Photo credit: www.dexerto.com
In the much-anticipated Season 2 of The Last of Us, the character Abby is driven by a potent desire for vengeance against Joel, pledging to kill him “slowly” upon their inevitable encounter. This motivation stems from a tragic backstory that is intricately woven into the narrative.
Reflecting on the events from the Season 1 finale, viewers will recall that Joel and Ellie reached the Fireflies’ hospital in Salt Lake City, where a shocking revelation was made by Marlene: Ellie’s immunity could lead to the creation of a vaccine, but the process would prove fatal for her. Unable to accept this outcome, Joel resorted to extreme measures, killing almost everyone, including Marlene and the surgeon, before escaping with Ellie to Jackson.
As Season 2 commences, Abby’s intense determination for revenge is palpable, though the specifics of her losses and why she feels particularly aggrieved remain initially ambiguous.
The Motivation Behind Abby’s Vengeance
Viewers familiar with the source material will understand that Abby’s quest for retribution is rooted in the death of her father, Jerry, the physician who was leading the efforts to find a cure for the Cordyceps virus. His fate was sealed when Joel made the ruthless decision to shoot him, undermining the hope for a new beginning.
In the Season 2 opener, Abby is seen alongside Owen and her group at the graves of those who perished due to Joel’s actions in the prior season. It is evident that her grief has not only motivated her to seek vengeance but also made her reluctant to join forces with other groups until she has resolved her vendetta against Joel.
“None of this is f**king fair,” Abby expresses her frustration to her companions, symbolically hanging a Firefly pendant on a cross dedicated to those lost. “Slowly… when we kill him, we kill him slowly,” she pledges, encapsulating her anguish and resolve.
In the game narrative, Jerry’s character serves as the voice of reason about the sacrifices that must be made for the greater good but ultimately meets a tragic fate at the hands of Joel. This moment not only highlights the choices made in dire circumstances but also the lasting impact those choices have on other characters like Abby.
Kaitlyn Dever, who portrays Abby, shared insights on the character’s motivations, stating, “Grief and losing someone close to you is such an all-consuming, overwhelming feeling. I can understand when you’re left with nothing… what do you do with that and how does it manifest itself?”
She elaborates, “With her, she wants revenge and she thinks revenge is the only way she’ll feel better.” This complexity adds layers to Abby’s character, making her motivations relatable amidst the chaos of their world.
Fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the next episode of The Last of Us Season 2, while many continue to explore the thematic elements of loss, revenge, and morality in both the show and the original game.
Source
www.dexerto.com