The Last of Us season two review: Amplified action and crushing drama

Engadget - Apr 7th, 2025
Open on Engadget

HBO's The Last of Us returns for its second season, using the sequel game as source material. Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann expand the story, delving into the aftermath of Joel's actions against the Fireflies and introducing new characters like Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. The season picks up with Joel and Ellie in Jackson, Wyoming, where they face new threats and navigate evolving relationships. The cast, including Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, continues to deliver stellar performances, and the season balances action and drama effectively. The narrative structure mirrors the non-linear storytelling of the game, maintaining tension and intrigue.

The implications of Joel's past decisions unfold, affecting both the main characters and the broader world. The show explores themes of survival, moral ambiguity, and the complexities of human relationships in a post-apocalyptic setting. With a shorter runtime than the first season, this installment leaves several plotlines open, aligning with Mazin's plan to extend the story over multiple seasons. Despite some rapid pacing in the finale, the season is a compelling continuation, rich in emotional depth and intense action, promising a gripping journey for viewers.

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RATING

7.0
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a comprehensive and largely accurate overview of the second season of HBO's *The Last of Us*. It effectively highlights the show's strengths, such as its emotional depth and action sequences, while acknowledging areas for improvement, like the reduced screen time for key character interactions. The writing is clear and engaging, making the article accessible to a wide audience. However, the piece could benefit from greater transparency and more explicit sourcing to enhance its credibility. While it touches on elements that could provoke debate, it maintains a neutral tone and does not sensationalize these aspects. Overall, the article is a valuable resource for readers interested in the show's development and its adaptation from the video game.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article is largely accurate in its depiction of the second season of HBO's *The Last of Us*. It correctly notes the premiere date, the continuation of the storyline from the first season, and the involvement of key characters such as Joel and Ellie. The mention of actors Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey reprising their roles, as well as the introduction of new characters like Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, aligns with verified sources. However, some details, such as the exact nature of plot changes or new events like the siege of Jackson, require further verification for complete accuracy. Overall, the factual claims are well-supported, but the article could benefit from more specific citations for certain plot elements.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the second season by discussing both its strengths and areas where it may fall short. It highlights the emotional depth and action sequences positively while acknowledging potential criticisms, such as the reduced screen time for Joel and Ellie together. The piece does not appear to favor one perspective unduly, but it could include more viewpoints from critics or audience reactions to provide a fuller picture of the show's reception. The narrative mainly focuses on the creators' decisions and the show's execution, which may limit the range of perspectives presented.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written and easy to follow, with a logical flow of information. The language is clear and accessible, making it suitable for a general audience. The structure effectively separates different aspects of the show, such as plot, character development, and thematic elements, which aids in comprehension. The tone is neutral and informative, avoiding sensationalism or overly technical language that might hinder understanding. Overall, the article's clarity is a strong point, contributing to its readability and engagement.

6
Source quality

The article references information that is likely derived from credible sources, such as official announcements, trailers, and interviews with the creators. However, it does not explicitly cite these sources within the text, which makes it challenging to assess the reliability of the information fully. The lack of direct attribution to primary or authoritative sources somewhat diminishes the perceived credibility. Including quotes or references from interviews with the showrunners or actors could enhance the article's authority and trustworthiness.

5
Transparency

The article provides a clear overview of the show's second season but lacks transparency in terms of sourcing and methodology. It does not disclose how the information was obtained or whether the author has any potential conflicts of interest. The absence of explicit source citations or acknowledgments of the author's perspective makes it difficult for readers to assess the basis of the claims fully. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the article's credibility and allow readers to better understand the context and potential biases.

Sources

  1. https://www.cbr.com/the-last-of-us-hbo-season2-review/
  2. https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-last-of-us-season-two-promises-a-lot-more-action-alongside-devastating-drama-170044014.html
  3. https://collider.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-review/
  4. https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/the-last-of-us-season-2-premieres-on-hbo-and-max-on-april-13-211022032.html
  5. https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/the-last-of-us-season-2-review-hbo