Neil Druckmann Discusses Controversial Choices in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3

The latest episode of The Last of Us season 2 has stirred up some mixed feelings among fans. The show takes a slower, more thoughtful approach to dealing with Joel’s death compared to the fast-paced action in the game. Co-showrunner and game director Neil Druckmann explained that they wanted to give Joel’s death the time and attention it deserved, which was challenging to do in the game.

Druckmann shared his thoughts on episode three, saying, “I love episode three. It does something that we just couldn’t do in the game.” In the game, the mourning period for Joel is relatively short due to its action-oriented gameplay. But in the show, they have the space to really explore the loss of this beloved character, including a poignant scene with Tommy cleaning up his brother’s body.

While the episode follows some familiar beats from the game, it mainly focuses on the impact of Joel’s death on the community in Jackson. The show highlights the trauma and grief experienced by those who cared deeply about Joel, emphasizing that every character’s pain matters.

Co-creator Craig Mazin noted that it’s essential to acknowledge the broader impact of a character’s death, not just on the main characters. This approach to storytelling allows The Last of Us season 2 to address Joel’s death in a powerful and meaningful way, staying true to the source material while taking a unique path to reach the same emotional depth.

If you’re interested in watching The Last of Us season 2, it’s now streaming. For more details, you can check out the release schedule and see how the show compares to the game.