The second season of The Last of Us takes an unexpected turn by opening with Abby, rather than revisiting a familiar scene featuring Joel. According to showrunner Craig Mazin, this decision was deliberate, aiming to prevent confusion and avoid withholding key information from the audience.

The opening scene focuses on the aftermath of the first season's finale, where Joel committed a massacre at the Fireflies' hospital. Amidst the chaos, Abby (played by Kaitlyn Dever) declares, "When we kill him, we’ll do it slowly."

In the original game, players are introduced to Abby with limited context about her motives or background. The writers felt that this approach wouldn’t translate effectively to the TV format. In the game, players control Abby, forming a bond with her that fosters empathy. However, Mazin noted that this connection doesn’t naturally occur in a television series. To address this, the creators decided to establish her goals and motivations right from the start.

"If a mystery drags on for too long, it becomes confusing," Mazin explained. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that viewers immediately understand who Abby is and why she acts the way she does. By introducing her upfront, the show sets the stage for a clearer and more engaging narrative.

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