‘The Last of Us' Season 2 Ending Explained: Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann Explain Why They Made [SPOILER'S] Death 'Worse'
**Spoilers for Season 2 Episode 7, now streaming on MAX**
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 follows Ellie as she heads into a battle between the Wolves and Seraphites to find Abby. After nearly dying at the hands of a Seraphite executioner, Ellie manages to sneak into the aquarium where Abby's friends are hiding. There, she walks in on Mel (Ariela Barer) and Owen (Spencer Lord) debating Abby's latest orders. Ellie pulls her gun on them and demands they show her on a map where Abby is. Owen instead reaches for his gun. Acting on instinct, Ellie shoots him before he hits her. Not only Owen dies, but Mel is killed after a second bullet clips her jugular.
Here's where the horrible reality of never-ending vengeance finally crushes Ellie. Mel is pregnant. The dying woman begs Ellie to perform a makeshift Cesarean delivery before she bleeds out, but the shellshocked Ellie is frozen in fear. After Mel dies, Ellie is discovered by Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Jesse. They shepherd her back to the theater where Dina (Isabela Merced) is waiting. Ellie's quest for revenge is over. They're going to go home.
Except they're not! Ellie and Jesse hear Tommy scuffling with someone in the theater lobby and they run, guns ready, into the fray. Abby is there and she shoots Jesse, killing him. Holding Tommy at gunpoint, she demands Ellie come out with her hands up. The sequence ends with Abby pointing her gun at Ellie, complaining that she let the girl live only for her to waste it, and then seemingly shooting our heroine. The gun goes off, the show cuts to black, and then we flashback three days earlier, to the W.L.F. HQ.
So what the heck is going on? Is Tommy really dead? Is Ellie dead? How is Mel's death different from the video game? Why are The Last of Us showrunners so brutal? Here's everything you need to know about the end of The Last of Us Season 2 on HBO…
DECIDER recently sat in on a virtual press conference with The Last of Us showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann in which they answered for their crimes — er, explained some of those brutal decisions.
Much of the violence we see in The Last of Us Season 2 finale is pulled directly from the video games. Jesse is also killed by Abby in The Last of Us II and the showrunners brushed off the suggestion that they might have spared his life in the HBO show. 'His fate was always sealed,' Druckmann said.
Mazin added that Jesse's death is going to have a major impact on Ellie's romance with Dina. 'It's an interesting situation because Jesse dies in part because of Ellie,' Mazin said. 'But Ellie doesn't pull the trigger. Abby does.'
'So now the question is, who does she blame? I'm a big believer that once you start asking, 'Who do I blame?', you're already down the wrong path,' Mazin said. 'Jesse's death is going to change things for her, but how we play that out, we have to wait and see.'
Mel's death, on the other hand, plays out quite differently from how it does in the video game. In The Last of Us II, she attacks Ellie and Ellie kills her in self defense. In the show, Mel's death is 'a true collateral damage moment,' according to Mazin. 'And then I decided to make it worse.'
Everything with the reveal of Mel's pregnant belly as she dies is new to the HBO show. It's designed not only to break Ellie, but force the audience to reappraise what we think of the heroine. 'If you're rooting for Ellie, it'll make you feel dirty,' Druckmann said.
When asked why they ended the season on a cliffhanger, the showrunners revealed they hashed out different endings, but Druckmann said, 'Whatever we entertained didn't stick for very long. This always felt like the natural end point for the season.'
But it's not the natural end point for the show…
Yes, HBO has already confirmed that they will be making The Last of Us Season 3. In fact, The Last of Us Season 3 will continue to adapt the events of The Last of Us II. That video game not only follows the story of Joel and Ellie, but puts the player in Abby's shoes.
'There is another side to this story that we have yet to really delve into,' Craig Mazin said during the press conference. 'There's no question that Abby is the hero of her story. Kaitlyn Dever is the hero of a story always, you know? I mean, if you have Kaitlyn Dever, you use a Kaitlyn Dever.'
The final sequence in The Last of Us Season 2 flashes back to Seattle Day 1, but we're seeing Abby's version of what happened. The Last of Us Season 3 will tackle Abby's story.
