Attention: Spoilers Ahead for the Latest Episode of Season Two of The Last of Us!

Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, the talented actors portraying key characters in The Last of Us, have shared their thoughts and reactions regarding the impactful second episode of the much-anticipated season two, which premiered on Sunday night, April 20.

The episode, entitled “Through the Valley,” unfolds as Abby navigates her complex choices while the community in Jackson Hole braces for an impending storm, driven by rising reports of infected individuals. The tension builds as characters face moral dilemmas and the harsh realities of their world.

While some viewers anticipated the shocking turn of events, others were left completely stunned by the unexpected death of a major character in this gripping episode. Both Pedro and Bella have openly discussed their emotional responses and thoughts following this pivotal moment.

Continue reading for more insights and reactions…

“It’s not like they said, ‘Hey, we kill you at the beginning of season 2,’” Pedro shared with Entertainment Weekly. “But it was always an understanding that it would stay true to the source material in a specific way, and that the, let’s say, practical and exclusive obligation would be for season 1. It was just a matter of how and when it would happen.”

Co-creator Craig Mazin revealed to The Wrap that Pedro had been made aware of his character’s destiny from their very first Zoom meeting.

“We love Pedro, but I told him the very first time I ever Zoomed with him, ‘So here’s the thing, you’re playing this guy, Joel. In Season 2, he’s gonna die.’ There was never a question. It was always understood that was built into this narrative,” he explained.

Bella shared that their emotional response upon reading the script was overwhelming.

“I’ve never cried reading a piece of writing before, but I had such a visceral reaction to it,” they said to Entertainment Weekly. “It’s almost like we’ve developed that dynamic, me and Pedro, over a year, and it feels like a father-daughter bond in some way. I think my reaction to that coming to an end was a gradual realization. Additionally, knowing that this would signify the conclusion of my collaboration with Pedro in this specific capacity was deeply poignant.”

Craig also elaborated on the unique relationship between Pedro and Bella and how they reached this crucial storyline juncture.

“He had been eagerly awaiting this moment because it had been looming over everything for so long. However, I know that for him and for Bella, it was challenging because they have become so beautifully intertwined with each other,” he explained to THR. “They share a lovely, wholesome, and supportive relationship, and both felt a sense of farewell. There are emotions involved that transcend mere acting; they genuinely care for one another.”

If you haven’t heard yet, The Last of Us has already been confirmed for a thrilling third season!