The following review contains spoilers for Episode 2 of The Last of Us.

The second episode of The Last of Us takes viewers on a visual journey of the post-apocalyptic world, and it is a sight to behold. Projects about the end of the world are typically interesting to watch as creators offer their different perspectives on what the planet could look like if the human population was close to extinction. Despite Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann’s vision being similar to several other projects, with overgrown foliage, destroyed buildings, and abandoned vehicles, it is visually stunning and the attention to detail is commendable.

So far in The Last of Us, viewers had seen the world outside the walls shrouded in darkness. But, when Episode 2 begins, the sun is out, and the world looks completely different. For a moment, it is possible to forget that the world is on the verge of complete destruction as Ellie is seen sleeping on a patch of grass, with a butterfly fluttering by. It is only when she wakes up that the camera angle shifts and viewers get a full view of the abandoned building. The use of light in the rest of the episode is equally fascinating.

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The second episode picks up Tess, Joel, and Ellie’s journey where Episode 1 left off. The continuation is on point, but the showrunners also continue to dive deep into the background and the origins of the mind-altering virus. Episode 1 of The Last of Us indicated that the Cordyceps infection first broke out in Jakarta, Indonesia. This week, viewers get a closer look at the progression of events in the country, through the eyes of a specialized doctor. This entire sequence is an important one as it offers viewers an understanding of how the virus began to spread.

The Last of Us Episode 2 Ellie

For those viewers who are particularly interested in whether Ellie will safely make it to her final destination, the episode has enough to offer. Episode 2 slows down the pace and offers viewers several moments where they can get to know the main characters. Bella Ramsey’s Ellie was introduced as a bold, young girl who has quite a foul mouth. However, this week her witty sense of humor is put on display and her quick remarks are bound to get a chuckle. An awkward conversation between her and Pedro Pascal’s Joel is a great example of that, with her stating she learned how to juggle a knife at “the circus.” But, more importantly, that conversation kicks off their character development and foreshadows their journey forward and the bond that they will eventually form.

The episode also emphasizes how Ellie has spent her life dealing with the circumstances of the Cordyceps infection. She has never stepped outside the walls of her community, and is taken aback by the vast landscapes before her as the trio traverse through abandoned structures. “You can’t deny that view,” she is heard saying at one point, as the golden hour sunlight hits Boston. Despite being overridden by monsters, the city looks alluring draped in that light and is a reminder of the world that once was.

The Last of Us Episode 2 view

While the pace of the episode is a little slower compared to Episode 1, the suspense and build-up to the cliffhanger at the end of the episode is very well done. There are moments in the episode that will have viewers at the edge of their seats, especially when the trio come across their first Clicker. The most intense scene in the episode plays out when the trio decide to cut through a museum in order to reach their destination faster, but they aren’t prepared for what’s inside.

By this point it is established that the infected are connected, and the overgrown fungus acts like a network. Step on it at one end, and the trio’s location will be revealed to all the infected connected to it. When walking into the museum, Joel announces that the fungus outside is “bone dry,” which could potentially mean that the infected inside are “all dead.” As they make their way up the stairs, Ellie steps on the fungal network, and it becomes obvious that things are about to go south. The silence and tension in that scene is almost palpable, and when the first Clicker finally appears, the fear in Ellie’s eyes is enough to convince anyone that the end is near.

The Last of Us Episode 2 Clicker

The slow pace in the first half of the episode is negated as soon as the Clickers discover the trio’s location. Sadly, the encounter doesn’t end well, and Tess gets bitten by one of the infected. Her sacrifice at the end, though, progresses the overall story of The Last of Us. The entire sequence at the end, which has Tess using barrels of oil to create an explosion that will potentially kill off an entire horde makes it clear that she will do anything to keep Ellie safe. Apart from that, it also shows how Joel is an extremely pragmatic individual and knows when to walk away. He will also hand Ellie off to the authorities in an instant if given the opportunity.

While some might argue that Tess’ death did not have an impact similar to Sarah’s, her sacrifice solidifies the plot and reiterates that this is a character-driven story. In the past two episodes, fans had gotten accustomed to Tess’ rebellious nature and her zeal for survival. To see her being accepted by one of the infected might not be as distressing as seeing Sarah bleeding to death, but it still reminds viewers that none of the characters are safe. The suspense and tension of watching Tess trying to spark that lighter in the final moments reiterates the themes of The Last of Us, and it seems like the series’ eerie tones are here to stay. The only solace is that Tess exits the series with a bang, and takes an entire horde with her.

The Last of Us Episode 2 Joel and Tess

Episode 2 of The Last of Us does a great job at developing the story further and setting the tone for what’s to come. First Sarah and then Tess, the character deaths almost foreshadow the rest of the heart-wrenching season. The episode also sheds light on some fantastic performances by the actors, especially Anna Torv. The way she expresses Tess’ mixed emotions in her final conversation with Joel is praiseworthy. The look of sorrow on her face is heartbreaking, but at the same time her determination to carry the mission forward offers a glimpse of her will power. While Tess might be gone, Joel and Ellie must carry forward. Only time will tell where the journey leads them, but for now the trio has been reduced to the duo out on a path unknown.

The Last of Us is streaming on HBO Max.

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