet the husband of the therapist Gail Lyden, who has been bitten. Ellie wants to take him home to greet his wife, but Joel runs immediately as soon as he turns around. The deception is added to the scars of the past and Ellie can no longer.

The young woman It ends up confessing to Gail And, with this, the wound that Joel tried to hide from the end of the first season: The massacre in the firefly hospital.

The last conversation … before the end

The episode ends with a heartbreaking scene in which, during New Year’s EveEllie and Joel speak under the porch. He repeats the words of his father: “I’m trying to do better.” She, still wounded, replies that she cannot forgive him … But he wants to try.

An attempt that Will never be satisfiedBecause the next day, Joel dies at Abby’s hands, closing the circle with a mixture of truncated and inevitable tragedy redemption.

What changes compared to the video game?

The episode introduces different differences compared to The last part of us II:

• The conversation on the porch is advanced, since it occurs in the game much later.
• The character of Gail and her husband does not exist in the game.
• The period of distancing between Ellie and Joel is shorter, which makes their last moments together have an even more emotional weight In the series.

These changes are designed for work better in television languageAnd the comedy went well: the drama affects more strength and leaves a mark.

The cast is strengthened in this new phase

In addition to the return of Pedro Pascal Like Joel and Beautiful ramsey Like Ellie, this season has new luxury purchases. Kaitlyn Dever Like Abby, Isabela Merced Like Dina, e Jeffrey Wright Returning to his role of Isaac, among others. And if that was not enough, Catherine O’Hara It also makes its appearance as a guest star.

A new reference in video games adaptations

Criticism has no doubts: with this second season, The last of us Is consolidated as The best adaptation of a video game has never been made. The performances of Pascal and Ramsey are still bright, but now new shades are added that make the series beyond nostalgia or the service service.