HBO’s “The Last of Us” returns for its second season, and while it may not revolutionize the zombie genre, it still delivers on its promise of emotional storytelling. Set five years after the events of the first season, the show picks up with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) living in a human outpost in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
As they navigate their complicated relationship, a new threat emerges when a group sets out to find Joel, setting off a chain of events that puts Ellie on a journey to Seattle. The stakes are high, but the zombies take a backseat as the show focuses on the human drama.
The presentation of the Joel-Ellie dynamic remains strong, with Ramsey’s performance bringing depth and nuance to her character. While some may find the mix of psychological drama and action uneven, the show’s consistency is undeniable.
New additions like Isabela Merced as Dina, a friend of Ellie’s, add fresh perspectives to the story. Catherine O’Hara shines as a therapist struggling with her own despair, but supporting characters Jeffrey Wright and Kaitlyn Dever are underutilized in this season.
Despite exploring familiar territory, “The Last of Us” Season 2 remains engaging due to Ramsey’s captivating performance. While it may not break new ground, the show delivers on its emotional storytelling, making it a reliable choice for fans of the series.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/13/arts/television/the-last-of-us-review.html