The showrunners also teased that they will provide answers to several questions fans might have. 'What is going on? How did that war start? How did the Seraphites start? Who is the prophet? What happened to her? What does Isaac want? What's happening at the end of Episode 7? What is this explosion? What is all of it?' Mazin said. 'And all of that will become clear.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Cosmopolitan
12 minutes ago
- Cosmopolitan
The end of a TV era: And Just Like That... season three will be the show's last
Things happen fast in New York City. One week, you're celebrating Carrie and Aidan's breakup, the next you're mourning the loss of your favourite show. In a shocking move, HBO has announced that And Just Like That... will end with season three. The last episode will air in two weeks, with no hope of a season four. "And just like that... the ongoing storytelling of the Sex and the City universe is coming to an end," began a statement from showrunner Michael Patrick King, posted on Instagram on Friday 1 August. "While I was writing the last episode of And Just Like That... season three, it became clear to me that this might be a wonderful place to stop." Michael continued, saying that he, alongside Sarah Jessica Parker and HBO execs Casey Bloys and Sarah Aubrey, mutually decided to end the series with a two-part finale. "SJP and I held off announcing the news until now because we didn't want the word 'final' to overshadow the fun of watching the season," he wrote. "It's with great gratitude we thank all the viewers who have let these characters into their homes and their hearts over these many years." It's unclear if And Just Like That... was cancelled by the network or naturally came to an end on its own. Viewership for the show's third (and now final) season had reportedly been declining, and it's possible that all the "love to hate it" discourse became too much to ignore. Or maybe Sarah Jessica Parker and her fellow co-stars, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon, Sarita Choudhury, and Nicole Ari Parker were simply ready to say goodbye. Whatever the reason, it sounds like this might be the last time fans ever get to see Carrie, Charlotte, and Miranda on their screens — note Michael's use of the term "Sex and the City universe". It's truly the end of a television era. And Just Like That... will end with a two-part series finale, with part one airing on Thursday 7 August, and part two airing on August 14.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Netflix just added a gripping sci-fi thriller series with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes — and it's already cracked the top 10
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. I've always loved movies and shows that incorporate time travel. As a dedicated thriller fan, I find the narrative hook ripe for shocking twists and highly memorable moments. And 'The Lazarus Project' is more proof that when used well, the narrative device creates practically unmissable TV. This British series originally aired on Sky Max in the summer of 2022 (and TNT in the U.S.), but now has found a new streaming home on Netflix. Subscribers hooked by the elevator pitch of a secret organization altering time to save the world will be pleased to know the streaming service hasn't just added a single season of the show either. Both seasons of "The Lazarus Project" have now landed on the big red streamer. At 16 episodes total, 'The Lazarus Project' is the perfect binge-watch this week. It's one of those rare shows that will have your finger hovering over the 'play next episode' button before the credits have even started rolling. With each new twist and turn, you'll be drawn further into its world of time loops, tricky moral questions and compelling characters. The show is already proving quite a hit on Netflix. Less than 48 hours after its arrival on the platform, and it's found its way into the Netflix top 10 most-watched shows list. It currently ranks No. 5 behind original series like "The Hunting Wives" and "Untamed," but as more subscribers get hooked by its many twists, it could even rise to No. 1. So, if you're on the hunt for your next Netflix binge, 'The Lazarus Project' makes a very compelling case for itself. Here's everything you need to know about this gripping sci-fi thriller series, and why critics were so impressed it managed to pull a rare 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. What is 'The Lazarus Project' about? George (Paapa Essiedu) might be losing his grip on reality. Waking up on July 1, he lives out an eventful three months that include professional success; marrying his girlfriend, Sarah (Charly Clive); preparing for their first child; and facing a global pandemic. But then he awakens on the morning of July 1, with time having reset back to three months earlier. Stuck in a time loop, reliving the same events over and over again, nobody but George seems to be aware that time is resetting. But he's not going insane. Instead, he's one of a select group of people who can uniquely perceive the flow of time and remember the events of each timeline reset. Invited to join the Lazarus Project, he becomes part of an underground organization that works from the shadows to save the world from universe-ending threats, but the ability to rewrite the past and change the future comes with serious temptations. And George is soon forced to choose between the Lazarus Project's strict rules and saving a loved one. 'The Lazarus Project' reviews — here's why critics rate it 100% On review site Rotten Tomatoes, 'The Lazarus Project' season 1 holds a rare perfect 100% rating. This score comes from a relatively low sample size of 14 reviews, but it still speaks to the sci-fi thriller's quality and the way it managed to grip viewers across its run. 'It's all as fun to watch as it is compelling to consider,' said Judy Berman of TIME Magazine. While Cristina Escobar of praised the series for its 'thoughtful exploration of moral questions' and for packing 'plenty of suspense.' Metro's Sophie Laughton felt the show was 'a watch that's worth the ride,' and Brad Newsome of the Sydney Morning Herald said, 'This intelligent, imaginative sci-fi thriller series sets itself apart with complex, believable characters and dashes of incidental low-key humor.' "Affirming [creator] Joe Barton's status as one of the best screenwriters in the game, The Lazarus Project is exactly the kind of head-spinning, heart-pounding TV that you'll be left wanting to revisit time and again," said Jordan King of Empire Magazine in a four-star review. Dan Einav of the Financial Times was a little more mixed than some critics. 