In The Last of Us Season 2, what are the major differences between the game and the show we have noticed so far? 

HBO's The Last of Us Season 2 premiered on April 13, adapted from the popular video game of the same name.

While the post-apocalyptic show has largely remained true to its source material, showrunner Craig Mazin has introduced some minor changes to the story in both Seasons 1 and 2 to better align it for the small screen.

Here are all the changes in The Last of Us Season 2 from the video game so far.

---

All the changes in The Last of Us Season 2 and the video game so far

While there were some minor changes to the characters, The Last of Us Season 2 included some original sequences written especially for the TV show. These changes are as follows:

1) Tommy and Maria are parents, and Joel goes to therapy in The Last of Us Season 2

While Tommy and Maria do not have children in the video game's Part II, the couple is shown with their son Benjamin in Season 2. In the Season 2 premiere episode, Ellie and Joel are seen living with the couple in Jackson, who are now parents.

Additionally, Catherine O'Hara's Gail is an original addition to The Last of Us Season 2, introduced in Episode 1 as Joel's therapist. Joel does not go to therapy in the video game. Moreover, as revealed during his session with Gail, he killed her husband, Eugene, because he was infected. But in the video game, Eugene died of a heart attack much later in the game.

---

2) Abby's physicality is changed, and her intentions are revealed earlier in Season 2

One of the most noticeable changes in The Last of Us Season 2, which initially did not sit well with fans of the video game, was Kaitlyn Dever's casting as Abby. Since Abby is much more muscular and stronger in the video game, Dever's casting choice was criticized.

However, the creators decided to capture Abby's essence and spirit and thus went ahead with Dever for Abby. In addition, the truth about Abby and her connection to Joel's actions in the Season 1 finale was revealed much later in the video game. However, the show made her intentions clear to the audience from the very first episode.

---

3) Joel's death sequence is slightly changed in The Last of Us Season 2

While the majority of the details in Joel's death scene are adapted from the video game, there are some minute changes. Joel is on a patrol with Tommy when he saves Abby in the video game and not with Dina, as shown in the TV show.

In addition, while a sobbing Ellie watches Abby crack Joel's skull with a golf club in the video game, she fatally stabs his neck with a club in the TV show.

---

4) The Last of Us Season 2 included some original sequences

Season 2 included some original sequences, written especially for the TV show in Episodes 2 and 3, which made the show even more intense. The infected attack Jackson in Episode 2 was not included in the video game. Joel's death was juxtaposed with a fierce attack on Jackson, which was original to the show.

Secondly, the council meeting in Episode 3 was also an original sequence. Episode 3 saw the Jackson council overrule Ellie's plea to avenge Joel's death and vote against going for Abby. This sequence was not included in the video game.

---

5) Seth's character is more nuanced in the TV show

Seth, the bigot who chastised Ellie and Dina for kissing at the New Year's party, just offered them sandwiches (as an apology) in the video game, as seen in Episode 2.

However, his character was better redeemed in the TV show as he helped Ellie and Dina with medical supplies, a sniper rifle, and ammo for their mission against Abby.

---

For the latest scoops on your favorite TV shows and movies, follow SoapCentral.

Also Read: I wasn’t ready for this heartbreaking change in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3's opening credits