Unraveling The Last of Us: HBO’s Gripping Post-Apocalyptic Saga Continues to Deliver Unforgettable Twists
In the fourth episode of the intense and at times exasperating season 2 of HBO’s The Last of Us, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is afforded a rare moment to pause and reflect — a breath of fresh air in a world plagued by monstrous, fungal-infected zombies that resemble an unappetizing variety of red oakleaf lettuce.
Accompanied by her acoustic guitar, Ellie, whose immunity may hold the key to saving humanity, performs a-ha’s “Take On Me.” It’s a beautiful song, despite the somewhat awkward title (why not simply “Take Me On”?), and Ellie delivers it with a haunting, measured sadness—perhaps due to the significant role guitars play in her bond with her protector Joel (Pedro Pascal).
Then, unexpectedly—
Unfortunately, we can’t delve deeper without breaching the extensive list of potential spoilers provided to journalists by HBO. (Chinese biological labs seem to have a more relaxed approach to information control.) Nevertheless, fans of the show deserve to experience the full impact of several startling surprises that rival, or perhaps even exceed, the shocks that occasionally rocked Game of Thrones. So, we’ll be courteous.
It’s fair to say, at least, that: 1) Ellie will soon embark on violent new adventures riding a horse named Shimmer (who wouldn’t want a horse named Shimmer?); and 2) Now residing in relative safety among the uninfected in Jackson, Wyo., she’s growing distant from Joel.
This estrangement troubles the usually stoic Joel so profoundly that he’s seeking therapy from Gail (Catherine O’Hara, crossing over from another network). Emotional struggles resonate deeply in The Last of Us—compared to the emptiness of The Walking Dead, this show offers a wealth of emotional depth—and uncovering the reasons behind Ellie and Joel’s rift promises to lead to a heart-wrenching episode.
While this brief season feels primarily transitional, as if its seven episodes are carefully setting the stage for a potentially pivotal season 3, many developments are striking, with no shortage of harrowing scenes. Some of these involve a covert religious cult known as the Scars, whose members stealthily navigate the forest while committing horrific acts against nonbelievers.
However, the new characters, particularly Kaitlyn Dever’s fierce Abby and Jeffrey Wright’s somber Isaac, don’t feel fully fleshed out just yet. The most compelling performance, though compressed and filled with sorrow, comes from Joe Pantoliano, known for his role in The Matrix. But, we must hold back again, or we risk straying into spoiler territory, where vigilantes are always lurking, ready to pounce and deliver consequences—much like the Scars.
With that, we wish you and Shimmer the best of luck, Ellie.
Season 2 of The Last of Us premieres April 13 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.
Stay tuned for more updates from HiCelebNews!
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