Summary
- Ellie's backpack in The Last of Us season 2 hints at the museum flashback seen in the sequel game.
- The museum trip flashback is a pivotal moment in Joel and Ellie's relationship.
- More Last of Us flashbacks could mean more of Joel in season 2, adding weight to Ellie's journey in the upcoming season.
With production for The Last of Us season 2 underway, a new detail involving Ellie teases the inclusion of a particular video game flashback. Set five years after the debut installment, The Last of Us season 2's story will primarily follow the events of 2020's The Last of Us Part II. Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) will still be pivotal to the plot following the time jump, but a few more notable figures will join The Last of Us' character list. The two most anticipated newcomers are Abby and Dina, two characters that will heavily change the next chapter of Ellie's journey.
The first look at Dina has been seen in The Last of Us season 2's set photos, with other images teasing recognizable game settings. HBO has also shown new looks at an aged Joel interacting with Ellie who is now 19 years old. Despite season 2's time jump, viewers will still get insight into the past, like the case with the debut season's use of flashbacks to delve deeper into characters during the early days of the apocalypse. The most memorable flashback thus far would be the Bill and Frank episode, but there could be a few Last of Us season 2 flashbacks that rival season 1's.
|
Main TLOU Season 2 Cast |
Characters |
|---|---|
|
Pedro Pascal |
Joel |
|
Bella Ramsey |
Ellie |
|
Gabriel Luna |
Tommy |
|
Kaitlyn Dever |
Abby |
|
Isabela Merced |
Dina |
|
Young Mazino |
Jesse |
Ellie's Backpack In The Last Of Us Season 2 Hints At The Museum Flashback
Last Of Us' "The Birthday Gift" Flashback Could Be Coming To Live-Action
Among The Last of Us season 2 set photos making the rounds, one (via Reddit) shows Ellie's new backpack. Not only does it look like a replica of the game version, but it features an interesting detail. The backpack has two pins on it, and one is the space pin Joel gave Ellie during The Last of Us Part II's "The Birthday Gift" flashback, implying that the museum sequence will make it into the HBO adaptation. Joel took Ellie to the Wyoming Museum of Science and History as a surprise for her 16th birthday celebration, but it was more than just a flashback.
Upon spending the day together happily exploring the museum, Ellie was most enamored by the space exhibit. She schooled Joel with all of her space and scientific knowledge before trying on authentic space helmets. The pair then entered a capsule, briefly fulfilling Ellie's dream of being an astronaut. In addition to a cassette tape of an actual launch, Joel gifted Ellie a pin featuring a space shuttle that said "Welcome to Earth," which eventually made its way onto her backpack as a special reminder of the day.
Why Ellie & Joel's Museum Flashback Is So Important In The Last Of Us
The Museum Trip Was A Significant Event For Joel & Ellie
There will be so much to unpack within the museum flashback while also detailing the ups and downs of Joel and Ellie's relationship.
While Joel and Ellie's museum sequence was a heartwarming flashback in The Last of Us Part II, it was also clouded in sadness based on its purpose in the game. The flashback occurred during Ellie's first day in Seattle when she followed Tommy in hunting Abby and her group following Joel's murder. Within The Last of Us' timeline, the museum trip occurred three years prior, but it became one of Ellie's fondest memories with Joel. It also had a lasting impact on the pair's relationship.
Following The Last of Us season 1's ending, Joel and Ellie lived in Jackson, but their relationship became tumultuous as time went on. The strain continued up to Joel's untimely death, which made Ellie feel even worse after the tragic event. It made sense for a rush of memories involving Joel to be on her mind as she processed her grief. In fact, The Last of Us' museum flashback could be the basis of a solo episode in the same fashion as season 1's Bill and Frank episode. There will be so much to unpack within the museum flashback while also detailing the ups and downs of Joel and Ellie's relationship.
Why The Last Of Us Season 2's Flashback Teases Are A Good Sign
More Last Of Us Flashbacks Could Mean More Joel In Season 2
If The Last of Us season 2's backpack pin is any indication, the next chapter of the HBO adaptation will jump back and forth in time. Utilizing The Last of Us' non-linear storytelling would positively impact Joel's presence in season 2 despite the character's doomed fate. Abby killed Joel early in the sequel game, and the event will likely happen within the first few episodes of season 2. That said, Pascal can still have a key role as Joel in season 2, especially through critical flashbacks like the museum trip or other vital moments in Joel's past.
Joel might not be a core character in The Last of Us season 2's main story, but he will be a driving force behind it as his death steers Ellie on a revenge tour. Appearances from Joel will be reduced compared to season 1, which will be difficult based on how he factored into season 1's success. However, when Joel does appear, whether it's early on in The Last of Us season 2 or in flashbacks, his presence will have more weight based on the circumstances. The space pin might seem like a minor detail, but the fact that Ellie still honors and cherishes Joel will show how much he truly meant to her in their brief time together.
