THE LAST OF US SEASON 2 EPISODE 1 RECAP: Back to The Future… Days

After two long years, we’re finally back in the haunting, emotional world of The Last of Us. Season 2 kicks off by reuniting us with Joel and Ellie right where we left them in Season 1. But in this episode, Future Days, they lean more on quiet tension than explosive action. It may not be the flashiest premiere, but it does the work. New characters are introduced, the world expands, and impending threats loom.

“Swear to me everything you said about the Fireflies is true.”

The episode opens with a powerful callback. Ellie asks Joel to swear that what he told her about the Fireflies is true. Joel says “I swear.” But we see the doubt in her eyes. That doubt, even if subtle, feels like the spark that has ultimately unraveled their bond over the next five years.

Then we meet Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. As someone who hasn’t played the game, she doesn’t exactly resemble the in-game Abby—but her intensity and presence feel right. It’s a solid casting choice that could win fans over with time. In this introductory seen, we also see the fallout from Joel’s choice to save Ellie. That decision has ripple effects, and Abby and her remaining Fireflies are out for revenge.

After the credits roll and that iconic theme song plays, we jump to “5 Years Later.” Ellie appears to be under attack until it’s revealed she’s actually the aggressor. She’s sparring with a partner, under the supervision of Jesse, played by the incredible Young Mazino from Beef. During training, Jesse admits he asked her sparring partner to pull his punches, which clearly strikes a nerve Ellie. A key theme I think will pop up all season long, with Ellie no longer trusting people or wanting to be protected the way Joel has.

Joel, for his part, looks weathered—not just from the world, but from carrying this lie. His conversation with Gail, played by the legendary Catherine O’Hara, says it all. It’s clear the secret is weighing heavily on him. While she completely let’s lose and tells Joel exactly her dark secret. It’s a great addition to the narrative and gives Joel more dimension as he wrestles with his choices.

Future Romance?

We’re also introduced to Dina, Ellie’s new love interest, played by Isabela Merced. She’s charming and instantly likable. She may not perfectly match the game’s Dina. But she brings a grounded energy that works well and exudes chemistry with Bella Ramsey. You want to root for her—which makes me all the more worried for her.

“I don’t need your f*****g help”

This episode is slower than some fans may expect. Compared to Season 1’s premiere, it feels like a quieter return. But that doesn’t mean it lacks impact. Instead of monsters or shootouts, the show digs deeper into character and atmosphere. There is still a bunch to chew on (pun intended), for fans of emotional, character-driven storytelling, that’s a win.

Final Thoughts

Even though it wasn’t my favorite The Last of Us episode, I’m still fully invested. The returning and new characters remain compelling and layered. The unresolved pain from season 1 is definitely boiling over into other areas of their lives. And we know the chaos is building just on the other side of the walls. This feels like the calm before an emotional and destructive storm, and I’m here for it.

Rating: 8.0/10

This review was written by Thomas Craig of The Joy Schtick Show, where three friends from Hawaii explore the movies, TV shows, comics, and pop culture bringing us JOY! For more reviews and to catch up on all our episodes, head to linktr.ee/TheJoySchtickShow