The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 draws criticism for 'bad quality' despite Joel's emotional flashback
The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 was released on HBO and JioHotstar a few hours ago and featured a flashback of Pedro Pascal*s character, Joel. Although the scene left many viewers emotional, fans are criticising the show for its inconsistent quality.

※Hey kiddo!§ Yes, Pedro Pascal*s emotional flashback as Joel in The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 left fans sobbing like anything, especially since many had been wondering if, after his death scene, we would get to see him again in any meaningful way. While the flashback deeply moved viewers, the episode as a whole failed to impress particularly among gamers. Although the scene centered on Joel resonated with many, it hasn*t been enough to shield the show from criticism. Ever since season 2 began, fans have been voicing concerns that the creators are being inconsistent with the show*s quality and are making unnecessary changes to The Last of Us universe.
The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 draws criticism
The Last of Us season 2 fans have not held back when expressing their dissatisfaction, especially when episode 5 was released. One viewer called the production "a minefield of mistakes," citing odd casting selections and "nonsensical little changes" in expression and story that, in their opinion, detract from the game's world.
One wrote, ※The Last of Us - Season 2, is a minefield of mistakes. Weird casting choices aside, it's the often nonsensical little changes to the overall narrative and dialogue that consistently ruin the whole atmosphere. Love it or hate it, but the game is infinitely better.§
A second added, ※Not vibing with Season 2 of the Last Of Us. It lacks the visceral weight of how the game was written.§
A third went on to add, ※How can a season be so inconsistent in quality like The Last of Us Season 2?§
How can a season be so inconsistent in quality like The Last of Us Season 2?
〞 Monkemonkemonke (@velocity_monke) May 12, 2025
Last weekend's episode made me question my will to continue watching the season, but yesterday's episode was actually 每 apart from a few minor issues 每 on par with Season 1, especially Nora每Ellie
The Last of Us season 2 is very very very shit. Ngl. What a terrible 2nd season to a fantastic first season. Something just feels off and I*ll tell u what it*s not bc Joel died.
〞 Grumpy Old Women (@grumpyoldwomenn) May 12, 2025
Not vibing with Season 2 of the Last Of Us.
〞 Nilus (@intodaysnight) May 12, 2025
It lacks the visceral weight of how the game was written.
I don*t think it*s bad, it just feels safe? Like even tho it*s following the story of the game, it feels like it*s filtered.
The game forces you to confront the most#
The Last of Us - Season 2, is a minefield of mistakes. Weird casting choices aside, it's the often nonsensical little changes to the overall narrative and dialogue that consistently ruin the whole atmosphere. Love it or hate it, but the game is infinitely better. pic.twitter.com/a2WvWDAnkq
〞 Lockmort (@lockmort) May 12, 2025
Pedro Pascal aka Joel*s appearance in The Last of Us season 2 episode 5
It*s important to mention that everyone loves Joel, Pedro Pascal*s character, and seeing him on screen is never enough. Taking to X, many fans shared that his appearance in the latest episode made them feel incredibly emotional.
The Last of Us Season 2 episode 5 went hard! 10/10! #TheLastOfUsSeason2 pic.twitter.com/5YoMAifWRY
〞 Jaydub (@JayDubcity16) May 12, 2025
the second i saw the beautiful joel miller back on my screen #TheLastOfUs
〞 gianna ? tlou s2 spoilers (@giannaispunk) May 12, 2025
pic.twitter.com/G61ivLDjFE
※Hey kiddo.§ #TheLastOfUs pic.twitter.com/kLmsFmlUbK
〞 alejo (@alejandropgrc) May 12, 2025
Where to watch The Last of Us season 2 episode 5?
You can stream The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 on HBO and JioHotstar.
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