The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 Ending Explained: Joel’s Hidden Burden, Ellie’s Romance, Abby’s Thirst for Vengeance, and more

The Last of Us is back, and season two wastes no time pulling us into a darker, tenser world. Episode one, titled “Future Days” picks up five years after Joel’s fateful lie to Ellie, and its ending leaves viewers with a lot to unpack—from fractured relationships to a new kind of threat looming over Jackson. Here's what The Last of Us season 2 premiere’s final moments reveal—and what they mean for the story ahead.

The Time Jump: A new era for Joel and Ellie

The episode opens with a reminder of the events that separated Joel and Ellie in the first season—specifically Joel’s devastating lie. As season two kicks off, we fast-forward five years into the future, revealing that Joel and Ellie have made Jackson, Wyoming their home. Joel is now heading construction in the thriving settlement, while Ellie has grown into an eager, capable scout.

But despite their new lives, a noticeable rift has formed between the two. Their relationship, once rock-solid, is now fractured, and Ellie barely speaks to Joel. This emotional fallout seems to be a direct result of Joel’s actions in the season one finale, where he killed the Fireflies and prevented them from using Ellie to create a cure for the Cordyceps virus. 

Ellie, likely having learned the truth, feels deeply betrayed by Joel, and the trust between them is shattered. Joel, struggling with guilt, begins seeing a therapist to process his feelings, though it’s clear this will be a long road to reconciliation.

Who is Abby and why is she After Joel?

While much of the episode explores the tension between Joel and Ellie, it also introduces a new threat: Abby. Abby is a key character from The Last of Us Part II who emerges from the ashes of Joel’s past actions. 

In a gripping opening scene, we follow Abby and a group of survivors from the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) as they mourn the loss of their comrades—one of whom was Abby’s father, a Firefly doctor killed by Joel in the season one finale. Abby’s father was part of the medical team that was about to use Ellie for a cure, and his death ignited Abby’s thirst for revenge.

Abby is the driving force behind the WLF’s hunt for Joel, and it’s clear she will stop at nothing to make him pay for his actions. This sets up the larger conflict for the season, with Abby’s group now on a mission to track down and kill Joel. Her vengeance is personal, and the episode hints at the brutal confrontation that’s soon to come.

The Threat of the Evolving Infected

Meanwhile, Ellie and Dina, who are becoming romantically involved, are sent on a patrol where they encounter the evolving threat of the infected. The duo stumble upon a supermarket where they encounter a new and terrifying variant of the Cordyceps zombies: the Stalker. Unlike previous infected, this one displays signs of intelligence and strategic thinking, making it a much more dangerous foe. 

Ellie’s encounter with the Stalker shakes her to the core, and the duo returns to Jackson, reporting to the council that the infected are becoming smarter. This evolution adds a fresh layer of danger to the already precarious world of The Last of Us.

Joel's Therapy and Guilt: The Emotional core of the Episode

Joel’s emotional struggle is another key part of the episode. Although he has built a life in Jackson, it’s clear that his guilt is consuming him. He seeks therapy, where his counselor, Gail, reveals that she lost her husband to Joel’s actions.

Gail challenges Joel to confront the true reason behind his falling out with Ellie, pointing out that the lie he told her about the Fireflies may be the root of their fractured bond. While Joel insists that Ellie is mad because he saved her, it’s evident that Ellie feels deeply betrayed by the one person she trusted most.

Ellie and Dina: A Blossoming Romance Amidst Chaos

Amidst the violence and tension, another key relationship begins to blossom between Ellie and Dina. Though Ellie knows that Dina has been in an on-and-off relationship with Jesse, the two share an intimate moment at a New Year’s party, and their bond grows stronger. 

However, their budding romance is marred by a confrontation with a local bigot, which prompts Joel to step in. Still, it’s clear that Ellie’s feelings for Dina are deepening, and their relationship will likely be a central part of the season moving forward.

The Ending: Abby's hunt for Joel

The episode’s ending reveals a major twist—one that sets the stage for the violent and emotional journey ahead. Abby, along with the WLF, is hot on Joel’s trail, and the season is poised to explore the consequences of his past actions. With Ellie still unaware of Abby’s pursuit, the episode leaves us with a sense of impending doom. Joel’s days in Jackson may be numbered, and Ellie’s quest for vengeance will soon begin.

The final moments of the episode show Joel and Ellie still struggling to reconnect, with the past hanging heavily over them. As the threat from Abby and the WLF grows, the emotional stakes for both Joel and Ellie intensify.

A Complex and Emotional Journey Ahead

The Last of Us season two premiere has laid the groundwork for what promises to be a brutal, emotionally charged season. With the introduction of Abby and the WLF, the emotional fallout from Joel’s lie, and the ever-evolving infected, it’s clear that the stakes have never been higher.

Fans of the game will recognize many of the key events and relationships, but the showrunners have added new scenes and twists that expand the story’s emotional depth. As Abby’s hunt for Joel begins, and as Ellie grapples with her feelings of betrayal and growing rage, the stage is set for a season that will explore the themes of revenge, redemption, and the cost of survival.

The Last of Us Season 2 is shaping up to be an unforgettable ride, and we can’t wait to see how these stories unfold.

Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?

The Last of Us season two is now streaming on HBO and Max, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays. The second episode will premiere on April 20, 2025.

You can also check out the making of episode one below.