For the first time in The Last of Us, Joel is taking steps towards healing. In the show’s second season, he begins attending therapy sessions with a new character, Gail. Played by Catherine O’Hara, Gail is not based on a game character but was created specifically for the HBO series.
Co-creator Craig Mazin reveals that introducing a therapist to the show was always planned, even if it wasn’t included in the original script. “In a world where everyone has been traumatized… therapy would probably be useful,” Mazin says. He believes that with the post-apocalyptic world’s emphasis on survival, therapy could be a valuable service.
Initially, a similar therapist storyline was included in the first episode, but it was cut due to time constraints. This decision likely motivated Pedro Pascal, who plays Joel, to accept his role and bring depth to the character. With Gail joining the cast, The Last of Us Season 2 promises to explore new themes and emotions for fans to engage with.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/tv/647211/last-of-us-season-2-therapist-catherine-ohara