The Last of Us season 2 star Isabela Merced has shared her perspective on how viewers should respond to the show following Joel’s shocking demise in the second episode.
“I think while watching this, you need to immerse yourself in the emotions you experience in each moment,” said Merced, who portrays Dina, at a screening of episode three.
“I don’t believe the game’s writers and creators intended for you to be more discerning. I don’t think they wanted you to think, ‘Oh, everyone is bad because they are all self-serving.’ I believe their intention is for everyone to fully embrace their frustration and their pain,” she explained to Variety.
Hinting at the remainder of the season, she commented, “They’re in the process of creating something significant. The final product isn’t ready yet.”
In episode two, Ellie’s father figure Joel (Pedro Pascal) was killed by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) as an act of revenge for the killing of her parent at the conclusion of season 1, when Joel rescued Ellie from the Fireflies and killed many of them during their escape. Following his murder, Ellie pledges to kill Abby and her companions.
“I don’t think it’s necessary to try and be more insightful than the message itself,” Merced remarked.
