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The story of Joel and Ellie unfolds further in “The Last of Us” Season 2, now available on HBO and Max.
This new season takes place five years after the climactic finale of Season 1. Fans will recall Joel’s agonizing choice to thwart the Fireflies’ plan to use Ellie’s unique immunity as a means to procure a vaccine for the Cordyceps virus, which has devastated humanity and transformed the world into a nightmarish landscape filled with infected beings.
Building upon the narrative of the video game’s 2020 sequel, “The Last of Us: Part II,” Season 2 will explore the ramifications of Joel’s decision, as he and Ellie find themselves embroiled not only in a deepening conflict between themselves but also within an even more perilous and unpredictable world. This season is structured as a seven-episode arc.
Below is a comprehensive timeline detailing Joel and Ellie’s journey in the HBO adaptation through Season 2, Episode 3. This timeline will be updated regularly, so be sure to return for the latest developments.
September 2003
The series of tragic events begins in Jakarta, where a woman succumbs to the Cordyceps brain infection and attacks four others, leading to 14 individuals going missing. In response, mycologist Ratina Pertiwi suggests a drastic measure: bombing the city to curb the outbreak.
On September 26, Joel Miller celebrates his 36th birthday. Shortly afterward, he, his daughter Sarah, and brother Tommy flee Austin as the infection reaches a tipping point. In a heartbreaking moment, Sarah is killed by a soldier while in Joel’s arms.
2009
During a particularly harrowing delivery, Anna Williams gives birth to Ellie while being attacked by an infected. This traumatic incident results in Ellie gaining immunity to the infection that plagues the world.
September 2023
Ellie is currently residing at a FEDRA military school in Boston. Her ex-roommate Riley, who has since joined the Fireflies, persuades Ellie to sneak out for one last night of adventure. Their outing leads them to Liberty Gardens mall, where they face an attack by an infected. In a tragedy that changes everything, Riley dies, prompting Ellie to confront her immunity.
Three weeks post-incident, Joel and his ally Tess are ordered by Marlene to escort Ellie to the Fireflies. Upon arrival, they discover that the group has been decimated. In a selfless act, Tess sacrifices herself to enable Ellie and Joel to escape a horde of infected.
As their journey progresses, Joel and Ellie come across brothers Sam and Henry in Kansas City. After a joint effort to evade a hostile resistance group, tragedy strikes when Sam is bitten by an infected, leading Henry to take devastating measures against his brother and himself.
Winter 2023
Joel and Ellie finally reach Tommy’s settlement in Jackson, Wyoming. Initially intent on abandoning Ellie with Tommy, Joel experiences a change of heart and decides to take her to a Firefly base at the University of Eastern Colorado. Unfortunately, the base is attacked by ruthless survivors, leaving Joel gravely injured.
In the midst of chaos, Ellie encounters two individuals, David and James, who have sinister intentions concerning her and Joel. After being captured, she successfully liberates herself from them, resulting in a confrontation where she kills both men before reuniting with the recovering Joel.
Spring 2024
Ellie and Joel arrive at St. Mary’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. They reconnect with Marlene and the Fireflies, but Ellie is faced with the harrowing reality that her upcoming surgery will cost her life in a bid to create a cure. In a desperate act to save her, Joel takes lethal actions against Marlene and other Fireflies to facilitate their escape.
Three days later, Abby and her fellow Fireflies are at the site of the aftermath, grieving the loss inflicted by Joel and plotting retribution.
Winter 2028
Ellie and Joel have settled permanently in Jackson, welcomed by Tommy and his wife, Maria. However, tension simmers as Ellie feels frustrated with Joel. She finds new companionship with friends Dina and Jesse, while Joel seeks help from a therapist to mend his strained relationship with Ellie.
The conflict escalates during a New Year’s Eve gathering when Ellie shares a kiss with Dina, igniting a confrontation with another resident, Seth. Following Joel’s intervention, Ellie expresses her frustration, creating further distance between them.
Meanwhile, Abby and her team stealthily approach the outskirts of Jackson, setting the stage for impending conflict.
New Year’s Day 2029
In a shocking twist, Abby and her crew ambush Joel and Dina during a winter storm, leading to Joel’s brutal murder. Despite Ellie’s attempts to intervene, she is physically restrained and forced to witness the harrowing act unfold. The chaos also results in destruction within Jackson, leaving lasting scars on the community.
April 2029
Jackson is in recovery mode following the tragedy of Joel’s death and the assault by the infected horde. Ellie finally recuperates and is released from the hospital. A town council meeting is called to discuss resources for pursuing Abby and her crew. Despite her passionate plea, Ellie faces defeat in the vote, which goes 8-3 against her. Undeterred, she and Dina decide to embark on their own mission to Seattle to confront Abby. Before they leave, Ellie visits Joel’s grave, underscoring the weight of her loss.
Catch new episodes of “The Last of Us” airing every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and streaming on Max.
Source
www.thewrap.com