Despite The Last of Us 2‘s controversial reputation, hype remains (mostly) high for HBO Max’s second season. Though viewers are antsy to know what has become of Joel and Ellie after season 1’s ambiguous ending, gamers already know and are excited to see their favorite scenes re-imagined by the show.

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The Last Of Us features many unforgettable lines, moments, and quotes. It’s no surprise that so many of them involve Ellie.

This list covers scenes that are essential to The Last Of Us 2‘s story; remembered for the brilliant performances of its actors, their emotional impact, and their relevance to the themes of the game. Hopefully, every scene will not only be included but be expanded upon, so that the show can realize its full potential.

Major spoilers ahead for The Last of Us Part 2 and potentially The Last of Us Season 2!

8

Ellie Sings Take On Me

“Talking away…”

Given how dark the subject matter of The Last of Us 2 is, fans of the game clamber for any hint of hope in the post-apocalypse, and Ellie’s performance of ‘Take On Me’ is a shining example of said hope. Despite Ashley Johnson’s talent for singing, the actress is directed to sing in a raw, understated manner more fitting for a girl raised in the apocalypse. The result is a quiet, warm moment between Ellie and Dina, whose serenade sounds all the sweeter thanks to its authenticity.

Since this scene is optional in the game, there’s a chance it could be cut from the show, given its indulgent nature. But, in episode 7, the song can be heard non-diegetically, as Ellie and her first love, Riley, play with an escalator on the stairs, hinting that the moment’s impact has not been forgotten by its writers.

7

Ellie’s Fifteenth Birthday

“Happy Birthday Kiddo.”

Though the trailer already confirms it’ll appear in the show, one can only hope Ellie’s fifteenth becomes a whole episode. The entire scene is unquestionably fan service, showing Joel and Ellie bantering at the height of their father-daughter relationship.

However, the museum scene is more than just fan service. It’s essential for understanding Ellie’s motivations. Every flashback coincides with Ellie’s mental state, exploring her complicated, but loving, relationship with her father figure, reinforcing why it’s impossible for her to give up on her quest. Plus, it serves as an interesting parallel to Abby’s aquarium flashback.

6

Abby and Owen’s Trip to the Aquarium

“Like Zoos… But For Fish.”

The aquarium is one of the most important settings in the game. Understanding the aquarium is essential for understanding Abby’s character, and her relationship with Owen. The awe and wonder it once offered for Abby starts to dim over the years, as her relationship with Owen deteriorates.

But, when we first see it in Abby’s flashback, it’s one of the most whimsical experiences of the game.

Two dumb kids in love geek out over venues of the forgotten world and explore everything the pre-apocalypse ruin has to offer. The flashback helps gamers warm to Abby, whom many are not a big fan of, thanks to her ambitions. Thus, the aquarium adds depth to Abby’s character and complicates an already challenging narrative about two opposing sides.

5

Abby and Ellie’s First Meeting

“Please Don’t Do This.”

Ellie’s sudden first meeting with Abby is one of the most devastating scenes in the game. They don’t meet under the best of circumstances, as Ellie is ambushed by Abby’s WLF friends and pinned beneath them, whilst she begs Abby to not go through with her plan to kill a certain someone.

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Abby’s decision and Ellie’s consequential dismay sets the tone for the rest of the game. Druckmann has stated the importance of getting this scene right, making sure the player is left with feelings of immense anger and hatred for Abby. And, though gamers might not want to see it again, it is undeniably an essential scene for season 2.

4

Ellie and Dina’s Dance

“I Think They Should Be Terrified Of You.”

Ellie and Dina’s relationship is a win for LGBTQ+ representation, and their love is one of the best romances portrayed in video games. The kiss is arguably one of the most important scenes in the game, from both a character and social perspective, as it also shines a light on the day-to-day homophobia gay couples have to endure if they wish to make their relationship public.

Furthermore, it’s also a chance to play with order. In the director’s commentary, Druckmann confessed to not knowing the most effective order to place his flashbacks in, meaning the kiss happens towards the end of the game, despite it being the first chronological thing to happen to adult Ellie. Therefore, for chronology’s sake, Ellie and Dina’s kiss should be the first shot of season 2.

3

Lev and Abby on the Skybridge

“What’s Going On With You And Owen?”

Abby’s Seattle Day 2 is one of the toughest parts of the game, and also a crucial day for her blossoming bond with Lev. The Skybridge sequence concisely highlights all the best parts of Day 2 in one short set piece. Lev takes Abby over the high-route, revealing perspectives previously unseen to Abby; highlighting a core theme of the game. All this, whilst effortlessly balancing a tense and humorous tone.

Lev’s ill-timed question about Abby’s ex offers gamers the biggest laugh in the game, especially since Abby is one wrong step away from instant death and in the middle of a panic attack. Her response is just as witty; she chews Lev out like a big sister would yell at their annoying younger brother. Yet by the end of the sequence, players can tell their bond has been solidified, as Lev helped Abby overcome her fear of heights via extreme exposure therapy.

2

A Look Into Haven

“You’re My People!”

Haven is the hometown of the ultra-religious Seraphites, one of the hardest enemy types to deal with. On Abby’s Seattle Day 3, Have is also a target of the WLF, the cult’s opposing faction. What ensues is a series of character climaxes that resolves all the threads of Abby’s story, solidifying her bond with Lev, while she denounces others.

Haven is the most cinematic moment of the game, which will make it a natural adaptation for the TV show. Once adapted, it’s sure to have action, suspense, and shock for all audiences. It’s also a scene of great thematic importance, showing audiences the natural, bloody endpoint of what can happen to people if they don’t let go of their hatred.

1

Joel and Ellie reunite on the Porch

“I Would Do It All Over Again.”

The ending to The Last Of Us 2 is painfully difficult to watch, made all the worse thanks to the tenderness of this scene. It’s the final conversation between Joel and Ellie and the weight of their complicated history is felt with every pause between them.

Much can be said about this sequence, but not without full spoilers. Suffice it to say, this scene ticks all the criteria. It has incredible performances from Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson. It delivers a huge emotional impact, and it neatly wraps up the many themes of the game. Including this scene is a must.