Does season 2 of The Last of Us keep all its promises? (critical)

The series taken from video games returns for an even more visceral salvo. True to the spirit of the title of the Playstation, this suite plunges Ellie into the heart of an ever more brutal and merciless world. An intense season, carried by an inspired staging and a Bella Ramsey at the top. Our opinion without spoiler.

Some guitar notes scratched by Ellie Resonate in a post-apocalyptic Seattle … No doubt, you are in season 2 of The Last of Us. After its first cheered season, the post-apo series is returning today (on max in France) and yes, it is still as striking.

From now on, Ellie And Joel Live in the small protected community of Jackson, Wyoming. But their peaceful existence will end abruptly, when a group from Salt Lake City arrives to execute its revenge …

Even more immersive and poignant than the previous one, season 2 of The Last of Us perfectly restores the spirit of video games (Part IIreleased in 2013). A new season which is full of good ideas in staging, writing, in winks to players, and which juggles even more intense with its impressive decorum. The series is not in half measures and certain scenes are of striking brutality, with much more present infected, much more excited too. You are not ready for episode 2 alone, of breathtaking intensity, which will mark the spectators for a long time …

Bella does everything

Faithfully following the narration of the game, the pen of Craig Mazin still does wonders, to adapt the very idea of The Last of Uscarrying Ellie On the side of Seattle, in the middle of a terrifying war between the Seraphites and the Washington Liberation Front (WLF). He can count on a Bella Ramsey exceptional. The rising star clearly strengthened his game: in turn annoying with Joeloverwhelming in the face of death, formidable against infected, and bewitching guitar in hand (his masterful recovery as “Take on me” we still haunt), Bella is everywhere, almost all scenes, and she assumes!

So yes, the rhythm, sometimes disjointed, can give the impression of wandering aimlessly. And no, Bill and Frank are no longer there to break our hearts on “Long, long time” from Linda Ronstadt. But what does it matter: The Last of Us Keep this rare power to get caught up, upset us and mark us with a hot iron. We are bitten.

Season 2 of The Last of Us in 7 episodes, begins this Monday, April 14, 2025 on max.