theguardian.com
The Last of Us: Joel's Death Shakes Up Season Two
In the second episode of the HBO series, The Last of Us, titled "Through the Valley," Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is killed by Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, mirroring the plot of the video game sequel and creating a major narrative shift.
- What is the immediate impact of Joel's death on the narrative and audience reaction to the show, The Last of Us?
- In "Through the Valley," the second episode of season two of the HBO series, The Last of Us, Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is killed by Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. This event, while shocking to many viewers unfamiliar with the game, was known to those familiar with the game's plot. The death significantly alters the show's trajectory, removing its main protagonist.
- How does the show's handling of Joel's death compare to the game, and what are the implications for audience engagement?
- Joel's death, a pivotal plot point in the game The Last of Us Part II, mirrors the game's storyline. The show's creators leveraged this pre-existing knowledge, building suspense and dread leading up to the event for those aware of the game, while creating shock for others. The narrative now shifts focus to Ellie and her response to Joel's death, setting the stage for the remainder of the season.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of killing off the main character, and how might the show navigate audience expectations and maintain a compelling narrative?
- The death of Joel creates an opportunity for the show to explore themes of revenge, justice, and the cyclical nature of violence. The show's success hinges on its ability to maintain audience engagement despite a significant plot departure from the original series, and build audience empathy for Abby, a character many find morally complex. The coming episodes will determine whether the shift in perspective and characters is successful.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily favors the perspective of those familiar with the game, presenting their foreknowledge as the norm and the surprise of others as an exceptional reaction. The headline and opening question immediately set this tone. This framing prioritizes the 'twist' element of the plot for those unfamiliar with the source material over other aspects of the episode, such as character development or thematic exploration. The author's personal engagement with the storyline and its 'success' are prioritized.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral, but phrases such as "brutal episode," "murderous rampage," and "shocked reaction" carry emotive connotations that might subtly influence reader perception. More neutral alternatives could be used, such as "intense episode," "violent actions," and "strong reactions.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the reaction of viewers to Joel's death, particularly the surprise of those unfamiliar with the game. However, it omits discussion of potential criticisms of the show's handling of this plot point, such as whether it relies too heavily on pre-existing knowledge or if the emotional impact is diminished for those who knew the outcome. It also doesn't consider alternative interpretations of Joel's death or its implications beyond the immediate narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by suggesting that viewers either know the game's plot and were unsurprised or didn't and were shocked. It ignores the spectrum of reactions and understanding amongst viewers with varying levels of familiarity with the source material. Furthermore, it simplifies the comparison between the game and show's portrayal of Joel's death, omitting the potential for different emotional impacts through different mediums.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article focuses on the plot of a TV show and does not discuss poverty or related issues.