How Season 2 Sets Up an Epic Season 3
The world of The Last of Us doesn’t slow down, and neither do its fans. As Season 2 lands on HBO, viewers are buckling in for a ride that promises heartbreak, grit, and plenty of moral ambiguity. But here’s the kicker: this isn’t the endgame. HBO confirmed that the story from Part II of the video game will spill over into Season 3. So what does that mean for where we’re heading? Well, let’s take a walk through the clues.
Settling In… But Not for Long
Season 2 starts in Jackson, Wyoming. Ellie and Joel are five years older and trying to live like normal people (whatever that means post-apocalypse). Jackson looks like a snowy postcard—kids sledding, adults doing chores, everyone pretending things are okay. But tension simmers under all that domestic bliss. Joel’s secret still casts a long shadow, and Ellie? She’s starting to suspect there’s more to the Fireflies’ story than he let on.
This peaceful opening won’t last. It never does.
New Faces, New Drama: Enter Abby
Abby—played by Kaitlyn Dever—is the new thundercloud rolling into Jackson’s sunny valley. She’s strong, complex, and on a mission that’s definitely personal. The moment she steps onto the screen, you know she’s going to stir the pot. Big time.
There’s no doubt Abby brings weight to the story. She’s not just another character; she’s a perspective shift. Her arrival launches a string of events that change everything. Not just for Joel. Not just for Ellie. For the entire narrative.
And it’s done with care. The showrunners—Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann—are using Abby to test our empathy. To make us squirm. To ask whether a villain is still a villain when you know their side of the story.
Ellie’s Emotional Crossroads
Let’s talk about Ellie. She’s not the same girl we met in Season 1. The trauma from Salt Lake City never really left her. She’s older, angrier, more guarded. And yet, she’s searching—for love, for meaning, maybe even for peace.
Her connection with Dina (played by Isabela Merced) adds some light to the darkness. Their relationship blooms in Jackson, giving Ellie a chance to feel like a teenager again. But vengeance creeps in like a cold wind.
That hunger for revenge? It’s dangerous. It starts small. But by mid-season, it’s clear: Ellie isn’t just going on a trip. She’s chasing something.
Something brutal.
Threads That Refuse to Tangle Neatly
Season 2 throws out questions like candy at a parade. And fans are already sorting through the wrappers. For starters:
- What’s the real reason behind Abby’s mission?
- Can Ellie ever forgive Joel—or herself?
- Who’s watching from the shadows while Ellie makes her next move?
- And seriously, what’s up with that one character Abby keeps meeting in secret?
These aren’t just teasers. They’re setups. Carefully planted seeds. And while we might get some answers, it’s clear we won’t get them all. Not yet.
That Inevitable Showdown
If you’re a die-hard fan, you already know what’s coming. But for the more casual viewer—no spoilers, don’t worry—just know this: things are going to explode.
There’s one confrontation the entire narrative points toward. A brutal, heart-wrenching moment that changes everything. Will that be the Season 2 finale? Signs point to yes.
Here’s why that theory works:
- The mid-point of the game marks a major turning point. Emotionally and structurally.
- The Abby and Ellie arcs are both rich enough to carry full seasons.
- A cliffhanger would mirror Season 1’s emotional punch—but on steroids.
Imagine the screen fading to black after a brutal face-off. Audiences screaming. Social media melting. It fits.
The Promise of Season 3
Season 3 isn’t just a cleanup act. It’s where the fire really catches. By splitting the Part II story into two seasons, HBO can explore what comes after that big clash. And there’s a lot to unpack.
What happens to Ellie after she crosses the line? Where does Abby go when she has nothing left? Can either of them find forgiveness?
More importantly—do they want it?
Season 3 could explore:
- The long road to healing (or revenge)
- Life outside Jackson, including new factions and threats
- Character evolution that spans years, not just weeks
- The blurred lines between justice and survival
There’s room for quieter, more meditative episodes. But also room for chaos. Expect big swings.
A Storm Is Coming
So, where does Season 2 leave us? Right on the edge.
With every episode, the show inches closer to that emotional cliff. And when it gets there? Don’t expect a tidy resolution. Expect a gut punch.
Season 2 is about building tension. Season 3 will release it.
Whatever happens between Ellie and Abby, it’s not just a fight. It’s a reckoning. And it’s going to be unforgettable.
Keep your eyes open. Keep the tissues close.
The best (or worst) is yet to come.
