WARNING: This article contains key plot points from The Last of Us season 2

Devotees of The Last of Us are in mourning after the savage death of Joel Miller (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), following his brutal torture and slaying in a vindictive assault carried out by Abby Anderson (Kaitlyn Dever).

Launching into the events post-tragedy, the third instalment covers the aftermath months subsequent to Joel's assassination. Ellie (Bella Ramsey), newly discharged from hospital, grapples with the traumatic stress disorder left by the harrowing spectacle she observed.

Hellbent on retribution, Ellie presents her case to Jackson’s decision-makers, aiming to hunt down Abby’s faction to deliver just desserts. Despite being spurned by the council, an undeterred Ellie opts for solitary vengeance—only to find solidarity with Dina (Isabela Merced), who arrives well-prepared with cartography, essentials, and a strategy in hand.

With Dina by her side, Ellie heads to Seattle on horseback, determined to exact revenge on Abby's gang, symbolically filling the void left by Joel in The Last of Us narrative, reports the Mirror US.

This marks a pivotal shift as it had always been Ellie and Joel, shoulder to shoulder, until now. With Joel’s presence sorely missed, viewers took to Reddit to share a subtle yet heartfelt observation.

One viewer expressed melancholy: "First title sequence without Pedro Pascal made me go, 'Oh.'".

Another shared this sentiment: "Me too there's only one silhouette."

Reflecting on Ellie's journey, a third remarked: "Whatever path she's on, the two of them were walking side by side, from the beginning.

"She's going to finish the journey Joel turned aside from."

An additional fan regretted missing the intro, stating: "Omg i skipped the intro, this wouldve immediately made me cry [sic].

"I caught that and immediately got choked up," another penned.

"I usually skip the title but the solemn opening compelled me to watch them to digest the moment and then I see this," shared one Redditor.

Another chimed in: "Seeing Bella Ramsey's name by itself made me so depressed. I'm still in mourning."

Despite Joel's demise, fans are holding out hope for his return in a flashback sequence.

Furthermore, Joel's presence will forever linger with Ellie and Dina, both of whom share a profound connection with the former smuggler.

The Last of Us season 2 airs on HBO in the USA on Sundays and on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK on Mondays