HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has officially shattered expectations with Episode 2, Through the Valley, which aired April 20, 2025. If you thought the first season hit hard, this episode goes straight for the emotional jugular—delivering the most shocking and heartbreaking moment in the series to date. Fans of the game knew what was coming, but the execution still left viewers stunned and devastated.
⚠️ Major Spoiler Warning
In a gut-wrenching scene pulled directly from The Last of Us Part II, Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) meets a violent and tragic end at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Her identity as the daughter of the Firefly surgeon Joel killed in Season 1 brings full-circle consequences to his past decisions. But what makes the HBO adaptation so powerful is how it chooses to frame Abby’s story before the blow lands.
The episode opens not with Joel or Ellie—but with Abby. We follow her memories, her grief, and her motivation, grounding the emotional stakes and forcing the audience to confront the question: what would you do in her place? The ambush is swift and brutal. Joel doesn’t die in a prolonged, dramatic battle. He’s overpowered and executed—making the moment feel horrifyingly real.
Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) scream as she’s held back from intervening is already being hailed as one of the most haunting moments in the show’s run.
Pedro Pascal On Saying Goodbye
Pedro Pascal, who knew Joel’s fate from the very beginning, has spoken candidly about how surreal it was to film these final scenes. In interviews, he described being in “active denial,” even as the moment approached. “There’s something strangely beautiful about how Joel dies,” he said. “He’s still trying to protect Ellie, even with his last breath.”
His final lines and the way he reaches out to Ellie one last time add a layer of tragic poetry that only deepens the sense of loss. Despite being gone, Joel’s shadow will continue to loom large over everything Ellie does next.
HBO’s Changes Make It Even More Devastating
While the core of Joel’s death remains faithful to the source material, the showrunners added a new plot device to intensify the drama: an avalanche. Abby triggers it while fleeing a horde, unleashing infected chaos near Jackson. Joel and Tommy are caught in the mess while trying to help survivors, leading to their separation and Joel’s capture.
This added chaos doesn’t just create more action—it adds weight to Abby’s decision. She doesn’t just kill Joel in a private act of revenge. She does it amid disaster, when Jackson is vulnerable, heightening the moral complexity of her character and the fallout to come.
What Comes Next?
With Joel gone, the story pivots to Ellie’s transformation from a protected survivor to a hardened avenger. And while his death is final, Joel is not gone from the show. Creator Craig Mazin confirmed that Pascal will continue to appear in Season 2 through flashbacks and dream sequences. This choice mirrors the game’s narrative structure, allowing audiences to hold onto Joel a little longer—even if only in memory.
Episode 3 of Season 2 airs Sunday, April 27, 2025, and promises to dive deeper into Ellie’s psyche as she begins to unravel in the aftermath of Joel’s death. It’s expected to introduce Jesse and Dina more prominently, as Ellie begins her journey down a darker path.
If you’re watching this season live, buckle up. The Last of Us just flipped the board—and every move from here on out is war.
Key Takeaways
- The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2 is out now on HBO and Max.
- The story expands with new developments and deeper themes.
- Strong performances and production add to the excitement.
Release Details for The Last of Us Season 2 “Through the Valley”
The highly-anticipated second episode of The Last of Us Season 2 is now available to watch. The drama continues to unfold as viewers follow Joel, Ellie, and other survivors through new challenges.
Premiere Date and Platforms
Episode 2 of The Last of Us Season 2, titled “Through the Valley,” premiered on April 20, 2025. This episode aired on the same night across both HBO and the streaming service Max.
Fans can catch new episodes on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. The show follows a weekly schedule, giving viewers time to watch and discuss each installment before the next arrives. This approach continues the tradition set by successful HBO dramas.
For those who missed it live, every episode is quickly available for streaming after the original broadcast. This schedule makes it easier for fans to keep up with all the new episodes without waiting long. More details about the airing schedule are available in this guide to The Last of Us Season 2 episodes.
Synopsis of Episode 2
In “Through the Valley,” the story continues soon after the events of the season premiere. Joel and Ellie are joined by new and returning characters as they face dangers outside the safe zone. The episode explores trust, survival, and the harsh realities of the world after the outbreak.
Abby, a key character, finds herself in an abandoned mansion near Jackson as the episode develops. The plot follows her attempts to stay safe and confront new threats. The episode deepens the emotional lives of the main cast while setting up future conflicts.
Viewers can expect more action, difficult choices, and strong dialogue. The episode adds to the complex relationships and drama that have made The Last of Us a standout HBO series. For a closer look at what happens in Episode 2, read the full preview and recap.
