Major spoilers ahead forThe Last of Us 2.
The Last of Us 2brought forth another chapter of Joel and Ellie’s story, with some franchise defining events taking place throughout the narrative. Early intoThe Last of Us 2, Joel is faced with an ambush from members of the WLF, led by newcomer Abby. What first seemed like two groups of strangers randomly running into one another quickly turned into something far more harrowing.
This run-in leads to the death of Joel at the hands of Abby to avenge her father, who Joel killed when saving Ellie from the Fireflies at the end of the first game.Abby’s moment of revengestill sparks heated debate among many who have played the game, and it was easily one of the most shocking gaming moments of 2020. Despite the shocking twist early on in the game, Abby is a key component in learning about the WLF, a military-like faction that calls Seattle its home. With season 2 of HBO’sThe Last of Usshow gearing up to introduce Abby and the WLF, the live action series may need to make some changes to the faction.
The Last of Us Season 2 Reworking the WLF
SinceThe Last of Us 2will be adapted over multiple seasons, there is a lot of room to build upAbby and the WLF. Due to this approach of playing the long game withThe Last of Us 2, it’s likely that season 2 will be changing up some of the game’s storyline, and it should start with how the WLF is introduced.
Putting a Heavier Focus on Abby and the WLF
When players are introduced to the WLF inThe Last of Us 2, it’s through an incredibly shocking and brutal moment that immediately makes it hard for many to look past Abby’s actions when playing as her character after the fact. Although this was a gutsy approach and really made thejaw-dropping death of Joelfeel completely visceral, this may not translate as well in the live action adaptation, especially if the showrunners want audiences to empathize with Abby.
With there potentially being multiple seasons focused on the events ofThe Last of Us 2, it doesn’t seem as likely that Joel’s death will happen as quickly in the story as it did in the game. There are plenty oftheories aboutThe Last of Usseason 2, and the extent of Abby’s role at the beginning of the story is a big question. Understanding at least a portion of Abby’s motive before things get so intense could help curb audience outrage when the run-in with Joel eventually takes place.
Abby’s father, Jerry, was the surgeon who was attempting to find a cordyceps cure for the Fireflies.
The Structure of the WLF
The WLF is a fascinating faction in the world ofThe Last of Usand deserves to be explored further. However,companionship in the WLFoften feels a little cold and at arms-length. It serves as an antithesis to the Jackson community, which is necessary, but the dynamics among Abby’s specific friend group within the WLF may need to be reworked in order for audiences to be more trusting or understanding of the clique’s motives.
Of course, this is only if the showrunners ofThe Last of Uswant the audience to be more empathetic to Abby and her cause. Abby is an incredibly compelling character, but it’s understandable why her actions have stapled her as an outright villain for some players. Whatever directionseason 2 ofThe Last of Uschooses, it may be best to give more backstory to Abby and her affiliation with the WLF - as well as her allies within it - before the fateful moment with Joel takes place.
