The opening scene of Episode 1 of The Last of Us season 2 draws us into the world of Abby and her companions, as they stand solemnly amidst a cluster of graves, exposed in an open field beside towering giraffes. They ponder their next move, weighing the option of seeking out the remaining Fireflies, though doubts linger about their very existence. Abby, driven by an unyielding thirst for vengeance, is resolute in her quest to locate Joel. Her compatriots quickly remind her of the challenge ahead: Joel has a three-day lead and their sole functional vehicle is in his possession. They had lingered to attempt rescuing the wounded, yet ultimately, their efforts yielded no survivors. Reluctantly, they reach a compromise, deciding to venture towards Seattle, scavenging resources along the way before setting their sights on Joel. However, Abby remains steadfast in her grim resolve to exact a slow and painful revenge.
We then leap forward five years, where Ellie is engaged in rigorous training, honing her skills to perfection. With a display of impressive prowess, she manages to overpower a man twice her size. However, her initial cockiness is swiftly deflated when she realizes that her opponent was initially going easy on her, at least with his initial punch. Meanwhile, Jesse watches over her, a new addition to Maria and Tommy's commune, which has become a sanctuary for both Ellie and Joel. They now reside in Jackson, Wyoming, a bustling community brimming with life.
Joel, busy fixing breakers, offers guidance to another newcomer, Dina, who then turns the conversation towards Ellie and her volatile emotions. Joel dismisses it as a normal part of growing up, asserting that they are all navigating their complex feelings. While Ellie grapples with her mood swings and indulges in shooting sprees, Joel finds solace in therapy. Despite his intense protectiveness of Ellie, it seems that the more he tries to shield her, the further she retreats from him.
Joel's therapist, Gail, finds herself in an unusual arrangement as she is compensated in marijuana by her patient, Joel. During their session, Joel unravels his woes about Ellie, who seems to be distancing herself, barely granting him her time and even opting to reside in the garage. Gail, unwavering in her honesty, corrects Joel's misconception, emphasizing that Ellie is not his child and accusations fly as she accuses him of self-deception. However, beneath Gail's stern exterior lies a deep-seated resentment towards Joel; a resentment rooted in a harrowing past where Joel took the life of her husband, Eugene. Unloading her burden, Gail reveals this hidden truth, longing for Joel to reciprocate by baring his soul to her. With tears welling up in his eyes, Joel reveals a pivotal moment—he had once saved Gail's life—before storming out.
The town itself teeters on the brink of despair. Maria's compassionate yet naive decision to welcome more people into their fold has stretched their meager resources to breaking point. Joel, pragmatic and protective, advocates for self-preservation, suggesting they turn a blind eye to those whose lifeboats have already sunk. Meanwhile, Ellie charms her way into accompanying Dina on patrol duty. Jesse, their leader, briefs the team on the looming danger, warning of stray threats and introducing Kat, the formidable woman in charge of their current locale.
The gang sets out on their patrol, but their journey is abruptly interrupted by a ghastly scene of massacre along their path. Among the slaughter, they discover a lifeless bear, prompting a brief, albeit darkly humorous remark from one of them. Determined to uncover the truth, she insists on delving deeper into the mystery, despite the others' urge to retreat. Ellie, assertive and resolute, overrides the leader's hesitation and ventures forth, hellbent on confronting whatever trouble lies ahead. Kat, for reasons unknown, eventually acquiesces to her stubborn determination.
Ellie ventures inside a decrepit building, where she swiftly dispatches a Clicker. However, fate takes an unexpected turn as she plunges through a weakened floor. Dina rushes to her side, pleading for her to stay put, but Ellie, ever the rebel, pushes onward into the bowels of the shop. There, she encounters more of the infected, one of which exhibits an unsettling level of cunning, hiding and ambushing her with Deadly precision. Though Ellie emerges victorious, she also bears the mark of a bite wound.
Upon their return to the commune, Ellie and Dina face the council's scrutiny. Maria, though lenient in her judgment, harbors a foreboding sense about the intelligent infected Ellie describes. Meanwhile, Ellie, desperate to conceal her injury, resorts to drastic measures, plunging a knife into her own stomach to obscure the bites.
That evening, the town bustles with excitement as it prepares for a grand New Year's celebration. Joel arrives to invite Ellie, though tension still lingers heavily between them. Despite this, Ellie decides to attend the festivities. As the night progresses, Dina and Ellie find themselves lost in a dance, their movements entwining until they share a tender kiss.
A disapproving elder's voice cuts through the revelry, declaring the event a family gathering and hurling slurs at them. Joel, sensing the impending confrontation, steps in and physically removes the offender. As the man scurries away, Ellie lambasts Joel for interfering, asserting her independence and refusal of his protection.
Elsewhere, Joel sits on the porch, strumming a guitar amidst the night's stillness, while we cut to a tense scene on a distant ridge. Abby, steely-eyed and prepared, readies herself for an impending strike, the stage set for an inevitable clash.
