The Last of Us’ series’ new change from the game that has fans pissed off
Fans are divided over a significant change in the show’s storytelling compared to the game.
Episode 6 of ‘The Last of Us’ season 2, titled The Price, introduced a series of flashbacks exploring Joel and Ellie’s time in Jackson. The episode focuses on Joel’s efforts to bond with Ellie over several birthdays, culminating in her 19th birthday, just before the events that lead to his death.
However, the biggest controversy stems from:
- Condensing multiple flashbacks into a single sequence instead of spreading them throughout the season.
- Revealing Ellie’s confrontation with Joel about the Fireflies much earlier than in ‘The Last of Us’ Part II.
In the game, Ellie’s questions about Joel’s actions unfold gradually through several flashbacks, leading up to a final emotional reveal near the epilogue. The show, however, places this moment in episode 6, sparking frustration among fans who feel it disrupts the pacing.
Why are fans upset?
Many viewers believe that moving Ellie’s confrontation earlier weakens its narrative impact, as it originally served to justify her decision to forgive Abby in the game’s final moments.
Additionally, the death of Eugene, a character barely mentioned in the game, was altered significantly. In the show, Joel kills Eugene after he is infected, whereas in the game, Eugene simply dies from a stroke.
Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration, with reactions ranging from confusion to outrage, with some claiming the show has “ruined the story”.
Neil Druckmann defends the changes
Despite the backlash, Neil Druckmann, co-director of the games and a writer for the show, has defended the changes.
In an interview, Druckmann explained that the modifications were necessary to ensure clarity for TV audiences, stating that the flashback structure in the game wouldn’t translate well to a serialized format.
While some fans remain skeptical, others argue that adaptations require adjustments, and Druckmann’s involvement suggests the changes were made with the story’s integrity in mind.
Season finale and what’s next
The final episode of season 2 premieres on May 26, 2025 on Max. Given that season 2 only covers the first half of The Last of Us Part II, the remaining story will likely be adapted in season 3, which has already been confirmed.
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