HBO’s hit series “The Last of Us” returned with the premiere of Season 2 on Sunday night, stirring strong reactions from longtime fans. While the show’s visuals and acting remain impressive, changes in character behavior and plot details have sparked debate across the fanbase.
The first episode picks up in Jackson, Wyoming, five years after the events of Season 1. Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) is now 19 years old. Joel (Pedro Pascal) is trying to rebuild their relationship after his controversial decision at the end of Season 1. But for viewers familiar with the video game “The Last of Us Part II” by Naughty Dog, something feels off.
Ellie Feels Different — And Not Just Older
One of the biggest concerns fans have is how Ellie is written and portrayed. In the game, Ellie matures into a more serious, emotionally complex character. But in the Season 2 premiere, she still comes off as angry, defiant, and overly rebellious. She argues with Tommy, brushes off warnings from other survivors, and generally acts more like a moody teen than a hardened survivor.
Bella Ramsey is now 21, but she still looks quite young on screen. This visual gap has raised questions about whether she can believably carry the darker, more violent storylines ahead. Isabela Merced joins the cast as Dina, Ellie’s love interest. While both actors are close in age in real life, their on-screen appearances make Dina look significantly older. This created an awkward dynamic during a key party scene in which they kiss — a moment that should feel intimate but instead feels mismatched.
Missing Moments from the Game
Fans also noted the absence of important emotional scenes from the game. One such moment is when Joel gives Ellie a guitar and sings “Future Days” by Pearl Jam. In the game, this scene highlights their bond and sets the tone for their future struggles. In the show, this is replaced with a therapy session between Joel and a new character, Gail, played by Catherine O’Hara. Some viewers found this replacement less effective and even distracting, especially given O’Hara’s well-known comedic roles.
Another major change involves Joel’s confrontation at the party. In the game, Joel defends Ellie from a homophobic man named Seth by shoving him. In the show, Joel punches him hard enough to knock him down. This feels out of character for Joel, who usually stays calm unless seriously provoked. Ellie’s shocked reaction seems justified, but fans are wondering why the showrunners chose to amplify the violence.
Production Value and Performances Still Shine
Despite these issues, the show remains well-made. The snowy landscapes, detailed sets, and visual effects all reflect HBO’s high production standards. Pedro Pascal continues to deliver a strong performance as Joel, showing both emotional depth and physical presence.
Kaitlyn Dever makes her debut as Abby, a key character in the upcoming storyline. She appears in a scene with fellow Fireflies near several fresh graves. While fans appreciated the introduction, many felt the characters looked too clean and polished for survivors in a post-apocalyptic world. The original game depicted this group as rugged and war-torn, which added realism and tension to their mission for revenge.
Is the Show Drifting Too Far From the Source?
Adaptations always bring changes. Some are necessary. But when the spirit of the characters starts to shift, fans take notice. In the game, Ellie after the time-jump is quieter, more mature, and deeply burdened by the past. The TV version of Ellie, however, still feels like a younger version of herself.
These changes might be intentional. The writers could be setting up a contrast — showing Ellie as immature now so that her later transformation feels more dramatic. Still, many fans are worried the show may miss key emotional beats that made the game so powerful.
Final Thoughts and What Comes Next
The Season 2 premiere of The Last of Us is visually stunning and emotionally complex, but it’s also full of changes that may divide fans. Viewers who never played the game may not notice these issues. But for longtime players, the differences are hard to ignore.
Will the show stay true to the spirit of the game, even if it alters the details? That’s the big question moving forward.
