The online conversation surrounding the release of season two of *The Last of Us* quickly became deeply mired in controversy, much of which was fueled not by reasoned discussion but rather by disproportionate outrage. A considerable portion of the uproar originated from those angered by two specific creative decisions: first, the centering of a same-sex love story involving one of the series’ principal characters, and second, the dramatic narrative turn in which the show allowed its long-established male protagonist to meet an abrupt end. Despite the fact that these developments were lifted directly from Neil Druckmann’s celebrated *Naughty Dog* video game series, and as such were neither surprising nor unprecedented for anyone familiar with the source material, the television adaptation became the target of persistent trolling campaigns. The hostility manifested most prominently in coordinated review bombing, a practice in which detractors deliberately assign low ratings en masse in order to artificially drag down the public perception of a creative work. From a rational standpoint, this sort of backlash remains peculiar, given that the narrative beats in question are not original inventions of the showrunners but rather faithful recreations of the storylines that game audiences have engaged with for years.
Amidst this contentious environment, Bella Ramsey, who stars as Ellie and whose performance has even garnered Emmy Award recognition, offered her perspective during a discussion on *The Awardist* podcast. Joined in the series by co-lead Pedro Pascal, Ramsey directly addressed the vitriolic response from those incensed by Ellie’s romantic relationship with another woman. Speaking with a mixture of pragmatism and composure, Ramsey explained that the outrage has little actual bearing on their approach to the role, noting the inherent futility in subjecting themselves to such vitriol given that the creative work has already been completed and cannot be altered retroactively. “Since the show is already released, there is nothing that can be adjusted or undone,” Ramsey remarked in essence. “Consequently, there is no real usefulness in reading or internalizing hostile commentary. People are, of course, within their rights to have an opinion. Nevertheless, those opinions do not alter the show’s existence, its creative arc, or the manner in which its story proceeds. As a result, I ultimately choose not to engage with that discourse at all.” In this way, Ramsey underscored the healthy separation they maintain between artistic creation and public negativity.
Looking ahead to the trajectory of the series, Ramsey also addressed the reality that some members of the audience—those who express their disdain most venomously—might simply decide to disengage altogether when season three arrives. Under the stewardship of co-showrunner Craig Mazin, who will now lead the project as Neil Druckmann steps back from an equally hands-on role, the series is expected to pivot toward the complicated figure of Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. Abby, of course, is the very character responsible for the shocking death of Joel (portrayed by Pedro Pascal), an event long present in the lore of the original video game and one that has consistently provoked fierce division within the fan community. While experienced gamers are already familiar with this narrative twist, newer members of the television audience still experienced it as a jarring, and for some unwelcome, disruption. Season three, it seems, will delve far more intimately into Abby’s personal journey, exploring her motivations and worldview in greater depth while leaving the nature of Ellie’s ongoing involvement deliberately obscured for now.
In offering closing thoughts, Ramsey expressed a hope that viewers resist the temptation to engage with the story from a place of hostility or entrenched prejudice. Instead, they encouraged audiences to enter the unfolding narrative with open-mindedness and curiosity. For those unwilling or unable to do so, Ramsey offered a straightforward alternative: “You don’t have to watch the show if you despise its direction,” they observed bluntly but without malice. “The game already exists in its original form, and anyone is free to replay it as many times as they like. If you do decide to watch the series, then my hope is simply that you find it an enjoyable experience.” By framing their perspective in this way, Ramsey re-emphasized the autonomy of individual audience members while refusing to validate reactionary intolerance.
For those interested in staying informed about broader entertainment developments, keep an eye out for coverage related to forthcoming releases within the *Marvel*, *Star Wars*, and *Star Trek* universes, as well as updates regarding the evolving future of the DC Universe both in film and on television, not to mention the ever-expanding legacy of *Doctor Who*. These interconnected cultural conversations continue to shape the modern landscape of fandom and popular storytelling alike.
Sourse: https://gizmodo.com/bella-ramsey-tells-the-last-of-us-haters-to-go-play-their-video-games-2000650109
