If you thought Season 2 of The Last of Us started off slow, buckle up — things are about to get real intense. Episode 1 laid the groundwork for a much darker and more emotional journey ahead, and Episode 2 promises to push the story even deeper into the chaos that fans of the game know all too well.
When and Where to Watch Episode 2
The next episode, titled “Through the Valley,” is set to air on Sunday, April 20 at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET on HBO and Max. You can stream the episode directly on Max, which also hosts the full first season and the premiere of Season 2.
New episodes will drop weekly, so fans have a full month of suspenseful Sundays ahead, with the season finale expected to air on May 25.
What Happened in Episode 1?
The premiere picked up five years after Joel’s controversial decision to save Ellie from the Fireflies, sacrificing the potential cure for the infection. Now settled in Jackson, Wyoming, Joel and Ellie are attempting to live normal lives — but the tension between them is thick. Ellie is struggling with Joel’s overprotectiveness and the scars of their shared past.
We also met new characters like Dina, who Ellie starts to form a romantic bond with, and Abby, a firefly survivor bent on vengeance. She knows what Joel did — and she’s not letting it slide. Meanwhile, Ellie encountered a stealthier, smarter infected, giving fans a glimpse of evolving dangers. That’s not even counting the rising threat from the infected horde approaching Jackson or the human enemies with revenge on their minds.
What to Expect from Episode 2
Episode 2 is expected to turn the tension up several notches. The trailer teases a mixture of quiet moments and shocking revelations. One powerful scene shows Joel playing guitar for Ellie — a peaceful moment that contrasts sharply with the growing threats around them.
Expect to see Abby’s mission escalate, with her team moving closer to Jackson. Meanwhile, Ellie begins to uncover more about Joel’s secrets, including the truth behind her immunity and what really went down at the Firefly hospital. And yes, we’ll see more infected, possibly even some terrifying new variants.
We also catch a glimpse of Isaac Dixon, a militia leader introduced in the trailer, played by Jeffrey Wright. His presence signals an expanding world, with more factions, violence, and moral gray areas. The show is leaning hard into the emotional themes of betrayal, revenge, and identity — just like the game.
Who’s in the Cast?
Here’s a quick breakdown of key cast members:
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Pedro Pascal as Joel
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Bella Ramsey as Ellie
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Kaitlyn Dever as Abby
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Isabela Merced as Dina
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Jeffrey Wright as Isaac Dixon
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Young Mazino as Jesse (Dina’s ex)
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Catherine O’Hara as Gail (Joel’s therapist)
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Joe Pantoliano as Eugene (Gail’s husband)
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Gabriel Luna as Tommy (Joel’s brother)
This season promises more emotionally driven performances and a broader exploration of the post-apocalyptic world beyond Jackson.
How to Watch for Free
Even though Max doesn’t offer traditional free trials anymore, there’s a handy workaround. If you sign up for DoorDash’s DashPass, you can score free access to Max with ads. Want the ad-free version? You’ll need to pay a bit more through DoorDash’s partnership offer.
So, if you’re not already subscribed and looking to save some cash, that’s a solid way to catch up and stay current with the series.