Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS ahead for The Last of Us season 2, episode 2!The Last of Usseason 2, episode 2 has sets an all-time IMDb record for the post-apocalyptic HBO show following a major event that will change the series forever.The Last of Usseason 2dealt a shocking blow in episode 2, with newcomer Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) killing Joel (Pedro Pascal) to avenge her father, the Firefly surgeon who was supposed to operate on Ellie (Bella Ramsey). At the same time, Jackson was attacked by a horde of infected, with Tommy (Gabriel Luna) and Maria (Rutina Wesley) leading the fight, just barely stopping them from destroying the town.

OnIMDb,The Last of Us season 2, episode 2holds a 9.5 stars out of 10 based on 13,000 reviews, making it the highest-rated episode of the entire series as of writing. This is made more impressive because IMDb is often home to intense review bombing, with users leaving mass negative reviews on movies and shows with controversy surrounding them. However, the high initial review score for episode 2 signals genuine, universal praise for the latest entry in the series.

Pedro Pascal looking worried as Joel in The Last of Us season 2 episode 2

What The Last Of Us Season 2, Episode 2’s IMDb Score Says About The Show

Will Joel’s Death Be Less Controversial Than It Was In The Games?

Joel’s death was a very controversial event whenThe Last of Us Part IIcame out,in part because it had leaked prior to the game’s June 2020 release. When the game itself came out, online reactions were polarizing; despite the game getting critical acclaim, some were unhappy with the main character’s death and the subsequent impact it had on the story that unfolded after.

However, even with hischaracter inThe Last of Usseason 2meeting the same fate, it seems TV viewers are almost entirely united in praising the series for the decision. Aside from the controversy surrounding the game,The Last of UsTV show is no stranger to attempts at review bombing.

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Season 1, episode 3, “Long, Long Time,” holds an 8.7 stars out of 10 based on 631,000 reviews, in part because of a notable number of 1-star ratings. While this isn’t significant, it does indicate how season 2, episode 2’s score could have been lowered by a barrage of low ratings. Instead, the show’s reception from audiences remains strong as ever, a good sign for the rest of season 2 andThe Last of Usseason 3.

Our Take On The Last Of Us Season 2, Episode 2’s IMDb Reception

A Good Sign For How The TV Show Handles The Second Game

WithThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 2 getting such a high rating so quickly, Joel’s death has been cemented as one of the most memorable moments in the whole series. Since the show is following the games so closely, it seems like the aftermath of his demise will play out in much the same way, indicating what path Ellie will choose in the wake of what happened. For now, it seems this episode will be considered one of the best of the series, even as more reviews come in.

New episodes ofThe Last of Usseason 2 air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Imagery from Joel in The Last of Us season 2

Gabriel Luna as Tommy looking to the side next to Bella Ramsey looking shocked in The Last of Us

Ellie wanders through an abandoned building with a gun in The Last Of Us season 2