• Joel's brutal death in Season 2 Episode 2 left fans shocked and reeling.
• The moment marks a pivotal turning point in both the show and the video game narrative.
• Showrunners explained the necessity of this event for storytelling continuity.

Episode 2 of HBO's “The Last of Us,” titled "Through the Valley," delivers a shocking twist with the brutal death of Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal. His demise, executed by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) with a golf club while Ellie (Bella Ramsey) watches, marks a pivotal moment that signifies a shift in the narrative tone, leaving many viewers stunned and emotionally affected, especially those unfamiliar with the video game series from which the show is adapted, as it conveys the harsh realities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world according to The New York Times.

The creator duo, Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, explained that this character's death was not just a plot device but an essential narrative pivot that would influence the storyline profoundly. “This is the inciting incident for this story,” said Druckmann, indicating that Joel’s loss propels Ellie’s journey forward. Additionally, Mazin highlighted their intention to avoid tormenting fans with prolonged anticipation of the inevitable event, stating, "There's a danger of tormenting people," emphasizing the aim of ensuring the story felt natural and compelling according to Business Insider.

Viewers who played the game were aware of the fate that awaited Joel, predicting this moment as a significant shock point. Reports indicate that when Joel was executed by Abby early in the sequel game's storyline, it provoked considerable backlash from fans, feeding into the complex narrative of revenge and trauma. The television adaptation appears to echo this sentiment, reflecting on the moral complexities of the characters’ actions and reactions according to Newsweek.

As the reactions unfold, the episode serves both as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life within “The Last of Us” narrative framework and a catalyst for subsequent character development, particularly for Ellie. Ellie’s character is set to navigate a path of vengeance and emotional turmoil, evidencing how deeply Joel's death will impact the storyline going forward according to The New York Times.