'The opening episode can feel off-puttingly clunky and déjà vu-inducing,' explained Einav. However, he noted that 'In subsequent episodes, thankfully, the eight-parter becomes more intriguing.' The show's second season, which originally debuted in November 2023, doesn't have enough reviews on Rotten Tomatoes for a rating, but the critical takes listed are universally positive. 'This twisty time-loop thriller gets even more dramatic in its second outing. Paapa Essiedu's George is a jittery joy in a smart, sharply scripted show that's lots of fun to watch,' said Leila Latif of the Guardian about 'The Lazarus Project's' second season. Should you stream 'The Lazarus Project' on Netflix? If you're looking for a compelling sci-fi series with intriguing twists and plenty of time-travel shenanigans, then 'The Lazarus Project' isn't just worthy of your watchlist — it should be right at the very top of your streaming pile. It's a compelling thriller that'll hook you instantly. Paapa Essiedu's performance is one of my favorite parts of the show, creating a character in George who is plenty likable, and with some conflicting emotions at play. Yes, he wants to save the world from global catastrophe, but he's got understandable personal desires as well, and these two goals conflict in a way that leads to seriously high-stakes drama. While much of 'The Lazarus Project' is dedicated to intense drama and universe-ending threats, there's just the right amount of humor in the mix. Like when Lazarus Project member Archie (Anjli Mohindra) explains George's abilities to him by describing him as a 'mutant,' but making a point of noting he's "not like Wolverine.' Of course, as a show about time loops and changing the past to alter the future, there is a degree of time travel jargon in 'The Lazarus Project,' and the timeline can get a bit knotty as the show progresses. But these are minor quibbles, and for the most part, 'The Lazarus Project' does a good job of keeping things flowing without the plot spinning out of control. However, before you commit to watching based on all the praise written above, there is one frustrating element I need to warn you about. Sadly, 'The Lazarus Project' was canceled after two seasons, and the season 2 finale ended on a massive cliffhanger — one that looks set to go forever unresolved. So be prepared to be left with lingering questions. This blemish aside, 'The Lazarus Project' is a must-watch series for sci-fi thriller fans, and I'm hoping it's enjoyed a deserved resurgence now that it's arrived on Netflix. In fact, maybe if it manages to make such a large splash on the world's biggest streaming service, then it could be revived for a third season. Or maybe that's just wishful thinking on my part. 'The Lazarus Project' is among the final few major additions to Netflix this month, but the streaming service has already confirmed its slate of new content for August. So, here's a guide to everything new on Netflix in August, if you want to start planning your streaming a little early. Watch "The Lazarus Project" season 1-2 on Netflix now Follow Tom's Guide on Google News to get our up-to-date news, how-tos, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. More from Tom's Guide New on Netflix in August 2025 Netflix's new original looks like a mystery-laced revenge story 5 top new shows to stream this week
Business Insider
6 hours ago
- Business Insider
Warner Bros Discovery Stock (NASDAQ:WBD) Slides After Classic Cartoon Purge
Trying to pin down entertainment giant Warner Bros. Discovery's (WBD) strategy can be downright difficult these days. One of its latest initiatives is leaving a lot of outside observers scratching their heads, as Warner has staged a purge of some of its classic content. In fact, the classic cartoons seem to have taken the hardest hit. This left investors on the back foot, scrambling for answers and selling shares. Warner shares are down nearly 2% in the closing minutes of Friday's trading. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. The reports suggest that the damage is widespread. While Warner seemed to have something against its own property as far back as last year when it shut down the Cartoon Network website, some thought it was part of a larger strategy when Warner redirected users from Cartoon Network's library of online content to Max instead. But now Max has been hit, and some of Warner's biggest and most venerable names are gone altogether. Reports note that Max's library of classic content is now limited to two versions of Scooby-Doo properties: The Scooby-Doo Show and Scooby-Doo, Where Are You!. Hundreds of episodes of content from The Flintstones to Tom and Jerry to even the best of Looney Tunes shorts were apparently wiped out in a blink. What will happen to all this content, meanwhile, remains to be seen. But Where's the 'Global'? Meanwhile, another report took a look at the naming conventions poised to be used when Warner Bros. Discovery completes its split into Warner Bros. and Discovery Global. The issue at hand seems to be why Warner Bros. did not add the 'global' onto its own name. That is an interesting oversight, especially in light of the fact that Warner just fired 10% of its motion picture group as part of a larger overall initiative to pursue a global focus. Remember that? Warner wanted to pivot from a 'United States/international management model' to a 'global structure' model. So if that is the case, and Discovery got a global touch by becoming Discovery Global, then why is Warner Bros. just Warner Bros. and not Warner Bros. Global? Is WBD Stock a Good Buy? Turning to Wall Street, analysts have a Moderate Buy consensus rating on WBD stock based on 10 Buys and eight Holds assigned in the past three months, as indicated by the graphic below. After a 59.25% rally in its share price over the past year, the average WBD price target of $13.36 per share implies 3.73% upside potential.
