Reimagining the Twist: How One Change Amplified The Last of Us’ Impact

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        <p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _11x6rb9i ku7vx11 ku7vx10 t0irya1">After ten episodes, HBO's <em>The Last of Us</em> has finally addressed the pivotal issue that has been anticipated since the show's debut: the confrontation between Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). The scene closely resembles its counterpart from the game, which may be unwelcome to those hoping to avoid a repeat experience. However, the show introduces a significant alteration to the scene’s context, enhancing the gravity of Abby’s actions—impacting both this episode and the series' overall narrative.</p>
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        <p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _11x6rb9i ku7vx11 ku7vx10 t0irya1">[<strong>Editor’s note:</strong> This article contains spoilers for season 2, episode 2 of <em>The Last of Us</em>, along with references to events in the game, <em>The Last of Us Part 2</em>. If you're hoping to avoid spoilers, consider this your warning!]</p>
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        <p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _11x6rb9i ku7vx11 ku7vx10 t0irya1">Regardless of whether you’re familiar with the storyline from <em>The Last of Us Part 2</em>, it's clear that Abby's plans—along with her determination to drag Joel back to the cabin—signal that trouble is brewing for him. She has made her murderous intentions clear and seems intent on dragging it out. Once she fully identifies him, the pieces begin to fall into place.</p>
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        <p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _11x6rb9i ku7vx11 ku7vx10 t0irya1">However, season 2 of <em>The Last of Us</em> makes an earlier, subtler shift that initiates this sequence of events—quite literally when Abby triggers an avalanche. This avalanche leads to two critical events in episode 2: Jackson facing an attack from the undead, and Abby torturing and murdering Joel. By making it apparent that Abby instigates this chain of chaos, the show intensifies the conflict between her and Joel.</p>
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        <p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _11x6rb9i ku7vx11 ku7vx10 t0irya1">Similar to the game, the two characters cross paths after Joel saves Abby from what appears to be certain doom at the hands of the zombie horde. Yet in the series, viewers gain insight into what Joel signifies for Abby—or rather, what her vendetta means for him: a thirst for vengeance. This irony is made much clearer, which is precisely what co-showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann aimed for by introducing Abby's backstory earlier than the second game does.</p>
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        <p class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup duet--article--standard-paragraph _11x6rb9i ku7vx11 ku7vx10 t0irya1">“Since the audience isn’t experiencing the narrative through gameplay, there’s not just an opportunity, but a necessity to adapt it in a different way,” Mazin explained to Polygon. “When you first meet [Abby], her motivations are unknown, but you become her. As you navigate her actions, trying to keep her safe and alive, a connection forms that matters.”</p>
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