“The Last of Us” Season 2: Shocking Twists and Musical Interludes
This one’s got everything: emotional turmoil, fungal zombies, and the kind of plot twists that make you question your sanity. In the latest season of HBO’s “The Last of Us,” we find ourselves in a post-apocalyptic landscape where the only thing more terrifying than the fungal-infected zombies are the emotional breakdowns they inspire in our heroes. Ellie, played by the ever-astute Bella Ramsey, takes a moment to serenade us with a-ha’s “Take On Me.” Because, what better way to cope with a world overrun by monsters than with a nostalgic 80s ballad? It’s almost as if she’s trying to distract us from the existential dread creeping in like a bad smell.
As Ellie grapples with her pivotal role as humanity’s potential savior—an irony that surely wouldn’t make sense to the average barista—she embarks on new adventures astride a horse named Shimmer. Yes, Shimmer. Because nothing says “gritty survival” quite like a horse with a name better suited for a glittery unicorn party. Meanwhile, Joel, portrayed by the ever-brooding Pedro Pascal, is apparently opting for therapy. Apparently, post-apocalyptic landscapes come with a side of emotional baggage. Who knew? The stoic protector is seeking help for his relationship woes with Ellie, proving that in a world filled with chaos, feelings are still the real monster lurking in the shadows.
The season unfolds like a game of chess played by toddlers: messy and full of surprises, not all of them good. Episode four serves up a buffet of emotional complexities that would leave even the toughest viewers reaching for the tissues—though we all know that’s just a ruse to wipe the popcorn butter from our hands. New characters like Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby and Jeffrey Wright’s Isaac enter the fray, but they feel less like fully fleshed-out individuals and more like plot devices with questionable backstories. It’s a little like having a guest at a party who just stands in the corner, awkwardly sipping their drink while everyone else has a blast.
Speaking of awkward, the Scars, a nefarious religious cult, pop up with their own brand of horror, reminding us that the real monsters are often those who consider themselves righteous. Their antics make the zombies look like gentle, misunderstood creatures. The season feels like a long setup, as if it’s patiently waiting for the real chaos to kick in during season three. Until then, we get emotionally charged moments interspersed with violence that leaves you wondering if you should be cheering or crying.
So, grab your Shimmer and saddle up for a season that’s half therapy session and half horror show. Tune in next time for more bad decisions and questionable life choices.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, HBO
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