How to Watch on HBO and Max
Anyone with an HBO subscription can watch “Through the Valley” during its TV airing or by streaming it on Max. The episode is accessible on-demand after the original time slot, making it easy to catch up.
To watch on HBO, tune in to the channel at 9 p.m. ET on Sundays. For Max users, the episode will be listed in the show’s Season 2 section as soon as it’s available. High-definition streaming is offered for the best viewing experience.
The Last of Us Season 2’s episodes will remain on both platforms, allowing viewers to rewatch or join in at any point. Streaming offers bonus content and accessibility features for fans. More information on where and when to stream is found in this release and streaming schedule.
Main Cast and Characters
Season 2 of “The Last of Us” continues to focus on the central characters, exploring both their inner struggles and their relationships with those around them. This season also introduces key new characters, expanding the world and deepening the narrative.
Ellie and Joel’s Ongoing Story
Ellie and Joel remain at the heart of the show. Bella Ramsey plays Ellie, who is still dealing with the events from season one. She is older now, and more independent, which shapes her interactions and decisions.
Pedro Pascal returns as Joel. His relationship with Ellie becomes even more complex this season. Joel tries to protect Ellie while also mending the strain in their bond that developed from past choices.
Tommy, Joel’s brother, played by Gabriel Luna, continues to support the pair. His presence adds a layer of family dynamics, especially as they settle near Jackson. The show also draws on past cast members like Ashley Johnson, who originally voiced Ellie in the video game, for key story moments.
New and Returning Characters
This season brings in new faces, with Abby taking a major role. Abby is portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever. She is determined and physically strong, making her a central figure in the unfolding conflict.
Dina, played by a new actress, becomes a close companion to Ellie. Their friendship and romance add depth to Ellie’s journey. Jesse, another important character from the Jackson community, also joins the story, providing support and facing dangers alongside the group.
Mel, a medic connected to Abby, appears as well. The season also includes the return of Laura Bailey, known for her work on the video game, in a new role. These characters add fresh perspectives and increase the tension between groups.
Performance Highlights
The cast delivers strong performances, anchored by Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie shows both vulnerability and strength. Her growth is clear in how she faces new challenges and forms new bonds.
Pedro Pascal gives Joel more emotional depth, especially in scenes with Gabriel Luna’s Tommy. The connection between the brothers feels authentic, adding weight to their choices.
Kaitlyn Dever’s introduction as Abby stands out. She brings intensity and complexity to a character who is both an antagonist and a person with her own motivations. Supporting actors like Ashley Johnson and Laura Bailey provide familiar links to the original game and elevate key moments in the show. For a full list of cast and their roles, check this cast and character guide.
Plot Elements and Thematic Depth
“Through the Valley” in The Last of Us Season 2 highlights a turning point for many main characters. The episode brings together past trauma, the loss of loved ones, and the drive for revenge, while also introducing new threats in a world changed by the apocalypse.
Major Storylines in “Through the Valley”
The focus centers on Ellie as she struggles with the loss she experienced in Salt Lake City during the Season 1 finale. Joel’s actions at the hospital continue to haunt both characters. In “Through the Valley,” the narrative picks up right after these events, showing the emotional distance that now exists between them.
Abby, introduced as a new character, starts her quest for vengeance using a golf club as a symbol of her motivation. The episode’s plot uses flashbacks and tense present-day moments to weave together their stories. The growing tension between the two storylines prepares viewers for future confrontations.
Revenge, Loss, and Trauma
Revenge is a major theme that shapes most decisions in this episode. After seeing the consequences of Joel’s choices with the Fireflies, Ellie becomes increasingly conflicted. The trauma from losing people she cares about, highlighted through scenes of remembrance and regret, drives her actions.
Loss continues to linger throughout “Through the Valley.” Flashbacks show moments of warmth alongside harsh betrayal. Ellie’s internal battles and constant reminders of what she’s lost make the emotional tone heavy and realistic.
Trauma, both physical and emotional, is reflected in how characters interact with each other. Relationships are strained; simple conversations turn tense as trust breaks down. The show explores the cycle of violence that starts with loss and leads to revenge.
Changes From The Last of Us Part II
While the show follows the events of The Last of Us Part II closely, “Through the Valley” updates certain moments to fit the format of television. Some flashback scenes are shortened or moved to different points in the story. This helps keep the pacing tight and the story focused on the main conflict.
The episode increases Abby’s role, introducing her motives earlier than in the game. It makes the golf club scene stand out, as viewers see not just the act but the pain behind it. Dialogue is also changed in places to make characters’ trauma more visible.
