HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, which premiered on April 13, 2025, has reignited fervor among fans and critics alike, not only for its gripping narrative and stellar performances but also for its bold deviations from the source material, The Last of Us Part II. While the first season was lauded for its near-faithful adaptation of the original game, Season 2 takes significant creative liberties that have sparked heated controversy. From restructured narratives to altered character portrayals, these changes have divided fans, with some praising the show’s ambition and others decrying its departure from the game’s essence. This article delves into the most significant changes, the controversies they’ve ignited, and their impact on the series’ reception.

A New Narrative Structure: Abby’s Early Introduction

One of the most talked-about changes in Season 2 is the restructuring of Abby Anderson’s storyline. In The Last of Us Part II, Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, is introduced later in the game, with her motivations and backstory gradually revealed through a dramatic perspective shift that forces players to empathize with her. This bold narrative choice was polarizing, as it disrupted players’ attachment to Ellie and Joel. The show, however, opens with Abby’s perspective in Salt Lake City, immediately hinting at her vendetta against Joel without fully disclosing its roots. This restructuring aims to make Abby more relatable from the outset, addressing the game’s criticism that her late introduction alienated players.

On platforms like X, fans have expressed mixed sentiments. Some appreciate the attempt to humanize Abby early, with one user noting, “The show’s Abby intro makes her feel less like a villain and more like Ellie’s mirror, which I love.” Others, however, argue it dilutes the game’s shocking twist, with a post stating, “Why reveal Abby so soon? The game’s structure was genius because it made you hate her first.” Showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin have defended this choice, stating they aimed to balance Abby and Ellie’s stories for a broader TV audience, avoiding the game’s abrupt shift that frustrated some players.

Abby’s Physicality: A Controversial Makeover

Another major point of contention is the alteration of Abby’s physical appearance. In the game, Abby’s muscular physique is a defining trait, reflecting her obsessive training and relentless pursuit of revenge. This aspect drew both praise for its realistic portrayal of strength and criticism from detractors who called it “unrealistic.” Season 2 casts Kaitlyn Dever, whose slimmer frame contrasts sharply with the game’s Abby, prompting backlash from fans who argue that her physicality was integral to her character. A Reddit thread captured the divide, with one user stating, “Abby’s muscles were a symbol of her trauma and drive. Taking that away feels like a cop-out,” while another countered, “Dever’s performance matters more than matching the game’s body type.”

Druckmann addressed this controversy, explaining that Dever’s casting prioritized acting talent over physical resemblance, as the show reduced the game’s emphasis on brute strength to focus on emotional nuance. “Kaitlyn brings Abby’s pain to life in a way we couldn’t pass up,” he told Variety. While some fans appreciate this shift, others feel it undermines Abby’s intimidating presence, with posts on X lamenting, “Abby’s new look makes her feel too much like Ellie, not the powerhouse she was.”

The Time Jump and Jackson’s New Threat

Season 2 introduces a five-year time jump, compared to the game’s four years, and adds a new infected attack on Jackson, inspired by the intense “Hardhome” battle from Game of Thrones. In the game, Jackson remains a safe haven, and the story quickly shifts to Ellie’s revenge mission in Seattle. The show’s infected assault, complete with evolved “stalkers” and hints of new infected types like shamblers, amplifies the apocalyptic stakes but has drawn criticism for deviating from the game’s focus on human conflict.

Fans on X have debated this addition fiercely. One user praised the sequence, writing, “The Jackson battle is epic! Finally, more infected action like the game promised.” Conversely, others feel it distracts from the core story, with a post arguing, “The infected attack feels like filler to pad out Season 2. The game didn’t need this.” Mazin, a self-professed Game of Thrones fan, told The Hollywood Reporter that the sequence was designed to deepen the emotional weight of Jackson’s community, drawing inspiration from “Hardhome’s” blend of action and meaning.

Gail and New Characters: Expanding the World

The introduction of Gail, a therapist played by Catherine O’Hara, marks another significant departure. Absent from the game, Gail provides Joel a space to process his trauma, offering a deeper look into his psyche. This addition has been divisive, with some fans praising the emotional depth it brings to Pedro Pascal’s performance, while others see it as unnecessary. “Gail’s scenes with Joel are heartfelt, but they slow down the pace,” one X user noted. Similarly, new characters like Elise Park (Hettienne Park) have sparked curiosity but also skepticism, with fans questioning their relevance to the game’s narrative.

These additions reflect the show’s intent to flesh out Jackson’s community and address Season 1’s criticism of limited infected presence. However, some fans argue that these changes risk diluting the game’s taut storytelling, with a Kotaku review stating, “The show feels scared to embrace the game’s ambiguity, over-explaining themes that worked better through gameplay.”

Joel’s Role and the Looming Controversy

While avoiding spoilers, it’s worth noting that the game’s handling of Joel’s arc, particularly a pivotal early event, was one of The Last of Us Part II’s most controversial aspects. Season 2 appears to extend Joel’s presence through flashbacks and therapy sessions with Gail, potentially softening the impact of this event. Fans are divided, with some appreciating the chance to see more of Pedro Pascal’s Joel, while others fear it undermines the game’s narrative gut-punch. “More Joel is great, but it better not mess with the game’s stakes,” one X post warned. Druckmann has remained cryptic, telling THR that the show will handle this moment “differently” but stay true to its emotional core.

Reception and the Fan Divide

The changes have contributed to a polarized reception. Season 2 boasts an 87 Metacritic score and glowing reviews from outlets like Collider (10/10), but its Rotten Tomatoes audience score is lower than Season 1’s, reflecting fan discontent. Critics praise the performances, particularly Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Dever’s Abby, but some, like TIME, argue the season feels “insubstantial” due to its partial adaptation of the game, covering only half of Part II’s story. On X, sentiments range from enthusiasm—“Season 2’s changes make it its own beast, and I’m here for it!”—to frustration: “The game’s structure was perfect. Why fix what wasn’t broken?”

Conclusion: A Bold but Risky Adaptation

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 takes significant risks by reimagining The Last of Us Part II’s divisive narrative. By introducing Abby early, altering her physicality, adding new characters like Gail, and amplifying infected threats, the show aims to broaden its appeal and address the game’s criticisms. However, these changes have alienated some fans who cherished the game’s bold, uncompromising structure. As the series builds toward a third season, set to continue Part II’s story, the debate over its fidelity and artistic choices will likely intensify. For now, Season 2 stands as a testament to the challenges of adapting a polarizing masterpiece, balancing loyalty to its roots with the demands of a new medium.

New episodes air Sundays on HBO and Max, with the controversy showing no signs of fading.