As HBO finally drops episode 1 of ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, fans who’ve waited patiently for the continuation of Joel and Ellie’s journey are diving back into the post-apocalyptic world adapted from The Last of Us Part II game. Before we jump ahead, let’s take a look back at how Season 1 ended, including key moments, emotional decisions, and where the story is headed next.
The Last Of Us Season 1 Ending Explained
Season 1 Began With A Haunting Flashback
The opening scene of Season 1 flashes back to the birth of Ellie. A pregnant woman named Anna is being pursued by an infected. She manages to fend it off but not before being bitten. After giving birth, she quickly cuts the umbilical cord in hopes of sparing her newborn from infection. Before dying, Anna asks her best friend Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies, to take Ellie to safety and raise her. Though Anna claims she cut the cord before the bite, viewers know otherwise.
The Cordyceps Outbreak Begins
In present-day events, the world is thrown into chaos as a fungal infection called Cordyceps spreads rapidly, taking over human hosts and turning them into aggressive, zombie-like creatures. Joel, his daughter Sarah, and brother Tommy try to flee the outbreak, only for Sarah to be shot and killed by a soldier despite showing no signs of infection. The loss leaves Joel emotionally scarred.
Joel’s Life 20 Years Later
Two decades later, Joel is surviving in a militarised quarantine zone and working as a smuggler with his partner, Tess. They’re hired by the Fireflies to transport a teenager named Ellie to Colorado. Along the way, they discover that Ellie is infected but shows no symptoms—meaning she’s immune. The Fireflies hope her immunity could be the key to a cure.
Tess sacrifices herself after being bitten, helping Joel and Ellie escape from a dangerous FEDRA ambush. As their journey continues, Joel and Ellie form a close bond. They encounter numerous threats, both infected and human, as they make their way across the country.
A Moment of Peace And Then Chaos
Near the end of their journey, the duo reaches Salt Lake City and experiences a rare moment of peace when Ellie stumbles upon a group of giraffes in a vibrant, green landscape. Despite the hardships, Joel offers to take Ellie back to Wyoming to live with his brother. However, Ellie insists they must continue—believing everything they’ve endured must serve a purpose.
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Ellie Becomes The Key To A Cure
Soon after, they are ambushed and taken to a Firefly hospital. Joel awakens to find out that Ellie is prepped for surgery. Marlene explains that doctors believe her immunity is tied to the fungus growing in her brain. To create a cure, they must operate—knowing the procedure will kill Ellie.
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Joel Makes A Devastating Choice
Refusing to lose another “daughter,” Joel goes on a violent rampage through the hospital, killing everyone in his way to save Ellie. He finds her unconscious and escapes the facility. In a final confrontation, Marlene pleads with Joel to reconsider, but he kills her to ensure Ellie will never be used again.
The Lie That Ends the Season
As they drive away, Ellie wakes up. Joel lies, telling her that there were others like her and that the Fireflies had stopped looking for a cure. He doesn’t mention the massacre or that he killed Marlene. Later, as they travel on foot to Wyoming, Ellie asks him to swear that what he told her was true.
“I swear,” Joel says.
“Okay,” Ellie responds quietly.
And with that, Season 1 ends—leaving fans with lingering tension and unresolved truth.
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Credits: Instagram
Credits: Instagram
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