Spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Season Two, Future Days, Episode One.
The core of The Last of Us, encompassing both the acclaimed games and the HBO adaptation’s first season, centers around the profound relationship between Joel and Ellie. This dynamic was brilliantly portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in season one, with their chemistry serving as the show’s undeniable highlight. However, it’s surprising that they only share a few minutes of screen time in the season two premiere titled “Future Days,” and even more shocking is the tense nature of their interaction.
The episode picks up right where we left off, with Ellie responding “okay” to Joel’s fabricated story about the events of the season one finale. The finale showcased Joel’s violent actions against the Fireflies to protect the immune Ellie, who would have perished in the process of creating a cure for the devastating cordyceps infection. By saying “okay,” Ellie appears to accept his version of events, despite her skepticism. Fast forward five years, and their relationship is fraught with tension, leading Joel to seek therapy.
In a therapy session with Joel’s therapist, Gail, played by the talented Catherine O’Hara, we witness the emotional turmoil they both face. Joel confides in Gail about the growing distance in his relationship with Ellie, who has become withdrawn and distant. Gail suggests that Ellie’s behavior is typical for a 19-year-old daughter, hinting at deeper issues between them.
Gail opens up to Joel, revealing a shocking truth: Joel shot her husband Eugene, a character from The Last of Us Part II. While she understands the necessity of his actions, she struggles to forgive him, expressing her anger over how she discovered the truth. This unconventional therapist-patient dynamic showcases the dark themes present in The Last of Us. Joel eventually admits to having done something to hurt Ellie, but he maintains that he saved her, leaving the session emotionally charged.
The episode also introduces Dina, Ellie’s best friend, who provides insight into the disconnect between Joel and Ellie. While Joel shows affection towards Dina, he struggles to navigate his tumultuous relationship with Ellie. Dina directly questions Joel about Ellie’s anger, prompting him to reflect on the challenges of their father-daughter dynamic.
A pivotal moment occurs during a New Year’s Eve party where Dina and Ellie share a dance and a kiss, only to be confronted by a drunken town bigot. Joel intervenes but is met with Ellie’s disdain, highlighting the rift that has developed between them. This tension sets a compelling tone for the season, even if it’s disappointing to see less interaction between Pascal and Ramsey.
While it’s reasonable for Joel and Ellie to face challenges typical of any father-daughter relationship, the lack of connection between them casts a shadow over the episode. Showrunner Craig Mazin seems to intend for this emotional distance to be a significant theme as the season unfolds.
Mazin also pays homage to the game in various ways throughout the episode, particularly during the town party scene. The show aims to expand upon the game’s narrative rather than replicate it, while still incorporating familiar elements. The party scene mirrors a significant moment from the game, both in dialogue and visual style, but does so much earlier in the storyline.
Moreover, the introduction of Abby, a key character from the second game, occurs right at the episode’s onset. We learn about her vendetta against Joel for his past actions, setting the stage for future conflicts. While “Future Days” focuses more on character development than action, it lays a solid foundation for the season ahead, including the looming threat of Infected.
Infected Score: 6/10
Fans of the video games expressed concerns over the previous season’s lack of Infected. The showrunners promise a different approach in season two — we’ll see if they deliver.
Episode one serves primarily as exposition, featuring Ellie and Dina stealthily confronting Clickers. The most thrilling moment was witnessing a Stalker in action, adding to the tension. As the season progresses, we anticipate more encounters with these terrifying foes. With hints of greater threats lurking in Jackson, viewers are excited for what’s to come next Sunday.
