While tuning in to season 2, episode 2 of <em>The Last of Us</em> on HBO last night, you might have found yourself questioning why Joel (Pedro Pascal) chose not to resist against Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) during her fatal attack. This pivotal moment raises significant questions about character motivation and the emotional weight of the scene.
Showrunner Craig Mazin provided insights into this creative decision, revealing the intentional divergence from the original video game narrative that fans have come to love. His commentary sheds light on the deeper themes of guilt and responsibility that permeate Joel’s character arc.
Continue reading for an in-depth analysis and more details…
Craig shared with THR, “When Abby confronts him, saying, ‘I’m going to kill you, because there are some things we all agree are just f-king wrong,’ it creates a moment of unspoken understanding. Joel recognizes the gravity of his past actions, which he knows to be capital-W Wrong. Yet, he feels justified in his choices, believing he had no other option [but the kill the Fireflies last season]. This internal conflict is further emphasized by his guilt reflected in the therapy scene from episode one, illustrating the complexity of his character.
He elaborated on the significant narrative adjustment, stating, “One of the reasons we chose to have Joel in that tense situation with Dina, instead of with Tommy (Gabriel Luna), who embodies strength and toughness, is crucial. Abby’s words imply, ‘Make one mistake, and we’re going to kill her.’ This is a stark reminder of Joel’s protective instincts as a father figure. His deep affection for Dina drives him to prioritize her safety over his own, demonstrating the lengths he would go to shield her from harm.”
Additionally, we recently discovered a poignant detail regarding Kaitlyn Dever and the personal challenges she faced during the filming of this emotionally charged scene, adding another layer of depth to the portrayal.