‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Episode 7 Review: A Finale Filled with Tension and Moral Quandaries
Editor’s Note: The following review contains spoilers for “The Last of Us” Season 2, Episode 7 — the Season 2 finale. Explore more coverage, including previous episode reviews on IndieWire’s “Last of Us” landing page.
A Cliffhanger That Haunts Us
“Maybe she got what she deserved,” muses Dina (Isabela Merced), as she reflects on Nora (Tati Gabrielle), who faced a gruesome end at Ellie’s hands. But then, “Maybe she didn’t.” This opening dialogue sets the stage for the moral labyrinth that is the Season 2 finale of The Last of Us. By the end of this gripping episode, not only are we left pondering Ellie’s fate, but also the ethical implications of her actions—ones that resonate deeply as we await the arrival of Season 3.
The Emotional Toll of Vengeance
Did Abby shoot Ellie as she did Jesse (Young Mazino), or did she aim for something more? The suspense is palpable, and viewers can’t help but root for Ellie’s survival. Yet, in this brutal landscape crafted by co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (and co-writer Halley Gross), it is clear that true horror lies not in flesh-and-blood violence, but in emotional disarray and crumbling morality.
Ellie’s Dark Legacy
Ellie’s moral report card, once painted in shades of heroic righteousness, now starkly illumes a different story. She tortured Nora, killed Owen (Spencer Lord), and met a tragic end for Mel (Ariela Barer), whose pregnancy intensifies the tragedy. While Mel’s demise was an accident, Ellie’s battle cry for vengeance starkly contrasts with her growing awareness of the collateral damage of her choices.
However, a glimmer of hope emerges in Episode 7. Ellie’s reflections hint at a potential shift—an emerging desire for mercy over bloodlust. This character growth stalls momentarily when her fixation on revenge makes its way back into her consciousness, revealing a struggle between her past and the person she wishes to become.
Relationships on the Edge
The chasm between Ellie and Jesse diverges regarding community and loyalty. Jesse embodies sacrifice; his choices stem from a deep-rooted sense of community, while Ellie’s journey threatens to dismantle the fragile relationships that sustain her. “Fuck the community!” she screams, reflecting the raw emotional turbulence, catalyzed by trauma—the very thread that binds the fabric of human connection.
As Ellie battles inner demons and external threats, the question arises: What price are we willing to pay for vengeance? Jesse appeals to Ellie’s sense of community and warns against tearing apart the very connections that could save her life.
A Descent into Chaos
Despair and chaos reign as Ellie’s pursuit of Abby leads her to a tipping point. The spree of violence spirals out of control: Nora, Owen, Mel, and Jesse—all dead. Each life lost only deepens Ellie’s spiral. As she stands teetering on the edge of her moral compass, we question whether she is already too far gone to save herself.
The Final Shot: A Split-Second Decision
In a thrilling climax, The Last of Us masterfully orchestrates a moment of suspense. Did Abby miss Ellie, or are we left hanging by the faintest thread? The ambiguity of the ending resonates, compelling us to replay the ethical tapestry woven throughout the season.
The Takeaway: Grade B
“The Last of Us” Season 2 is available on HBO and Max (which is soon to be HBO Max again). The series has been renewed for Season 3.
Stray Tendrils of Thought
Ellie’s Choice of Book: The children’s book, “The Monster at the End of This Book,” serves as a poignant metaphor for Ellie’s journey. Grover’s fears of the unknown parallel Ellie’s own anxieties about her future.
Shifting Leadership: As we await answers about Abby and her connection to the W.L.F., the show’s broader themes of generational change emerge starkly. Both Abby and Ellie are questioning their paths and witnessing the consequences of their worlds—a testament to the complexities of leadership and loyalty.
- Complex Narratives Awaiting Resolution: The season’s finale leaves us in disarray, with half-formed arcs dangling tantalizingly. As we contemplate the luminous but chaotic world of The Last of Us, we are eager for clarity and closure, even as we understand that this thrilling saga is far from over.
In closing, Season 2 of The Last of Us captivates us with its moral intricacies and character-driven narratives. As we cling to the hope of Ellie’s redemption and the rekindling of lost connections, we remain on the edge of our seats, eagerly anticipating what lies ahead.
