HBO’s The Last of Us has captivated audiences with its faithful adaptation of the beloved video game, delivering raw emotion and gripping storytelling. At TV Acute, we’re diving into one of the most heart-wrenching moments of the series: Joel Miller’s death in Season 2, Episode 2, titled “Through the Valley,” which aired on April 20, 2025. Fans are reeling from this devastating event, and many are wondering: Is this truly the last we’ve seen of Pedro Pascal’s Joel in The Last of Us Season 2? Let’s explore what happened, whether Joel will return, and what this means for the show’s future, while ensuring you have all the details to understand this pivotal moment.
What Happened to Joel in The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2?
In The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, meets a tragic end that shocked viewers, even those familiar with The Last of Us Part II video game. The episode introduces Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), a former Firefly seeking revenge for her father’s death. Five years after the events of Season 1, Joel and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are living in Jackson, Wyoming, but their peace is shattered when Abby tracks Joel down.
During a blizzard, Joel and Dina (Isabela Merced), Ellie’s friend, encounter Abby while on patrol. Abby is fleeing a horde of infected, and Joel saves her life by shooting a runner—a type of infected—before it can attack her. Unaware of her intentions, Joel and Dina follow Abby to a ski lodge where her allies, including Owen (Spencer Lord) and Nora (Tati Gabrielle), are hiding. Once inside, Abby’s true motive is revealed. She sedates Dina and shoots Joel in the knee, incapacitating him. Confronting Joel, Abby discloses that he killed her father, a Firefly surgeon, during his rampage at the hospital in Season 1 to save Ellie. In a brutal act of vengeance, Abby beats Joel with a golf club and fatally stabs him in the neck. Ellie arrives just in time to witness the murder but is restrained by Abby’s group, unable to intervene. The episode closes with Ellie’s grief-stricken reaction, setting the stage for her revenge-driven journey.
This scene, filmed over two days in March 2024 in Kamloops, Canada, was emotionally taxing for the cast and crew. Director Mark Mylod emphasized capturing the heartbreak of Joel’s death, which took over a month to complete due to its intensity and the harsh winter conditions.
Will Pedro Pascal Return as Joel in The Last of Us Season 2?
Despite Joel’s death in Episode 2, Pedro Pascal is expected to return as Joel in The Last of Us Season 2. While the show does not involve supernatural elements, Joel’s presence will likely continue through flashback sequences or Ellie’s dreams, mirroring the narrative structure of The Last of Us Part II video game. In the game, Joel appears in three significant flashback scenes after his death, offering glimpses into his past with Ellie and deepening their emotional bond. The Season 2 trailer includes clips that appear to be from such sequences, suggesting the show will follow a similar approach.
Pedro Pascal himself has hinted at the emotional weight of filming Joel’s death. In an interview on HBO’s official aftershow, he shared, “Portraying Joel’s death was challenging because of the deep connection fans have with the character. It’s a testament to the storytelling that it feels so painful.” He also noted the cast’s reactions on set, saying, “The heartbreak on everyone’s faces was palpable. It wasn’t about shock but about loss.” Pascal admitted to struggling with the scene’s impact, stating, “I try not to dwell on it because it’s genuinely sad.”
These comments underscore the care taken to honor Joel’s legacy, ensuring his story continues to resonate. Fans can expect Pascal’s return to provide closure and context to Ellie’s journey, exploring untold moments from the five-year time jump between Seasons 1 and 2.
How Joel’s Death Shapes The Last of Us Season 2
Joel’s death is a turning point for The Last of Us Season 2, propelling Ellie into a cycle of grief and vengeance. The episode’s raw intensity has sparked widespread discussion, with fans praising the performances of Pascal, Ramsey, and Dever. Kaitlyn Dever described filming the scene as “heartbreaking,” given the beauty of Joel and Ellie’s relationship in Season 1. This pivotal moment aligns closely with the game, though the show adds unique elements, such as the infected attack on Jackson, to heighten the stakes.
The adaptation’s fidelity to the source material ensures Joel’s death feels earned, not gratuitous. In the game, his flashbacks reveal key moments, like teaching Ellie to play the guitar, which deepen the tragedy of his loss. Season 2 is likely to include similar scenes, possibly exploring Joel’s life in Jackson or his evolving bond with Ellie. These moments will keep Pascal’s Joel alive in the narrative, offering fans a chance to reconnect with the character.
What to Expect Moving Forward
As The Last of Us Season 2 progresses, Joel’s absence will loom large, but his influence will persist. The seven-episode season, available on HBO and Max, is expected to delve into Ellie’s quest for justice, with flashbacks providing insight into her motivations. For those wondering about Pedro Pascal’s future, his return in non-linear storytelling ensures Joel remains a vital part of the show. Additionally, HBO has confirmed a potential Season 3, suggesting the story will expand beyond the game’s events, though Pascal’s involvement remains tied to flashbacks unless the narrative diverges significantly.
For updates on The Last of Us Season 2, including episode breakdowns and cast insights, stay tuned to TV Acute and other trusted sources. Joel’s death may mark the end of his physical journey, but Pedro Pascal’s portrayal will continue to shape the series, keeping fans invested in this unforgettable story.
