Did HBO Ruin The Last of Us Season 2?

In this episode, we break down HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2, analyzing its controversial adaptation choices, pacing issues, character changes, online backlash, and how it deviates from the game’s core themes of revenge, grief, and moral ambiguity, while still finding moments of brilliance that give us hope for Season 3.Don't forget to LIKE the video and SUBSCRIBE to the channel!https://www.instagram.com/twopleasepodHouse of The Dragon Is A Hot Mess: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0f0QTjthiBnFWQHq80mQM8?si=3f073b3dc418468700:00 - Intro01:00 - First Impressions:03:00 - Differences for Game Players vs Show-Only Viewers06:00 - Joel’s Death09:00 - Online Backlash & Toxic Fandom12:00 - Bella Ramsey15:00 - Changes in Ellie’s Character & Motivation19:00 - Tonal & Pacing Issues23:00 - Over-Explaining the Themes27:00 - Violence, Revenge & Moral Complexity32:00 - What was Craig Mazin doing?36:00 - Season 2 Writing: Over-Correction or Safe Play?41:00 - Impact of HBO's Limited Episodes & Delays45:00 - How Adaptation Choices Hurt the Core Story50:00 - Production Design & Highlights We Loved53:00 - Hopes (and Concerns) for Season 3 & Beyond56:00 - The Franchise’s Future59:00 - Final ThoughtsThe Last of Us Season 1 Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6MjSmoAapYesow1gK78oPk?si=170ba287e7404ad5