The Last of Us Season 2 Hits 92% on Rotten Tomatoes – A Win for Game Adaptations Everywhere

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Initial responses for Season 2 of “The Last of Us” are out, and they’re promising! With a 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (from the first 45 reviews), it seems that the HBO series continues to demonstrate that video game adaptations don’t have to fall short. Critics praise the new season as being “more intense,” “emotionally resonant,” and “even more daring” than its predecessor.

Here’s When The Last of Us Season 2 Drops

Save the date! The second season begins on April 13th. You can expect new shows to air each Sunday evening, with a grand total of seven episodes for this season. So, it looks like Sunday evenings are filling up once more.

Let’s take a look at what critics with early access had to say about Season 2 of The Last of Us.

What’s It About?

The narrative resumes five years later, showing Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) attempting to establish a semblance of normalcy in Jackson, Wyoming. However, this peace is short-lived as a significant incident triggers a new, deeply personal odyssey for Ellie. As the story unfolds, we meet Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), a pivotal newcomer whose relationship with Joel adds further emotional depth. If you’ve played “The Last of Us Part II,” you’re aware of how emotionally charged this becomes. However, it’s worth noting that the television show’s second season will focus on just the first half of the game.

In the second season, fresh characters such as Dina (portrayed by Isabela Merced) and Jesse (Young Mazino) make an appearance, enriching the context of Ellie’s existence. The relationship between Ellie and Dina plays a significant role this season, as their affectionate bond develops alongside the more serious seasonal topics. This romantic subplot brings additional emotional layers to Ellie’s odyssey and provides precious instances of tenderness in an otherwise harsh environment.

Bella Ramsey Is the Heart of It All

Initial reactions are already singling out Bella Ramsey as a noteworthy performer. Their portrayal of Ellie is receiving accolades for its authenticity, vulnerability, and complexity. It’s evident that they are delving deeper into the character, bringing a rich depth to their performance. The transformation of the character is palpable, and Bella seems to have seamlessly grown into the role.

In its second season, “The Last of Us” mirrors the original game by being even more agonizing and strikingly more ambitious. Among all, Bella Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie is noteworthy, as she skillfully conceals her character’s pain and fury beneath a facade of ordinary life in public settings. However, when the mask comes off, she reveals an intensity that’s downright frightening.

— ViewerAnon (@ViewerAnon) April 7, 2025

What Critics Didn’t Love

Although the majority of reviews praise Season 2, not every aspect of it is flawless. Some critics, such as IGN, point out that the compressed seven-episode format results in certain parts of the story feeling hurried or imbalanced. Certain character development paths also don’t receive adequate exploration, particularly when compared to the leisurely, detailed pace of Season 1. However, even these critical reviews acknowledge the powerful emotional impact and outstanding acting performances, which make it a compelling watch.

The second season doesn’t shy away; it delves deeper, becomes more intimate, and carries a stronger emotional weight compared to its predecessor. Not every decision will resonate with everyone, but the ambition is evident, and the acting is impactful. If this is merely the initial part of the second installment, we’re in store for much more intensity.

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2025-04-09 00:09