Fans of The Last of Us were stunned when showrunner Craig Mazin likened The Last of Us Season 2 to The Empire Strikes Back—a film synonymous with bleak turns and moral complexity. Much like the Rebel Alliance’s crushing setbacks in Empire, Joel and Ellie’s journey in The Last of Us Season 2 will be fraught with despair, hard choices, and consequences that redefine their world. Mazin’s analogy isn’t just a tease—it’s a warning. As he told The Hollywood Reporter:
“They aren’t getting away with shit.”
Here’s why The Last of Us Season 2 will plunge viewers into the darkest chapter yet.
Table of Contents
1. Season 1’s “Happy Ending” Was a Lie
Joel’s Sacrifice & Ellie’s Ignorance
The Season 1 finale left Joel and Ellie in a fragile peace. Joel’s decision to slaughter the Fireflies and lie about the cure’s origins saved Ellie’s life but shattered any hope for humanity. This “victory” was hollow—a theme The Last of Us Season 2 will brutally unravel.
- The Cost of Survival: Joel’s paternal love corrupted his morality, setting the stage for his and Ellie’s reckoning.
- Ellie’s Suspicions: The trailer hints that Ellie’s trust in Joel is crumbling. Will she uncover his devastating secret?
2. Empire Strikes Back Vibes: What to Expect
Darker Stakes, Fewer Heroes
Mazin’s Empire comparison isn’t just about tone—it’s about structure. Like Luke Skywalker’s traumatic journey, Ellie will face internal and external demons that test her humanity.
- A Shorter, Sharper Season: With fewer episodes, The Last of Us Season 2 will prioritize intensity over exposition.
- New Threats: The infected evolve, but the real danger lies in humans like Abby—a vengeful newcomer poised to dismantle Joel and Ellie’s bond.
Abby – The Darth Vader of The Last of Us?
Abby’s role mirrors Empire’s iconic villain: relentless, personal, and morally ambiguous. Her quest for retribution could fracture the story’s core, forcing audiences to question who the “hero” really is.
3. Psychological Warfare: Ellie’s Inner Abyss
“The Infection Isn’t Just Physical”
The Last of Us Season 2 won’t just pit Ellie against Clickers or rival factions—it’ll force her to confront her darkness.
- Survivor’s Guilt: Ellie’s immunity once made her a symbol of hope. Now, it’s a curse that isolates her.
- Moral Decay: In a lawless world, survival demands brutality. How much of her soul will Ellie lose to protect Joel—or herself?
4. Trailer Breakdown: Clues & Easter Eggs
Key Moments from the Season 2 Teaser
The trailer’s haunting visuals hint at chaos:
- Joel’s Bloodied Face: A flashback or a sign of impending doom?
- Ellie’s Rage: Her vow to “kill every last one of them” suggests a descent into vengeance.
- Abby’s Arrival: Muscled and merciless, she’s shown wielding a weapon—likely hunting Joel.
5. The Big Question: Can Anyone Be a Hero?
Moral Ambiguity in a Broken World
The Empire Strikes Back forced heroes to confront failure. Similarly, The Last of Us Season 2 will blur the lines between right and wrong.
- Joel’s Redemption? His lies may destroy Ellie’s faith in him—and himself.
- Ellie’s Turn: Will she become a protector or a predator? Mazin’s Empire analogy suggests the latter.
Conclusion: Prepare for a Heartbreaking Descent
Craig Mazin’s Empire Strikes Back warning is clear: The Last of Us Season 2 will leave scars. The show is poised to redefine post-apocalyptic storytelling with Abby’s wrath, Ellie’s unraveling psyche, and Joel’s sins looming extensive. As Mazin says:
“I believe everyone should hold Empire in the highest regard.”
And like Empire, this season will be unforgettable—but far from kind.
What’s your prediction for Joel and Ellie’s fate? Share your theories below!
