The Last of Us: 3rd episode of season 2 premieres Sunday at 10 PM on HBO and Max

The anticipation for fans of The Last of Us ends this Sunday, April 27, 2025, with the premiere of the third episode of the second season. Airing at 10 PM Brasília time on both the HBO channel and the Max streaming platform, the episode promises to heighten the narrative following the traumatic events of the previous episode. The series, adapting the acclaimed Naughty Dog game franchise, continues its weekly release strategy, with seven episodes planned for this season. Set five years after the events of the first season, the story follows Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, and Joel, portrayed by Pedro Pascal, in a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by a deadly fungus. The new episode focuses on the aftermath of Joel’s tragic death, marking the start of Ellie’s quest for revenge, while the Jackson community grapples with the repercussions of a devastating attack.

The second season of The Last of Us has garnered significant attention since its debut on April 13, with critics praising its fidelity to the essence of The Last of Us Part II, though with adaptations that surprise even the most dedicated fans. The third episode, titled “Through the Valley,” delves deeper into the emotional and physical conflicts Ellie faces, as new characters like Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), Dina (Isabela Merced), and Jesse (Young Mazino) take center stage. The production, led by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, continues to explore profound themes such as trauma, revenge, and redemption, keeping audiences glued to the screen with its compelling narrative and striking visuals.

HBO has heavily invested in promoting the series, offering Max subscribers immediate access to episodes with audio options in English and Portuguese dubbing. The simultaneous broadcast strategy on the channel and streaming platform reflects the global success of the production, which earned 24 Emmy nominations in its first season, winning eight categories. With a passionate fanbase and a storyline that doesn’t shy away from complex issues, The Last of Us remains one of the most relevant series today.

• Key highlights of the third episode:
  • Ellie confronts the emotional fallout of Joel’s death.
  • The Jackson community deals with the impact of the infected attack.
  • Abby, Dina, and Jesse take on central roles in the narrative.
  • Intense action scenes and moments of introspection define the chapter.

Ellie’s journey: The weight of loss

The third episode of The Last of Us promises to be a milestone in the second season, focusing on Ellie’s transformation after Joel’s death. The young woman, already burdened by her immunity to the cordyceps fungus, now faces a new layer of pain and anger. The episode’s narrative, as revealed in promotional materials, shows Ellie seeking justice while trying to maintain bonds with those still by her side, like Dina and Jesse. Directed by one of Mazin and Druckmann’s frequent collaborators, the chapter blends suspense and drama, with sequences alternating between the tense calm of Jackson and the brutality of the outside world.

Adapting The Last of Us Part II for television has been a challenge for the creators, given the game’s scope and complexity. Unlike the first season, which fully covered the first game, the second season splits the second game’s story into multiple parts, allowing room to explore characters and their motivations. Ellie, in particular, is the heart of the third episode, with Bella Ramsey delivering a performance already praised by critics who had early access to the chapter. The young actress, known for her work in Game of Thrones, brings raw vulnerability to the character while embodying the strength needed to face the post-apocalyptic world’s challenges.

Beyond Ellie’s journey, the episode also deepens Abby’s role, played by Kaitlyn Dever. Introduced in the season’s first episode, Abby is a polarizing figure whose story intertwines with Ellie’s in unexpected ways. Dever’s casting was widely celebrated, with the actress bringing an intensity that complements the narrative. The relationship between Abby and Ellie, though still developing at this point in the season, promises to be a highlight of the series, with the creators opting to explore nuances not always as evident in the game.

New characters and dynamics

The second season of The Last of Us introduced a host of new characters that enrich the plot and expand the series’ universe. Dina, played by Isabela Merced, and Jesse, portrayed by Young Mazino, are central figures in the third episode, bringing fresh perspectives to Ellie’s story. Dina, in particular, has a deep connection with the protagonist, serving as emotional support amid the chaos. Merced, known for roles in films like Dora and the Lost City of Gold, delivers a performance that balances strength and sensitivity, making Dina an instantly captivating character.

