HBO has released official photos for the upcoming second episode of THE LAST OF US Season 2, titled “THROUGH THE VALLEY” (Directed by Mark Mylod & Written by Craig Mazin), giving fans a closer look at what’s coming next for Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey).
Following the slower-paced premiere that set the tone for life in Jackson five years after the traumatic events of Season 1, the action appears ready to ramp up. The first episode took time to establish the current state of the main characters and introduce new figures into the mix, while hinting at the danger that looms just around the corner.
The ending of the premiere hinted at major problems ahead. Viewers learned that the Cordyceps fungus has started to infiltrate Jackson’s water system. Although the town has remained safe for years, this development puts everything at risk. Jackson’s people, skilled as they are at fighting the infected, may now be up against an outbreak from within. This could be the beginning of chaos in a town that once seemed like a rare safe haven in a broken world.
Photos from episode 2 show a mix of tense and emotional moments, especially between Joel and Ellie. Their bond is more strained now, especially with secrets and hurt feelings lingering between them. Ellie remains angry with Joel over past decisions, but that emotional distance might be tested as danger draws near.
One of the biggest threats arriving in episode 2 is Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Fans of the video game already know how critical Abby’s role is. She and her group have finally made it to Jackson after years of seeking revenge against Joel. In the premiere, Abby makes it clear—she plans to kill Joel slowly. Now that they’ve entered Jackson, the chance of a violent encounter between Abby’s group and our main characters grows more likely. These tensions could explode in “Through the Valley.”
With only seven episodes in Season 2, every hour counts. Unlike Season 1’s nine-episode run, this new season is shorter because HBO plans to spread the story of The Last of Us Part II game over multiple seasons. Each moment now carries more weight, and the stakes are only going to get higher from here.
Episode 2 premieres on Sunday, April 20 at 9 PM ET on HBO and Max. Whether it’s infected attacks, inner conflict, or long-awaited confrontations, “Through the Valley” is set to push Joel and Ellie further into danger. If you’re in a different timezone, that’s 8 PM CT, 7 PM MT, or 6 PM PT. Don’t miss it!
📷 The newly released episode stills hint at moments of fear, survival, and high emotion—an indication that episode 2 won’t be holding back.
Photos by Liane Hentscher/HBO
Come back to tvacute.com soon for more updates, previews, and in-depth breakdowns on THE LAST OF US Season 2.
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