When “The Last of Us” returns for its much-anticipated second season, we’re heading back to Jackson. Yes, that Jackson—the one nestled in snowy Wyoming, where Joel and Ellie finally found something that resembled peace. But come on, this is The Last of Us. Peace never lasts long, does it?
Welcome to Jackson, Population: Complicated
Jackson isn’t just a quiet town; it’s a full-blown community. And not the creepy cult kind. It’s got a movie theater, restaurants, a hotel, and even a leather goods store. That’s right, in a world where Clickers roam free, you can still buy a belt.
The town was founded around 2016, when Maria and her group took over and got serious about survival. By 2038, Jackson runs like a well-oiled (if occasionally bloodstained) machine. They’ve got livestock, greenhouses, patrol routes, and yes—actual working electricity. It’s cozy, it’s warm, and it’s very much the calm before the storm.
Who’s New in Town?
This season drops a few major players into the Jackson mix, and spoiler alert: none of them are here to just sip cocoa and chill.
- Abby Anderson, played by Kaitlyn Dever, is stepping into the spotlight. She’s tough, trained, and not here to make friends. Her reason for entering Jackson is personal. Painfully personal. She’s carrying the weight of loss, and she’s looking for Joel. That should raise a few alarms.
- Dina, portrayed by Isabela Merced, brings heart and heat. She connects with Ellie in a big way, and their relationship will give us one of the emotional cores of Season 2.
- Jesse, played by Young Mazino, is dependable, kind, and ridiculously selfless. He’s the kind of guy who would give you his last bullet and then apologize for not having two.
All these fresh faces? They shake things up. And not always in a good way.
Trouble’s Brewing Under That Snow
Let’s not kid ourselves. Jackson may look peaceful, but it’s a kettle ready to boil over.
Start with Joel and Ellie. Their relationship took a weird turn after Joel made the choice to save Ellie at the Firefly hospital—you know, instead of letting her die to maybe cure humanity. She suspects the truth. She just doesn’t know all of it yet. That tension is going to fester.
Meanwhile, Abby isn’t knocking on doors selling Girl Scout cookies. She’s on a revenge mission. A big one. And if you’ve played the game, you know just how deep that rabbit hole goes.
Add in the emotional rollercoaster between Ellie and Dina, and Jesse trying to keep everyone together like some apocalypse therapist, and you’ve got yourself a cocktail of heartbreak, mistrust, and simmering rage.
The Town’s Got Amenities… and Ammunition
Jackson’s not just some sleepy settlement. It’s got:
- The Copper Peak Inn, for travelers (or wandering souls).
- Clay Pit BBQ, because even in a fungal apocalypse, brisket matters.
- Main Street Outfitters, perfect if your jacket screams “end of the world chic.”
- Twin Sisters Grocers, likely run by people who can somehow find canned peaches in 2038.
And don’t forget the horses. Jackson thrives on horseback patrols and old-school transportation. There’s even a movie night. No, seriously. Actual movie nights. For a few brief hours, residents can laugh or cry without worrying about getting eaten. That’s rare.
But don’t let the warm lighting fool you. Underneath the community dinners and patrol schedules, the place is a ticking time bomb.
All Roads Lead to Fallout
You can feel it, right? That unease creeping in around the edges?
Ellie is growing up, and with that comes questions—about Joel, about the Fireflies, about what she means to the world. Joel’s trying to protect her like he always has, but the truth is a heavy thing. Sooner or later, it spills.
Abby enters Jackson with a goal that will shift everything. Her mission won’t just impact Joel. It’ll hit everyone who calls Jackson home. Her arrival could break open wounds that never had time to heal.
So while the town’s fences keep Clickers out, they can’t stop what’s coming from inside.
What Happens When Peace Feels Like a Lie?
What makes Jackson different isn’t just that it’s safe. It’s that people believe it’s safe. That belief lets them lower their guard, smile, fall in love. But once that illusion cracks? The fallout could be worse than any infected attack.
Relationships will strain. Loyalties will fracture. And for a community built on trust, that’s a deadly game.
Buckle Up, It’s Gonna Get Messy
Season 2 won’t just explore new territory. It’s going to rip open emotional scars. Jackson might survive physically, but emotionally? That’s another story.
So grab your coat, your backpack, and maybe some tissues. This season is about to turn Jackson upside down. The powder keg is lit, and we’re all just waiting for the boom.
