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The Last Of Us Season 2 First Reviews: Brutal, Bold, & Gritty

The Last of Us Season 2 is just days away from premiering on HBO (for US viewers) and JioHotstar (for Indian viewers). Early reviews for the sophomore season are highly positive, with Kaitlyn Dever stealing the spotlight as Abby.

With The White Lotus Season 3 concluding this Sunday, it’s time for The Last of Us Season 2, which will premiere on April 13. So, mark your calendars, folks — things are about to get rough, raw, brutal, and extreme for Pedro Pascal’s Joel and Bella Ramsey’s Ellie.

On Rotten Tomatoes, Season 2 currently holds an impressive “Fresh” score of 93%, based on 45 certified reviews. This score may change after its global release, but based on the early buzz, it’s expected to remain above 90%. (Season 1 sits at a 94% critic score and an 88% audience score.)

According to the first reviews, Season 2 — much like its 2023 predecessor — is one of the best live-action video game adaptations ever. The lead cast, including Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Isabela Merced, and Kaitlyn Dever, has earned widespread acclaim from critics.

Combining visceral action and unsettling horror with deep character exploration, this season powerfully tackles themes of vengeance, loss, and humanity. Its stunning visuals evoke Game of Thrones at its best, while its raw, gripping, and heartbreaking emotional core makes it a compelling next chapter.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the morality of key characters like Joel, Ellie, and Abby in this second season — a reaction that mirrors the controversy surrounding the source material: Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II.

The questioning of Ellie, Abby, and Joel’s moral choices in HBO’s adaptation, despite glowing reviews, reflects the core themes and major points of debate from the video game.

In Part II, Ellie’s vengeful journey after Joel’s brutal murder leads her down a dark and violent path, challenging players’ ideas of right and wrong. The HBO series is expected to explore this same moral ambiguity — forcing viewers to confront the consequences of her actions and question her heroism.

Abby’s introduction as a playable character seeking revenge for her father’s death at Joel’s hands was a major flashpoint in the game. Players were forced to empathize with the person who killed a beloved character, sparking heated debates about her motivations and whether her actions — though fueled by grief — were morally justifiable.

The Last of Us Season 2 of the show is expected to face similar scrutiny, as it brings Abby’s story to life and challenges audiences’ initial perceptions.

 

 

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