Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 1. Among the many strengths of The Last of Us, its casting stands out, particularly Pedro Pascal as Joel Miller. Pascal’s emotional depth in Season 1 left viewers eager to see how he would elevate his performance in Season 2. The premiere episode, “Future Days,” exceeds expectations as Pascal delivers not only his finest portrayal of Joel but also one of his career’s most remarkable performances in a single scene.

This pivotal moment occurs midway through “Future Days,” during a therapy session Joel attends with Gail ( Catherine O’Hara ). As the therapy progresses, Gail expresses her anger towards Joel for having killed her husband during the events between Seasons 1 and 2, yet she is open to discussing it — urging Joel to share what has caused the rift between him and Ellie ( Bella Ramsey ). Joel’s simple response, “I saved her,” carries immense weight, revealing much through Pascal’s nuanced body language and delivery.

Pedro Pascal’s Body Language Shines in ‘The Last of Us’

What makes Joel’s assertion impactful is Pascal’s performance. He infuses a single sentence with a blend of anger, grief, and a sense of conviction that his choice to kill the Fireflies and protect Ellie was justified. Co-showrunner Craig Mazin noted on the series’ official podcast that Joel feels no remorse for his actions: “When he stands up and states, ‘I saved her,’ it’s evident he has no regrets.” However, the brilliance of this moment lies in Pascal’s physicality; he sits up straight when questioned about his hidden feelings, indicating a man tormented by his past decisions.

This isn’t the first instance of Pascal using physicality to enhance his portrayal. Throughout Season 1 of The Last of Us, he conveyed a spectrum of emotions through body language. A notable scene in “Kin” features Joel in a snowy forest, visibly trembling and clutching his chest, showcasing the signs of a panic attack triggered by his actions against brothers Sam ( Keivonn Woodard ) and Henry ( Lamar Johnson ). Pascal’s ability to deliver such a gripping performance while revealing Joel’s mental turmoil is commendable, and he raises the stakes even further in “Future Days.”

Pascal and O’Hara’s Dynamic in ‘The Last of Us’

Pascal’s expressive movements are amplified by his chemistry with O’Hara’s Gail, who brings a distinct energy to the scene. Initially, their interaction resembles a typical therapy session set against a post-apocalyptic backdrop, featuring some light banter. Joel offers Gail weed, and she clarifies the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist. However, as the session progresses, Gail’s confession reveals her lingering sadness over her husband’s death and her resentment towards Joel. O’Hara’s knack for comedic timing translates well into dramatic moments, leaving viewers hopeful for future episodes that delve deeper into Gail and Joel’s therapy sessions.

Joel’s Choices Drive Season 2’s Narrative

Pascal’s portrayal not only illustrates Joel’s stubbornness but also reflects the sorrow stemming from the fractured relationship with Ellie. In Season 1, they developed a strong bond, with Ellie striving to save Joel and Joel’s violent actions to bring her back to Jackson. However, five years have altered their dynamic; Ellie now avoids him, prompting Joel to seek updates through her friend Dina ( Isabela Merced ). This tension culminates in a New Year’s dance at Jackson’s church, where Ellie and Dina share a kiss, only for a townsperson, Seth ( Robert John Burke ), to hurl a homophobic slur, leading Joel to retaliate and Ellie to snap, exclaiming, “I don’t need your fucking help!”

Clearly, a significant event has disrupted their bond, extending beyond Ellie’s maturation. A group of Fireflies, led by Abby ( Kaitlyn Dever ), is also pursuing Joel for his past actions. While Joel may not regret his choices, they trigger a chain reaction, and Pascal’s performance suggests he recognizes his role in the deterioration of his relationship with Ellie, even if he won’t admit it. Although the unfolding narrative of The Last of Us: Part II may differ from the game, given the show’s expanded storytelling and early Season 3 renewal, one thing remains clear: Pedro Pascal’s powerful performance in “Future Days” deserves recognition during the upcoming Emmy Awards in 2025.

New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays at 6 pm ET/9 pm CT on HBO and Max.

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