The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 Ending Explained: Where Is Abby’s Group Heading?

The Last of Us is finally back with its long-awaited Season 2 premiere on HBO, and the episode’s ending sets a dark, intense path for what lies ahead. Adapted from the controversial sequel video game The Last of Us Part II, the new season picks up five years after the devastating events of Season 1, following the aftermath of Joel’s fateful decision — and the dangerous consequences it brings.

A Haunting Beginning and a Dangerous New Quest

Season 2, Episode 1 opens by revisiting Joel’s lie to Ellie from the end of Season 1, before fast-forwarding five years into the future. Now living in the thriving settlement of Jackson, Wyoming, Joel and Ellie have become essential members of the community. Joel heads the construction crew, while Ellie joins scouting missions and forges new bonds.

However, outside the safety of Jackson, danger is brewing. The episode introduces Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, alongside a new group of characters mourning the deaths of their fellow Fireflies — including Abby’s father, the doctor Joel killed while rescuing Ellie in Season 1’s finale. Grieving and consumed by revenge, Abby vows to track down Joel and make him suffer for what he did.

This new group, later known in the game as the Washington Liberation Front, agrees to embark on a perilous journey. Their current plan is to head toward Jackson, and by the episode’s end, they are seen scouting the settlement from a nearby ridge — signaling that Joel and Ellie’s world is about to be upended.

Why Abby Wants Joel Dead

The motive behind Abby’s hunt for Joel is simple and deeply personal. Her father was among the Fireflies Joel killed in Salt Lake City to save Ellie from a surgery that would’ve created a possible cure at the cost of her life. For Abby, Joel’s actions robbed her not only of her father but of hope for humanity’s survival. While some of her companions want to move on, Abby’s thirst for revenge refuses to fade.

Joel and Ellie’s Strained Relationship

A significant part of Episode 1 revolves around the fallout between Joel and Ellie over the five-year time gap. Once inseparable, the two now barely speak. Joel, struggling with guilt, seeks therapy, hinting at unresolved secrets. Though not explicitly stated, it’s clear that the lie he told Ellie about the Fireflies and the cure may be the cause of their rift. Ellie, already suspicious in Season 1, likely uncovered the truth during this time.

Who Is Eugene — And Why Did Joel Kill Him?

A surprising new detail is revealed in Joel’s therapy session. His therapist, played by Catherine O’Hara, confesses that Joel killed her husband, Eugene. Game fans will recognize the name as Eugene Linden, a Jackson resident known for his marijuana farm. While Eugene died of natural causes in the game, the show reveals Joel shot him — though the reasons remain unclear. Given Joel’s continued freedom, it’s possible Eugene turned infected, forcing Joel to make a difficult decision.

The Infected Are Evolving

Another significant change during the time gap is the evolution of the infected. During a patrol mission, Ellie and her friend Dina find themselves trapped in a supermarket by an unusually intelligent Stalker. This infected displays strategic behavior, signaling that the cordyceps infection is evolving — making the world outside Jackson even more dangerous than before.

Ellie and Dina’s Growing Relationship

Season 2 also introduces a tender subplot: the budding romance between Ellie and Dina. The two share a heartfelt moment during a New Year’s party, hinting at a deeper connection. Although Dina is still entangled in a complicated relationship with Jesse, her feelings for Ellie are unmistakable. This storyline, faithful to The Last of Us Part II, promises to be a central emotional thread this season.

Faithful to the Game, with New Surprises

While The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 1 introduces several original scenes — including Joel attending therapy — the episode remains largely faithful to the game’s major story beats. Abby’s hunt for Joel, the supermarket infected encounter, and Ellie and Dina’s confrontation at the dance all mirror the video game’s narrative. Though the pacing and order are tweaked for television, the spirit of the source material remains intact.

The ending of The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 1 leaves viewers with a clear, ominous message: Abby’s group is closing in on Jackson, and Joel’s past choices are about to catch up with him. Between personal vendettas, evolving infected, and fractured relationships, this season is shaping up to be as emotionally devastating and gripping as its video game counterpart.

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