Druckmann Reveals Why Joel Needs Therapy in Last of Us 2

The Last of Us Season 2 will introduce a new character, Joel's therapist named Gail, portrayed by Catherine O'Hara. This character diverges from the video games as she is married to Eugene, who is only mentioned in *The Last of Us Part II*. Neil Druckmann explains that Joel seeks therapy to understand why Ellie has become distant from him. He believes that a strong desire to reconnect with Ellie drives Joel, stating that he would definitely go to therapy if it meant improving their relationship. The inclusion of a therapist character aims to deepen the narrative around Jackson and further explore Joel and Ellie's dynamic, enhancing the overall emotional depth of the series.

*The Last of Us* franchise, created by Naughty Dog, originally debuted on PlayStation in 2013 and has since evolved into a celebrated series encompassing both games and a highly acclaimed HBO television adaptation. The narrative focuses on themes of love, loss, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world, making it a captivating study of human emotion and connection. The addition of new characters in Season 2 promises to enrich the lore and provide deeper exploration of existing relationships, keeping fans engaged and invested in the story's evolution.