In the latest episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” fans experienced a pivotal moment that has long loomed over the series—Joel’s tragic demise. Pedro Pascal, who brings Joel to life, opened up about his character’s fate in the second episode of Season 2, revealing layers of complexity and emotional weight that accompanied his final scenes.
Staying True to the Game
The harrowing scene, where Joel meets his end at the hands of Abby, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, is a direct nod to the events of “The Last Of Us Part II” game. Pascal, aware of his character’s impending death from the start, shared insights into his journey, “It’s not like they said, ‘Hey, we kill you at the beginning of season 2,’ 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.”
An Emotional Impact Beyond the Screen
The emotional resonance of Joel’s death transcends the boundaries of the screen, affecting not only the characters but also the actors and viewers alike. Pascal expressed deep respect for the audience’s investment in the narrative, understanding firsthand how profound storytelling can impact its consumers. “I think it is incredibly painful for people and that’s obviously a brilliant achievement of the storytelling,” he remarked during the official HBO after-show.
Bonding Through Brutality
Despite the brutal nature of Joel’s exit, Pascal found a silver lining in building a strong connection with Dever. The irony of forming a bond through such a violent act was not lost on him, highlighting the complex dynamics at play behind the scenes. His experiences on set, especially appearing in heavy makeup, evoked strong emotions from the crew, further intensifying the impact of his performance.
A Personal Reflection on Loss
Addressing his own feelings about Joel’s death, Pascal admitted to being in “active denial.” He elaborated on his coping mechanism, “I realize this more and more as I get older, I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over. I know that I’m forever bonded to so many members of the experience and just have to see them under different circumstances, but never will under the circumstances of playing Joel on ‘The Last of Us.’”
Bella Ramsey’s Emotional Journey
Co-star Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie, shared her emotional reaction to reading the script. Despite knowing Joel’s fate, the reality of it brought her to tears, “I knew that Joel was going to die but reading it in the script I was dreading getting to that bit… and I cried. I actually sobbed my little heart out.”
Creative Decisions Behind the Timing
Craig Mazin, series co-creator, also weighed in on the decision to conclude Joel’s arc in this particular episode. The team wanted to avoid “tormenting people” who were aware of the impending death, aiming instead for a timing that felt natural and justified within the storyline.
As “The Last of Us” continues to navigate the emotional landscapes of its characters, the loss of Joel marks a significant turning point in the series. The show’s ability to evoke such profound responses is a testament to its powerful storytelling and deeply immersive character development, setting a high bar for narrative-driven television.