The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 1 Review – A Haunting Return That Sets the Stage

After the emotional gut punch of Season 1’s finale, The Last of Us returns with a quiet storm of an opener for its sophomore season—one that leans into slow-burning tension, emotional trauma, and a sense of inevitable dread. Episode 1 doesn’t sprint out the gate, but instead, it takes a somber, calculated walk back into the world of Joel and Ellie—and it’s all the better for it.

The episode picks up with a time jump, mirroring the source material (The Last of Us Part II) and giving us a glimpse into life in Jackson. There’s a surprising amount of warmth here—community, routine, even fleeting happiness. But that joy is undercut by Joel’s increasing emotional distance and Ellie’s haunted stares. Bella Ramsey continues to impress with a performance that balances Ellie’s quiet grief and simmering rage, while Pedro Pascal once again embodies Joel’s complex, protective weariness.

Without diving into major spoilers, this episode also introduces new characters that fans of the game will immediately recognize. Their inclusion is handled with subtlety, laying breadcrumbs that will no doubt lead to the emotional avalanche this season promises. The cinematography is just as bleak and beautiful as ever, and Gustavo Santaolalla’s score feels like a mournful heartbeat pulsing beneath every scene.

The episode’s pacing may feel a bit slow for some viewers, especially those expecting high-stakes infected encounters or action-driven sequences. But this isn’t an action show—it’s a story about people broken by love, survival, and loss. That’s the pulse of The Last of Us, and Episode 1 delivers that in spades.

Final Verdict: A moody, introspective start that trades spectacle for character depth. It’s a confident beginning that respects the audience’s patience and loyalty. If the rest of the season builds on this foundation, we’re in for another emotionally devastating masterpiece.