So, we’ve hit the ‘finale’ of HBO’s The Last of Us season two, right? Not so fast! Turns out, this apocalypse express is making more stops than a commuter train, stretching this season out over four planned installments. Honestly, after last week’s soul-crushing episode, I’m feeling a bit like a deflated balloon. That one was such a massive downer it pretty much confirmed my suspicions about the direction things are heading.

The Long Road to… Abby? Episode Seven Breakdown

Welcome to the final episode of what’s essentially the first part of The Last of Us season two. If you’re like me, you’re probably still reeling from the emotional gut-punch of episode six. This week’s installment titled “Abby Road” shifts gears significantly, focusing almost entirely on… yup, you guessed it, Abby. Love her or hate her, she’s a central figure in the narrative moving forward, and this episode dives deep into her journey.

The episode picks up shortly after the events at the aquarium, with Abby, Owen, Mel, Nora, and Manny making their escape. The tension within the group is palpable, even more so after the grim realities they’ve just faced. We see the weight of responsibility and loss bearing down on them, particularly on Abby, who is still grappling with the consequences of her actions.

Flashbacks, Flashbacks, Everywhere!

One of the key ways this episode explores Abby’s character is through a series of extensive flashbacks. These aren’t just quick glimpses; they’re substantial scenes that flesh out her history and motivations. We see her life before the events of the game, giving us insight into her relationships, her training, and the traumatic experiences that shaped her into the person she becomes. These flashbacks are crucial for understanding her perspective, even if they don’t necessarily make you sympathize with her actions.

We see her working alongside her father, a Firefly surgeon, which provides important context for her understanding of the world and the group she belongs to. These scenes humanize her in a way the game, at times, struggled to do, showing her capacity for empathy and connection before tragedy struck. It’s a deliberate attempt by the showrunners to build a more complex portrait of a character often viewed solely through the lens of her most controversial act.

The Weight of Revenge

The theme of revenge continues to cast a long shadow over the narrative. While Abby’s flashbacks show her past, the present-day storyline sees her grappling with the fallout of her single-minded pursuit of vengeance. The dynamic within her group is strained, as the human cost of their actions becomes increasingly clear. The episode doesn’t shy away from showing the physical and emotional toll this path has taken on them.

There’s a poignant scene where the group finds themselves in a difficult situation, forcing them to confront the harsh realities of survival in this world. This is where the show excels – in showcasing the morally gray areas and the difficult choices characters are forced to make. It reminds us that in this apocalypse, there are no clear heroes or villains, just people trying to survive and make sense of the chaos.

Looking Ahead (Way Ahead, Apparently)

Given that this is just the halfway point of season two, this episode serves as a significant pivot. It concludes the first major arc and sets the stage for what’s to come. By focusing heavily on Abby, the show is clearly signaling that her story is integral to the remaining two seasons. Whether you’re invested in her journey or not, it’s clear she’ll be a central figure.

The episode ends on a note that leaves the audience with much to ponder, hinting at the future conflicts and character interactions to come. It feels less like a traditional season finale and more like a chapter closing, with the promise of more intense drama and difficult decisions on the horizon. While the pacing of stretching one game over multiple seasons is a creative choice that has its pros and cons, this episode makes it clear that the narrative is far from over.

So, while we might feel a bit emotionally drained after this batch of episodes, the story of The Last of Us is far from finished. We’ve journeyed through Joel and Ellie’s initial struggle in season one and now witnessed the beginnings of the confrontation that will define this next phase. With two more seasons planned, it seems we’re in for a long, emotional ride through this post-apocalyptic world. Buckle up!