I’m already prepping to pull out my Pearl Jam merch for the first episode.
Ahead of season 2’s release next week, it’s HBO Max have already renewed The Last of Us for a third season. Whilst unsurprising as the show was both praised critically and with fans, making this decision before the release of its second season hints towards what may be in store for the show’s future.
The Last of Us so far has followed the story of the game extremely closely, with some minor changes here and there (such as Bill’s story) and some notable story additions to further flesh out the world and characters. It’s fairly safe to assume where season 2 will take the characters, if they continue this trend. The show-runners have also stated that they have no plans for a story that goes beyond where the story of the games have gone so with this knowledge, we can assume with a fair degree of accuracy where this 2ndseason will finish and where the 3rd will pick up.
MINOR SPOILERS BELOW THIS TRAILER FOR THOSE WHO’VE NOT PLAYED THE GAMES
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This is your final warning for spoilers!
Alright let’s chat where this might go both in season 2 and what will likely happen in season 3
Given the length and format of the second, splitting it in half to get both Abby & Ellie’s perspective of events, we’re likely going to see exactly that but broken into seasons. Season 2 will likely follow the path of Ellie as she rampages through Seattle, ending with Abby & Ellies confrontation in the theatre, and then season 3 picking up several days earlier as we follow Abby on her journey with Lev, with season 3 potentially ending with their confrontation on the beach.
his format within the game itself was extremely controversial, with many struggling to come to terms with following a character so opposed the current main protagonists. But how will this concept fair in a tv medium? Especially with seasons likely to be far apart and emotions for specific characters having more time to be set in stone by the time we’re confronted with spending significant time with them.
I worry greatly how the audience of the show (and even those who’ve played the game and know what’s coming) will react and treat the actress who plays new show character Abby. After performance capture artist Laura Bailey received a significant number of threats and death threats, Bailey herself even stating that some passionate fans took the time to threaten the life of her newborn son. I hope that fans of both the game and the show have matured to be able to sperate art from artist and that Kaitlyn Dever doesn’t receive the same treatment.
The Last of Us Season 2 and subsequently season 3 has an immense opportunity to tell an extremely important, but polarising story on how things are very rarely black and white and that heroic acts can also make you a villain in someone else’s story.
Regardless of how season 2 goes, I have absolutely zero doubt, that this show will dominate the water cooler discussions, season 2 is sure to be crucial viewing.
Catch The Last of Us Season 2 on Binge when it drops in Australia on April 14th.
