The Last of Us Season 3: Will Abby’s Story Save or Sink the Show?

HBO’s The Last of Us has been a rollercoaster ride for fans, with its gripping first season earning critical acclaim and a massive following. However, Season 2 left many viewers reeling, and not in a good way. From divisive plot choices to a cliffhanger that sparked more questions than answers, the show’s sophomore outing has been labeled by some as a “disaster.” Now, with Season 3 on the horizon, showrunner Craig Mazin is banking on a bold shift to Abby Anderson’s story to revive the series. But will this gamble pay off, or is The Last of Us teetering on the edge of collapse? Let’s dive into the controversy and explore what’s at stake.

The Season 2 Fallout: A Polarizing Chapter

The Last of Us Season 2, which adapted the first half of The Last of Us Part II video game, took risks that didn’t land for everyone. The season’s most shocking moment—Joel’s brutal death at the hands of Abby (Kaitlyn Dever)—mirrored the game’s narrative but alienated a portion of the fanbase. Social media erupted with frustration, with posts on X calling the decision to kill off Pedro Pascal’s beloved character “a horrific idea” that should’ve been delayed until the season’s end. The season’s pacing, shorter seven-episode run, and a three-month time skip also drew criticism for glossing over key emotional fallout, leaving viewers hungry for more closure.

The finale’s cliffhanger, which abruptly cut to Abby waking up in the WLF’s Seattle stadium three days prior to her confrontation with Ellie, only fueled the fire. For fans of the game, this perspective shift is familiar, but for TV audiences, it felt jarring. Critics noted that Season 2 focused heavily on Ellie’s revenge quest, leaving Abby’s character underdeveloped despite her pivotal role. With Season 3 set to pivot to Abby’s story, Mazin is doubling down on a character who’s already divisive. Is this a stroke of genius or a recipe for disaster?

Abby’s Story: Hero or Villain?

Abby Anderson, portrayed by Kaitlyn Dever, is a complex figure. In The Last of Us Part II, she’s both a villain seeking revenge for her father’s death and a flawed hero on a redemptive journey. Season 3 will reportedly dive deep into her perspective, exploring her life with the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and her bond with new characters like Lev, a Seraphite refugee. Mazin has boldly called Abby “the hero of her own story,” praising Dever’s ability to bring depth to this polarizing character. This shift aims to humanize Abby, showing her grief and rage while challenging viewers to empathize with her actions.

However, this focus on Abby comes with risks. In the game, her playable chapters sparked heated debates, with some players embracing her arc and others rejecting it outright. The TV adaptation faces a similar challenge: sidelining Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, for a season could alienate fans emotionally invested in her journey. X posts reflect this concern, with some fans predicting that an Abby-centric Season 3 could “lose much of the rest of their audience”. Yet, Mazin and co-showrunner Neil Druckmann are committed to staying true to the game’s structure, believing Abby’s story is essential to the narrative’s emotional weight.

Can HBO Max Afford the Gamble?

HBO has invested heavily in The Last of Us, with Season 2’s production costs among the highest for any TV series. Mazin has hinted at an even bigger Season 3, potentially with more episodes to flesh out Abby’s arc and the WLF-Seraphite conflict. New characters like Lev and Yara, along with intense set pieces like the Rat King battle, promise a visually spectacular season. But with Season 2’s mixed reception, HBO Max faces pressure to justify the budget. Will viewers tune in for a season that shifts focus from fan-favorites Joel and Ellie to a character many still view as a villain?

Mazin remains optimistic, emphasizing that Season 3 will answer lingering questions about the WLF, the Seraphites, and Abby’s motivations. He’s also teased a potential Season 4 to wrap up the story, suggesting HBO is prepared to go all-in on this adaptation. Dever’s performance, lauded for conveying Abby’s agony and complexity, could be the key to winning over skeptics.

The Road Ahead: Redemption or Ruin?

As The Last of Us Season 3 looms, the show stands at a crossroads. Abby’s story has the potential to deepen the narrative, offering a fresh perspective on revenge and redemption. However, Mazin and Druckmann must navigate a delicate balance to keep fans engaged. With filming expected to start in 2026 and a premiere slated for 2027, there’s time to refine the approach, but the stakes are high. Will Abby save the show, or will her story be its undoing? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on social media to let HBO know what you want from Season 3!