Jesse, meanwhile, is a natural leader in the Jackson community, and his relationship with Ellie and Dina adds complexity to the narrative. Young Mazino, who gained prominence in series like Beef, brings charisma and gravitas to the role, shining in scenes that explore the community’s dynamics after the infected attack. Other characters, such as Isaac (Jeffrey Wright) and secondary figures played by actors like Danny Ramirez and Taty Gabrielle, also begin to gain prominence, suggesting the season is building a larger arc to be explored in future episodes.

The introduction of these characters reflects the creators’ ambition to expand the universe of The Last of Us while keeping the focus on the human relationships that have always been the franchise’s core. The series not only adapts the game’s events but also reinterprets them, offering new dialogue and moments that surprise even players familiar with the original story. This approach has sparked debates among fans, with some praising the creative boldness and others questioning certain changes, but the consensus is that the production retains the emotional essence of the source material.

• What to expect from the new characters:
  • Dina: A loyal ally to Ellie, with a crucial role in the revenge journey.
  • Jesse: A leader in Jackson, whose strength guides the community in crisis.
  • Abby: An enigmatic figure whose story challenges audience expectations.
  • Isaac: A military leader with complex motivations, played by Jeffrey Wright.

Impact of Joel’s death

Joel’s death, which occurred in the second episode of the season, is the catalyst for the third chapter. The former smuggler, played by Pedro Pascal, was the heart of the first season, and his abrupt exit shocked both game fans and new viewers. The series chose to follow the game’s narrative arc but with adjustments that heighten the emotional impact of the loss. In the third episode, Joel’s absence is felt in every scene, particularly in Ellie’s interactions with other characters. The young woman struggles to process her grief, while the Jackson community tries to rebuild after the attack that culminated in the tragedy.

The decision to kill Joel so early in the season was risky, but the creators defended the choice, arguing it’s essential to Ellie’s evolution. The narrative of The Last of Us has always been about the consequences of choices, and Joel’s death serves as a brutal reminder of this theme. The third episode explores how the Jackson community, once a safe haven, now faces the reality of a world where violence is inevitable. Scenes in Jackson, with residents trying to maintain normalcy, contrast with Ellie’s journey, as she begins to distance herself from those around her.

The production also uses flashbacks and dreams to deepen the connection between Ellie and Joel, even after his death. These sequences, blending memories and visions, offer a glimpse of the impact Joel had on Ellie’s life while highlighting the loneliness she now faces. The cinematography, a standout feature of the series, uses cold tones and dramatic lighting to reinforce the episode’s melancholic tone, creating an atmosphere that mirrors the protagonist’s emotional state.

Production and behind-the-scenes

The second season of The Last of Us is one of HBO’s most ambitious productions, with an estimated budget of millions of dollars per episode. The series was filmed in locations across Canada, with sets recreating everything from the ravaged streets of post-apocalyptic cities to the snow-covered fields around Jackson. The production team, led by Mazin and Druckmann, worked closely with Naughty Dog to ensure every detail, from the design of the infected to the soundtrack, reflected the game’s essence.

The third episode, in particular, showcases the visual effects team’s work, creating action sequences involving infected with stunning realism. Clickers, stalkers, and other infected types are brought to life through a combination of makeup, prosthetics, and CGI, resulting in scenes that are both terrifying and visually breathtaking. The soundtrack, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, returns with themes that enhance the episode’s emotional weight, blending melancholic notes with moments of tension.

Behind the scenes, the collaboration between Mazin and Druckmann has been a cornerstone of the series’ success. Mazin, known for his work on Chernobyl, brings a sensitivity to human drama, while Druckmann, the games’ creator, ensures the adaptation honors the original vision. The duo also enlisted talented writers and directors, many of whom have worked on acclaimed projects, to bring fresh perspectives to the narrative. The result is a season that balances fidelity to the source material with innovations that keep the series engaging and dynamic.

• Production trivia:
  • The third episode was filmed in icy Canadian locations.
  • The visual effects team spent months crafting the episode’s infected.
  • Gustavo Santaolalla composed new tracks exclusive to the season.
  • Mazin and Druckmann reviewed every scene to ensure emotional fidelity.

Broadcast schedule

The second season of The Last of Us follows a weekly release schedule, with episodes airing every Sunday at 10 PM Brasília time. The third episode, airing on April 27, marks the start of the season’s second half, which will feature seven episodes in total. HBO and Max make episodes available simultaneously, with options for original English audio and Portuguese dubbing, ensuring accessibility for diverse audiences.

