While The Last of Us season 1 explored the journey of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across America, season 2 directly addressed the consequences of their actions. When Joel is murdered by a vengeful Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), Ellie embarks on a revenge quest. The Last of Us season 2 ended with a shocking confrontation between the pair.
The Last Of Us Season 3 Would Need To Be Extra Long To End Ellie & Abby's Stories
A Standard-Length Season Couldn't Cover The Final Chapters
Even though season 2 only just wrapped in June, HBO CEO Casey Bloys discussed the series' future and confirmed The Last of Us season 3 release window. Alongside revealing that the series is aiming for a 2027 return, Bloys also revealed that it was unclear what the season would encompass. The CEO stated decisions surrounding the show's future lay with showrunner Craig Mazin.
The series is definitely planned for 2027. Craig is still working it out whether it will be two more seasons or one more long season. It hasn’t been decided yet, and I’m following Craig’s lead on that.
After the video game steps away from the events in Jackson, the narrative chronicles the individual journeys of Ellie and Abby. After following Ellie until a certain point in the story, the game switches to Abby's perspective, showcasing what she did during this period, concluding with their showdown in the theater.
With season 2 concluding with Abby holding Ellie and her allies at gunpoint, it was assumed that the season would follow this structure. However, Bloys raising the possibility of season 3 ending the show could lead to many wondering how the final act could balance Abby's story with the second game's final act.
One concern is whether the standard episode count that The Last of Us has received thus far could allow the series to cover what was left of the game. Season 2 already saw the episode count lowered to 7 episodes when compared to season 1's 9. As such, season 3 would likely have to have an expanded episode count.
Why The Last Of Us Season 4 Makes More Sense As The Final Installment
Season 2 Has Already Set Expectations For Season 3's Scope
Furthermore, one notable element of The Last of Us' television story has been how it expanded on the world of the series. From new additions to expansions on existing characters, new additions to the television series have often been highlighted as welcome updates to the original tale. As such, many may have hoped for the Seraphite/WLF conflict to be enriched.
Between Abby's personal story and an expansion on the setting, season 3 could have easily offered enough to keep viewers satisfied. Despite Abby being an unclear and divisive figure following her season 2 actions, season 3 would flesh out her character, making the inevitable encounter with Ellie more complex and leaving season 4 to cover the final act.
Using The Last Of Us Season 4 As The Ending Is Also A Big Risk
Season 3 May Abandon Ellie As A Character
Of course, this structure could also provide The Last of Us with the risk of making viewers disinterested. As Abby would be taking on the leading role, it would be likely that season 3 would go without featuring Ellie for much of its run. Ellie serves as the emotional core of The Last of Us, so leaving her behind may put off fans.
Of course, there is a solution to this decision. Within Abby's story, Ellie becomes an ominous force who is slowly hunting her down and murdering her friends, much to Abby's horror. As such, season 3 could employ a Rashomon-style form of storytelling, featuring Ramsey as Ellie, but framed in a more villainous light.
However, even with this inclusion, it is inevitable that some viewers will be left dissatisfied. With a lengthy production turnaround between seasons, it would be several years before audiences received a conclusion to their showdown. Even if season 3 concluded by covering the theater battle, it will still be several years until audiences see the final act of Ellie's story.
One Long Season 3 Or Season 4 - Which TLOU Option Is Better?
Both Plans Have Their Own Benefits
At the time of writing, an expanded third season of The Last of Us is an understandable option. Ooriginal creator Neil Druckmann departed his role as co-showrunner in order to focus on other Naughty Dog projects. This could mean the series is ending on its own terms.
However, even though it is evident that things are winding down behind the scenes, a four-season structure still feels best to handle the two The Last of Us games' stories. Season 2 has already set up expectations from viewers about how the series will handle Abby's narrative. As such, many may feel disappointed to see it cut short.
