There was never a reality in which The Last of Us Season 2 wouldn’t be one of the most divisive series of the year.
If we look at the reaction to The Last of Us: Part II, it was inevitable that viewers would be split about the series’ trajectory.
The show is known for taking risks, and it upped the ante considerably, including introducing Abby, only for her to brutally murder Joel to avenge her father.
It was one of the most memorable TV scenes in recent memory for its brutality and impact on the show and its characters.
But despite a strong opening for Kaitlyn Dever’s excellent character, she effectively disappeared for the rest of the season.
As a result, her return during the final scene of The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 didn’t land as well as producers probably expected.
The Last of Us Season 3 is Poised to Follow the Second Video Game
The series takes a page from the video game by splitting up by following one character’s Seattle storyline before switching to the other at a pivotal moment, meaning that Abby is set to take center stage on The Last of Us Season 3.
Of course, that means series regulars like Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced will take a back seat to help the series fill in the blanks of what Abby got up to while Ellie and Dina traversed the Seattle wasteland in search of her.
The season finale tried to usher in a lot of story quickly, which resulted in a bloated episode that didn’t feel like a season finale.
While it’s great that we’re seeing Abby’s perspective now, it’s a tough sell that we have to wait at least two years for it.
All signs point to The Last of Us Season 3 entering production in 2026, ahead of a 2027 or — gasp — 2028 premiere.
HBO is known for having excruciatingly long waits between seasons, but the series would have benefited from 10 episodes this year.
Splitting Abby and Ellie’s storyline down the middle and pivoting to Abby midseason would have made the series feel more well-rounded and ended with it on the cusp of something different for Season 3.
The decision to split the second game across multiple seasons has been the topic of much discourse.
Season 2 Had Some Stellar Deviations from the Source Material
But in the game’s defense, it had a much longer run time. The second season has proven that some aspects can be omitted or reworked to make for a more streamlined affair.
The series has made fantastic changes, such as how Joel, Mel, and Owen died.
Changes are necessary sometimes, especially when switching between mediums, and HBO’s iteration of The Last of Us has made some great ones.
The biggest problem with the show is that it speeds up some aspects of the game and accelerates others.
Expanding aspects of the game and leaving others as an afterthought is more whiplash than good TV.
Abby being front and center next season will undoubtedly shape the series’ tone into something very different.
To viewers, the WLF are known as these ruthless mercenaries that kill kids and anyone that gets in their way.
But is that really the case? The Last of Us Season 3 will delve into that, but it will have to catch up to the Season 2 finale to keep viewers engaged.
Had the show given at least a full episode to Abby in the wake of Joel’s demise, it would have given the show the legs it needs to survive what’s sure to be a long hiatus.
Hopefully the third season manages to make all of the sacrifices worthwhile because right now I’m struggling to be too enthusiastic about it.
What are your thoughts, The Last of Us Fanatics?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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