• Upcoming episode schedule:
  • Episode 4: May 4, 2025, at 10 PM.
  • Episode 5: May 11, 2025, at 10 PM.
  • Episode 6: May 18, 2025, at 10 PM.
  • Episode 7: May 25, 2025, at 10 PM.

Episodes remain available on Max’s catalog, allowing subscribers to watch or revisit chapters at any time. HBO also offers reruns of episodes at alternate times, especially for viewers who prefer watching on the traditional channel. The release strategy reflects the network’s commitment to making the series a television event, with each episode sparking discussions on social media and among fans.

Fan and critic reactions

The second season of The Last of Us has generated intense reactions since its premiere, with the third episode being one of the most anticipated due to Joel’s death. On social media, fans have shared their expectations, with many praising Bella Ramsey’s performance and the series’ courage in tackling difficult themes. Critics who viewed the episode in advance screenings highlighted the production’s quality, with outlets like Rolling Stone calling the chapter “an emotional milestone that redefines Ellie’s journey.”

However, some game fans have expressed concerns about changes made in the adaptation. Certain dialogues and events in the third episode differ from the game, sparking debates about the series’ creative direction. Despite this, most agree that the alterations enrich the television narrative, offering a fresh perspective on the characters and their choices. The series has also been praised for its diversity in representation, with characters like Dina and Jesse adding new layers to the story.

The fan community, particularly in Brazil, has organized in forums and social media to discuss each episode, with groups dedicated to analyzing production details, from game references to hidden easter eggs. The hashtag #TheLastOfUs has dominated trends on platforms like X, with thousands of posts after each episode. This engagement reflects the series’ cultural impact, which transcends the gaming audience and attracts viewers interested in human dramas and post-apocalyptic narratives.

Central themes of the episode

The third episode of The Last of Us dives into themes that have always been central to the franchise: loss, revenge, and the struggle for humanity in a ravaged world. Ellie’s journey reflects the tension between the desire for justice and the need for connection, while the Jackson community illustrates the challenges of maintaining hope amid chaos. The series offers no easy answers, allowing viewers to reflect on the characters’ choices.

The portrayal of grief is one of the episode’s strongest points, with Ellie grappling not only with Joel’s loss but also the guilt and anger that accompany it. The narrative also explores Abby’s morality, whose story begins to unfold, challenging audiences to question their own perceptions of right and wrong. These themes, combined with the production’s technical quality, make the third episode a memorable chapter in the series’ trajectory.

The series’ approach to the infected also deserves mention. While the creatures are a constant threat, the episode focuses on human conflicts, with the infected serving as a reminder of what’s at stake. The action sequences, carefully choreographed, balance the terror of monster encounters with the introspection of quieter moments, creating an experience that is both visceral and emotionally resonant.

Cultural impact of The Last of Us

The Last of Us is not just a series; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends television. The first season, released in 2023, redefined expectations for video game adaptations, proving that interactive stories can be successfully translated to the screen. The second season raises the bar even higher, with a narrative that challenges conventions and a production that rivals Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters.

In Brazil, the series has found a particularly passionate audience, with fans organizing viewing events and discussions on platforms like X. The popularity of The Last of Us has also boosted interest in the games, with Sony reporting increased sales of The Last of Us Part II since the season’s premiere. Gustavo Santaolalla’s soundtrack, available on streaming platforms, has gained new life, with fans sharing playlists inspired by the series.

The series’ influence extends to the broader entertainment industry, with other game adaptations, such as Fallout and Horizon, seeking to replicate its success. HBO has already confirmed a third season, though without a release date, suggesting that Ellie and her allies’ story is far from over. The third episode, with its blend of action, drama, and emotion, reinforces why The Last of Us remains one of the most acclaimed productions today.

• Cultural impacts of the series:
  • Increased sales of The Last of Us games following the season’s premiere.
  • Popularization of Gustavo Santaolalla’s soundtrack on digital platforms.
  • Influence on other video game adaptations for television.
  • Massive engagement from Brazilian fans on social media and events.