‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 2 Recap: Revenge
Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2
After a tense and emotionally charged premiere, Episode 2 of The Last of Us Season 2, titled “Revenge,” plunges deeper into the complex emotional aftermath of Joel’s shocking fate. It wastes no time showing how trauma, vengeance, and morality are tightly woven into this season’s central theme—how far we’re willing to go for the people we love and the cost of crossing that line.
Ellie’s Descent Begins
The episode opens where the premiere left off: Ellie is reeling. The silence is deafening. There’s no dramatic music—just raw emotion as she stares at Joel’s bloodied body. Bella Ramsey’s performance here is breathtaking—equal parts grief, disbelief, and cold fury.
We see Ellie begin to internalize the reality of loss in a way that feels hauntingly familiar to fans of the game’s sequel. Her silence speaks louder than any scream. When she does move, it’s not aimless. It’s determined. Revenge is no longer just a concept—it’s a purpose.
Meet Abby Anderson
Episode 2 also introduces viewers to Abby Anderson in a much fuller way. Played by Kaitlyn Dever, Abby’s character gets more screen time here, allowing the show to slowly build her complexity. We witness her dealing with the consequences of her own actions—tension within her group, fractured relationships, and the growing realization that revenge, even justified, has its own cost.
This isn’t a one-sided story. Just like the game, The Last of Us challenges you to understand both sides of the pain. Abby’s motives become clearer: she saw Joel as the man who destroyed her family. In her world, she was seeking justice, not cruelty. It’s messy, brutal, and real.
Flashbacks and Foundations
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to flashbacks, allowing viewers to understand the connection between Abby and her father, Dr. Anderson—yes, the same Firefly surgeon Joel killed at the end of Season 1. These scenes ground Abby’s vengeance in emotional truth, mirroring Ellie’s loss.
These dual perspectives—Ellie grieving Joel and Abby grieving her father—are the heartbeat of the episode. Both women are spiraling in their own ways, driven by pain, unable to see the humanity in each other.
The World Remains Dangerous
Outside of these personal dramas, the world of The Last of Us continues to be a place of constant threat. We get a terrifying sequence where Ellie narrowly avoids a Clicker ambush in a ruined hotel basement. It’s a reminder that revenge is not the only danger in this world—sometimes, the infected are the least of your problems.
There's also a side plot involving Dina, who is growing more worried about Ellie’s obsession. Their quiet moment together on a rooftop, surrounded by the desolate beauty of the quarantine zone, provides a brief but emotional pause. It's a reminder that even amidst vengeance, there’s still something worth fighting for, not just against.
Cliffhanger Ending
The final moments of the episode leave viewers breathless. Ellie tracks down one of Abby’s companions and brutally interrogates him. It’s the first real glimpse of the dark road Ellie is willing to travel—and how far she's willing to go.
As the screen fades to black, Ellie whispers, “This is only the beginning.” And we believe her.
Final Thoughts
Episode 2 of The Last of Us Season 2 is as emotionally devastating as it is narratively rich. “Revenge” does what the series does best—it explores the human condition in the most inhumane of circumstances. By showing both sides of the same pain, it forces us to question our instincts and biases.
If this episode is any indication, Season 2 is not just a continuation—it’s an escalation. And no one will come out of it unchanged.
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‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 2 Recap: Revenge
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