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“The Last Of Us” Season 2 Premiere Recap and Review: I Have Some Concerns
As a fan of the game series, I was excited to dive into the second season of HBO’s adaptation. Unfortunately, my enthusiasm was tempered by some concerns that arose during the premiere episode. Let me clarify that these are not criticisms born out of hatred for change or an expectation of a 1:1 adaptation; rather, they are rooted in my understanding of the source material.
One issue I have is with the portrayal of Abby Anderson, played by actress Bella Ramsey. While her performance as the complex and troubled character is commendable, I find it hard to reconcile the on-screen representation with the game’s version. For one thing, Abby appears far more physically imposing than she should be. She’s not a bodybuilder, but rather a survivor of the apocalypse who has managed to stay relatively healthy in a desperate world.
The attention to detail in this season is still impressive, however. The inclusion of specific props and locations from the game is always welcome, as seen in the opening scene where Ellie grabs her knife for patrol, mimicking the exact moment from the original release. These nods are appreciated, but they do not excuse the creative liberties taken elsewhere.
Moreover, I’m troubled by the visual inconsistencies that have crept into this adaptation. The Fireflies, particularly Abby’s group, look too clean and well-groomed to be believable as survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. Their physical appearance is jarring given the show’s otherwise commendable commitment to verisimilitude.
Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, also caught my attention. He seems more youthful and healthy than before, which might be an unintended consequence of the show’s focus on time passage and character development. I’m not sure if this is due to a stylistic choice or simply a result of the showrunners’ creative decisions.
Despite these reservations, I want to emphasize that the acting in general remains strong, and production values are still superb. The show has always strayed from the original game, and I expect some changes as long as they remain true to the source material. So far, my concerns have not completely dissuaded me from enjoying this season.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode; am I being overly critical or do you share my reservations? Are there any other viewers who are similarly perplexed by these creative choices?
Please let me know in the comments below.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2025/04/13/the-last-of-us-season-2-premiere-recap-and-review-i-have-some-concerns/