Smaller details, like the look of Salt Lake City or the structure of the Fireflies, are expanded to give more context to new viewers. These changes help balance game fans’ expectations with the needs of a television audience.
Fireflies, Apocalypse, and New Threats
The aftermath of the Fireflies’ collapse is clear right from the start of “Through the Valley.” Leaders scramble to regroup, questioning their place in a society almost destroyed by the apocalypse. Their loss changes the power dynamic, leaving Ellie and Joel isolated from any real support.
New threats quickly take center stage. The infected horde returns as a constant danger, with fresh varieties creating suspenseful action scenes. Rumors spread about splinter groups forming from Firefly survivors, heightening the tension.
Relations between communities become more fragile, as suspicion and fear rule interactions. Each encounter with strangers has the chance to turn violent, underlining the reality of life after the collapse of order. This keeps the world of Season 2 dangerous and unpredictable for every character.
Production and Behind the Scenes
The making of “Through the Valley” brought fresh locations, expert creators, and thoughtful adaptation choices. High attention to detail and a skilled production team combined to create a strong visual and storytelling experience.
Filming Locations and Set Design
Key scenes were shot around the snowy mountains and small towns near Jackson, capturing the show’s cold and tense atmosphere. The crew transformed real locations into places that matched the mood of the original game, using both outdoor and indoor sets to bring each scene to life.
Production designers spent weeks building an abandoned mansion, carefully dressing rooms with old furniture, broken décor, and realistic mold to match the overgrown world. Snow effects and clever lighting made these spaces look natural and lived-in. The blend of real and artificial environments gave the episode a sense of realism fans expect from the series.
Buildings and props were crafted based on research into the geography and architecture of the Pacific Northwest. Some of the sets shared visual inspiration with projects like The Righteous Gemstones, but aimed for a much darker tone. Everything from the wood grain on doors to the faded street signs was chosen to look authentic to a world in collapse.
Creative Team and Direction
Director Mark Mylod, known for his work on high-profile series such as Game of Thrones, led the episode. He brought a cinematic style that fit the show’s tone, balancing epic landscapes with close, emotional shots. The focus on mood and pacing helped drive the tension during critical moments.
The production drew on talent from other standout dramas, leading to strong performances and a polished look. The showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, made creative choices that stayed true to the series vision. Their experience showed in the way each sequence was staged and how every part of production worked together.
By keeping the crew tight-knit and focused, the episode benefited from clear leadership. The result was a story that felt consistent in quality and style. The collaboration between directors, designers, and actors brought depth to the world of Jackson and its surrounding areas.
Adaptation Process and Inspirations
Adapting “Through the Valley” from video game to television required careful choices in script and visuals. The creative team worked to balance loyalty to the source material with new story elements that would engage viewers who haven’t played the game.
Writers and producers studied key scenes, translating interactive moments into cinematic sequences. They used inspiration from Game of Thrones when depicting group conflicts and intense weather, creating tension and suspense that fit the setting. Dialogue between characters was adjusted to be more direct and natural for television viewers.
Inspiration also came from real-world survival stories, informing how the characters moved, spoke, and reacted to threats. The show’s music and sound design took cues from the game but was adapted for a more atmospheric experience. These decisions respected both longtime fans and newcomers, making the story compelling for all audiences.
For more information on the production and episode release, see details about the making of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, “Through the Valley”.
Frequently Asked Questions
Season 2 of The Last of Us brings fresh episodes, streaming options, and new faces to the show. Fans are curious about the episode count, story details, trailers, and where they can watch the series.
What is the release date for The Last of Us Season 2?
The Last of Us Season 2 premiered its second episode, “Through the Valley,” on April 20, 2025. The season continues airing new episodes every week.
Where can I watch The Last of Us Season 2?
Viewers can watch The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO and Max. Episodes premiere on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. More information can be found in this CNET article about season 2.
Are there any new characters introduced in The Last of Us Season 2?
Season 2 introduces new characters alongside returning favorites. The storyline expands the world of Jackson Hole and features new survivors and threats.
Is there a trailer available for The Last of Us Season 2?
Yes, an official trailer for The Last of Us Season 2 is available. It features scenes from the upcoming episodes, hinting at the challenges the characters will face.
How many episodes are there in The Last of Us Season 2?
Season 2 of The Last of Us has seven episodes. The second episode aired on April 20, 2025, with five more episodes left to be released, as detailed in this guide to season 2 episodes.
Will The Last of Us Season 2 follow the storyline of the game?
The new season closely follows the story from The Last of Us Part II video game. Some scenes and characters are adapted for television, but the main plot and themes remain true to the source material.
