Joel made a choice: saving Ellie over finding a cure for the world. The consequences of that decision loom large. In the season premiere, we’re introduced to Abby, who, alongside a group of survivors, mourns the loss of the Fireflies that Joel killed. Questioning who was responsible, Abby is driven by vengeance, setting her sights on finding Joel and making him pay for what he did. Owen manages to convince her to head to Seattle first to gather resources, but he reassures her that they will eventually track down Joel — and make him suffer.

Five years have passed since the events of the previous season. We find Ellie in a new phase of life: older, tougher, and training in self-defense alongside the men in town. Determined to prove herself ready for the field, Ellie still has room to grow. Jesse, observing her sparring match, points out that her opponent was pulling his punches to avoid knocking her out. He insists they keep this from Joel, not wanting to upset him, which visibly frustrates Ellie and hints at deeper cracks in their relationship.

Meanwhile, Dina approaches Joel as he works on repairs, asking why Ellie seems so angry with him. Joel claims he doesn’t know the reason, viewing himself as someone who has always acted in Ellie’s best interests. Later, Joel’s inner turmoil surfaces during a therapy session. He confesses that he feels like a stranger to Ellie but admits that Dina makes him feel like a good man. The therapist urges him to dig deeper, to confront what he may be suppressing about his past actions. Struggling to open up, Joel sheds a tear and simply states, “I saved her,” leaving an air of mystery around what truly happened between him and Ellie.

As Dina and Ellie head out on patrol, their bond grows. They talk about life and make plans to attend the town’s upcoming festival together. During their shift, they discover the carcass of a bear, apparently devoured by Infected. Intrigued, they press on to investigate further. Inside a nearby building, they engage in a fierce battle against the infected, growing closer through their shared danger. In the heat of the fight, Ellie is bitten once again — a chilling reminder of her secret immunity, still hidden from the rest of the town.

That evening, the festival brings the community together. Ellie arrives, and Dina convinces her to dance. As they move together, their chemistry is unmistakable. The moment builds to a kiss in the center of the dance floor, drawing the gaze of the entire room — particularly the men. One man, unable to contain his anger, hurls homophobic remarks at them. Joel steps in, shoving the man to the ground and forcing him to leave. However, his protective instinct only angers Ellie, who makes it clear she doesn’t need his help. The tension between them deepens. Later, as the night winds down, Joel and Ellie cross paths one last time. They exchange a silent, heavy glance, leaving their fractured relationship — and its cause — shrouded in mystery.

The Last of Us returns in triumphant fashion, reintroducing us to beloved characters in new emotional territory. The episode masterfully explores the fallout from Joel’s fateful decision, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of choosing personal love over the greater good. Pedro Pascal delivers a standout performance, capturing Joel’s emotional evolution over the past five years and the weight of his strained bond with Ellie. Fans of the game will appreciate the thoughtful nods to its environments and missions, while newcomers will find themselves equally engrossed. Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann continue to excel in adapting this story for television, blending narrative depth with cinematic tension. For those who cherished the first season and hold the games close to heart, this premiere signals that the series remains in expert hands.

Overall, this was a powerful and emotionally charged start to the new season. It pulls us back into the brutal beauty of this post-apocalyptic world, reuniting us with familiar faces while introducing new characters we’re bound to care about. If this opening chapter is any indication, The Last of Us season 2 promises to be a gripping, heartbreaking, and unforgettable ride.

Rating: 8/10