The HBO adaptation of The Last of Us didn’t just bring the apocalypse to our screens—it dragged our hearts through it. With Season 1 wrapped and Season 2 on the horizon, the fandom has spoken. Loudly. Reddit threads exploded with praise, criticism, and some truly passionate debates. So, what’s the verdict on the characters? Who’s loved? Who’s loathed? And who’s sitting awkwardly in the grey zone?
Let’s dive in.
Joel: Hero, Villain, or Just a Dad with Issues?
Pedro Pascal’s Joel is a hot topic. Fans adore him. Fans critique him. Sometimes in the same breath.
On one hand:
- Viewers praise his grounded, haunted performance.
- Many applaud his chemistry with Ellie.
- He radiates weary-dad energy in the best way.
But not everyone buys what he’s selling. Some Redditors argue Pascal’s Joel lacks the raw aggression seen in the game. One fan claimed he felt “detached” during intense scenes, especially in contrast to game-Joel’s rage-fueled moments.
Still, most agree: Pascal nails the emotional complexity. He’s a man surviving, not thriving. And that’s the point.
Ellie: Unfiltered, Unflinching, Unmissable
Bella Ramsey’s Ellie kicked off a storm. At first? Skepticism. Then? Admiration. Now? Debate, fierce and ongoing.
What fans love:
- Ramsey’s take brings grit and vulnerability.
- Her comic timing? Sharp as a switchblade.
- She doesn’t mimic game-Ellie; she interprets her.
Yet a vocal segment still struggles with the difference. Reddit threads echo with phrases like “not my Ellie” and “she’s just not as charming.” But charm, others argue, isn’t the point. Ellie’s trauma and anger are front and center—and Ramsey leans into that.
Regardless, she owns the screen. Whether you love her or not, you’re watching.
Abby: The Tsunami Approaches
Kaitlyn Dever’s casting as Abby sent shockwaves through the fandom. Why? Because Abby isn’t just controversial—she’s the controversy.
From the game, fans know what she does. Some still haven’t forgiven her. But many Redditors are cautiously optimistic. Dever has range. She’s intense. She can humanize a character who broke hearts and split the fanbase.
In Season 2, Abby’s arc could flip the narrative. Or ignite it. Again.
Dina & Jesse: Newcomers with Promise
Ellie’s future love interest, Dina, will be played by Isabela Merced. And fans? Generally thrilled.
They point to her strong past performances. Some even say she “looks like she walked out of the game.”
Jesse, portrayed by Young Mazino, also sparked excitement. Reddit threads say he brings calm energy and quiet strength—perfect for a character who grounds Ellie.
Of course, we’ve yet to see them in action. But expectations? Sky-high.
Tommy and Maria: Stability in the Storm
Gabriel Luna’s Tommy has grown on fans. Reddit praises his loyalty, warmth, and understated strength. Maria (Rutina Wesley), too, has a quiet presence. Some viewers wanted more screen time, but others appreciated her subtlety.
Together, they represent the possibility of a “normal” life—whatever that means in a broken world.
Character Complexity: Who Lives in the Grey?
What makes The Last of Us special isn’t just its infected or its world-building. It’s the moral murkiness.
Characters don’t wear white hats or black ones. They bleed. They break. They make awful decisions.
Take Joel’s Season 1 finale rampage. Some fans cheered. Others recoiled. Reddit was torn down the middle. Was it love? Madness? Both?
And Ellie’s future? Redditors speculate she’ll get darker, angrier, more lost. And we’ll follow her, conflicted the whole way.
What Season 2 Might Bring
So, what’s next? Based on casting and fan speculation:
- Ellie’s grief arc will likely mirror the game’s heavy emotional beats.
- Abby’s backstory will get fleshed out, demanding empathy.
- Dina and Jesse will offer moments of hope and heartbreak.
Also, expect the fanbase to keep arguing. That’s part of the ride.
Fandom Fueled by Fire
The HBO series did more than adapt a beloved game. It sparked conversations. It redefined characters. It forced us to feel things we weren’t ready for.
Whether you cheer for Joel, cry for Ellie, or brace for Abby, one thing’s certain:
You care. A lot.
And that’s what great TV does.
Season 2? Bring it on.
