The Last of Us Season 2 has sparked significant controversy since its premiere, primarily due to its narrative choices and the portrayal of LGBTQ+ relationships. This backlash has manifested in various forms, including review bombing on platforms like IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic. Critics and fans alike have expressed their dissatisfaction with the direction the show has taken compared to its first season and the original video game.
Key Points of Controversy
Character Focus Shift: One of the most notable changes in Season 2 is the shift in focus from Joel (Pedro Pascal) to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and her girlfriend Dina (Isabela Merced). Many viewers have reacted negatively to this change, feeling that it detracts from what they enjoyed about the first season. The emphasis on a same-sex relationship has been particularly contentious among certain segments of the audience, leading to accusations of a "woke agenda" being pushed by the creators[1].
Review Bombing: Following the release of episodes, there has been a significant drop in audience ratings across major review platforms. For instance, while critics have praised Season 2 with a score of 95% on Rotten Tomatoes, audience scores have plummeted to around 42%[2]. This disparity highlights a divide between critical acclaim and viewer reception, with many negative reviews echoing similar sentiments about political agendas and character portrayals[3].
Joel's Death: The abrupt death of Joel in Episode 2 was another major point of contention. This moment was anticipated by gamers familiar with the source material but shocked many new viewers who found it jarring and poorly executed[4]. The scene's brutality and its placement early in the season led to a sharp decline in viewership numbers—down by over 31% from the premiere episode[5]. Critics argue that this decision disrupted narrative momentum and alienated audiences who had invested emotionally in Joel's character.
Targeted Harassment: The backlash has also included targeted harassment towards cast members, particularly Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn Dever (who plays Abby). Online discussions often devolve into personal attacks regarding their appearances or acting abilities, reflecting broader issues within fan communities regarding representation and diversity[6]. This kind of vitriol is not new; similar patterns were observed during the release of other media featuring diverse casts or narratives.
Comparison to Video Game Reception: Interestingly, this controversy mirrors past reactions to The Last of Us Part II video game itself, which faced severe backlash upon its release for similar reasons—particularly regarding character arcs and themes surrounding violence and revenge[7]. Critics argue that both adaptations—the game and now the show—have been victims of review bombing driven by misogyny and homophobia rather than genuine critiques of storytelling quality.
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