The Last of Us Season Finale Explained

'The Last of Us' Season Finale Leaves Fans Stunned – Showrunner Explains Key Moments

May 27, 2024

Last night’s explosive season finale of The Last of Us left viewers reeling with emotional twists, shocking deaths, and major setup for the next season. Titled 'When We Are Needed,' the episode delivered a brutal yet poignant conclusion to the hit HBO adaptation, staying true to the game’s most controversial moment while adding new layers for TV audiences.

What Happened in the Finale?

(Warning: Major spoilers ahead!)

The episode saw Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) finally arriving at the Fireflies’ base in Salt Lake City, only to discover that the doctors planned to sacrifice Ellie to create a potential cure for the Cordyceps infection. In a heart-wrenching decision, Joel chose to save Ellie, slaughtering the Fireflies—including head surgeon Dr. Anderson—and lying to Ellie about what really happened.

The finale stayed faithful to the game’s infamous ending but expanded on key moments, including a chilling confrontation between Joel and Marlene (Merle Dandridge), who pleaded for him to reconsider before he executed her. The final scene mirrored the game’s haunting ambiguity, with Ellie asking Joel to swear his story was true—and Joel doubling down on his lie.

Showrunner Craig Mazin Explains the Big Choices

In a post-episode interview, Mazin discussed the moral complexity of Joel’s actions:

'This isn’t just about survival—it’s about love, and how far someone will go to protect the person they care about. Joel’s choice is selfish, but it’s also deeply human. We wanted viewers to sit with that discomfort.'

Mazin also hinted at future deviations from the source material, teasing that Season 2 will explore 'new perspectives and deeper consequences' for Joel’s actions.

Fan Reactions: Divided but Devastated

Social media erupted after the episode, with some fans praising Pascal and Ramsey’s performances, while others debated whether Joel was a hero or a villain.

'Joel did what any father would do… but at what cost?' – @TLOUfan91

'That lie is going to destroy them in Season 2. I’m not ready.' – @EllieWilliamsStan

What’s Next?

With Season 2 confirmed to adapt The Last of Us Part II, fans are bracing for even darker storytelling. Casting for Abby, a pivotal character from the sequel, is expected soon, with filming set to begin later this year.

For now, viewers are left to grapple with Joel’s choice—and the inevitable fallout to come.

Did you watch the finale? What did you think? Sound off in the comments!

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