The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 Ending Explained: What That Cliffhanger Means for Season 3

SPOILER WARNING: This article contains major spoilers for The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7. Proceed with caution!

Welcome to The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 Ending Explained, where we dissect the jaw-dropping finale of HBO’s The Last of Us and unravel its implications for Season 3.

Titled “Convergence,” this episode delivers a gut-wrenching cliffhanger as Ellie’s quest for revenge collides with Abby’s return, leaving fans questioning who survives.

We break down the final scene, compare it to The Last of Us Part II, and explore how it sets the stage for the next chapter. Whether you’re a gamer or a show-only fan, this analysis dives deep into the emotional and narrative stakes.

What Happens in the Final Scene of Episode 7?

SPOILER WARNING: Major plot details ahead.

The episode’s climax unfolds at the Pinnacle Theatre, where Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) ambushes Ellie (Bella Ramsey), Tommy (Gabriel Luna), and Jesse (Young Mazino). After learning Ellie killed Owen and Mel at the aquarium, Abby seeks vengeance.

In a brutal moment, she shoots Jesse dead, his body slumping as Ellie screams. Abby then confronts Ellie, furious that she “wasted” the mercy shown in Jackson. As Ellie pleads for Tommy’s life, Abby raises her gun, points it at Ellie, and a gunshot rings out. The screen cuts to black, leaving viewers in suspense.

A brief flashback follows, showing Abby’s perspective on Seattle Day 1, teasing her Season 3 arc. This cliffhanger mirrors the midpoint of The Last of Us Part II, where the game switches to Abby’s story, but the show’s abrupt ending amplifies the tension for TV audiences.

Why Is the Cliffhanger So Shocking?

The final scene’s impact lies in its ambiguity and emotional weight. Jesse’s sudden death is a devastating blow, especially after his bonding with Ellie earlier in the episode. Young Mazino’s nuanced performance makes the loss hit harder, echoing the game’s unrelenting brutality.

The gunshot’s timing—cutting to black—leaves Ellie’s fate unclear, though fans of the game know she survives as a co-protagonist. For show-only viewers, the uncertainty is agonizing, heightened by Bella Ramsey’s raw portrayal of Ellie’s fear.

The flashback to Abby’s perspective, while intriguing, frustrates some fans by breaking the cliffhanger’s tension. Critics argue it reveals too much, unlike the game’s seamless transition to Abby’s story. Kaitlyn Dever’s intense performance as Abby, however, ensures her return is a highlight, setting up her dual-protagonist role.

How Does the Show’s Ending Differ from the Game?

SPOILER WARNING: Game and show comparisons follow.

In The Last of Us Part II, the theatre confrontation is nearly identical: Abby kills Jesse, corners Ellie, and the game cuts to her perspective after a tense standoff. However, the show makes subtle changes.

Ellie’s plea for Tommy’s life is more explicit, emphasizing her desperation compared to the game’s more stoic Ellie. The show also softens Ellie’s earlier actions, like making Mel’s death accidental, which makes Abby’s rage feel slightly less justified than in the game, where Ellie’s kills are deliberate.

The flashback teaser is a show-only addition, as the game dives straight into Abby’s story post-cliffhanger.

This choice risks spoiling Ellie’s survival for keen-eyed viewers but aligns with showrunner Craig Mazin’s approach of clarifying the dual-narrative structure for TV audiences.

The show’s faster pacing—cramming Seattle Day 3 into one episode—makes the ending feel rushed compared to the game’s deliberate buildup.

What Does the Ending Mean for Ellie’s Arc in Season 3?

Ellie’s journey in Season 2 has been a descent into vengeance, and the Episode 7 ending marks her lowest point. The cliffhanger suggests she survives, but her psyche is fractured.

Bella Ramsey’s performance hints at Ellie grappling with guilt over Jesse’s death and her role in the cycle of violence. Season 3 will likely explore her trauma and potential redemption, as seen in the game’s later chapters, where Ellie reflects on her actions.

The show may deviate from the game by deepening Ellie’s relationships with Dina or Tommy, given their expanded roles. Mazin has hinted at Season 3 covering Abby’s Seattle days before returning to Ellie, meaning Ellie’s immediate fate post-cliffhanger might not be revealed until mid-season.

This delay could frustrate fans but allows for a richer exploration of her moral conflict.

How Will Abby’s Story Shape Season 3?

SPOILER WARNING: Season 3 speculation based on the game.

The flashback to Abby’s Seattle Day 1 confirms Season 3 will focus on her perspective, mirroring the game’s structure. Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby is poised to become a co-lead, exploring her grief over Owen and Mel and her role in the WLF-Seraphite war.

The show teases Isaac’s (Jeffrey Wright) reliance on Abby, suggesting her leadership within the WLF will be a key arc, potentially expanding on the game’s brief mentions of her past.

Abby’s confrontation with Ellie sets up their inevitable rematch, likely in Season 3’s climax. The show may flesh out Abby’s backstory, such as her father’s death, to make her more sympathetic, addressing criticisms that Season 2 rushed her introduction. Her story will parallel Ellie’s, emphasizing the futility of revenge, a core theme of the series.

What Role Will the WLF and Seraphites Play in Season 3?

The Episode 7 ending hints at the escalating WLF-Seraphite war, with Isaac preparing for a major assault. This conflict, a backdrop in Season 2, will likely take center stage in Season 3, especially through Abby’s perspective.

The show’s depiction of the storm-covered Seraphite island attack suggests tactical warfare will be a focus, potentially exploring Isaac’s motivations or the Seraphites’ origins, which the game leaves vague.

This subplot could introduce new characters or expand Elise’s role, adding depth to the WLF’s dynamics. The war’s fallout will impact Abby’s arc, as her loyalty to the WLF conflicts with her personal losses, setting up tension for Season 3’s narrative.

Why Does the Ending Frustrate Some Fans?

The cliffhanger, while thrilling, frustrates viewers due to the long wait for Season 3, expected in 2027. Unlike gamers who could continue Abby’s story immediately, TV audiences face years of speculation, a common critique of serialized adaptations.

The rushed pacing of Episode 7—condensing major game events—also weakens the ending’s emotional weight, with Jesse’s death and Mel’s killing feeling underdeveloped compared to the game’s slower buildup.

Critics note the show’s tendency to explain too much, like the Abby flashback, undermines the cliffhanger’s mystery. However, the stellar performances and fidelity to the game’s themes keep the ending impactful, even if it doesn’t fully satisfy.

What Can We Expect from Season 3 Overall?

SPOILER WARNING: Broad Season 3 predictions.

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 Ending Explained sets up a bold Season 3, likely spanning Abby’s Seattle days and Ellie’s recovery from the theatre. Mazin has confirmed the story will unfold over four seasons, suggesting Season 3 will cover roughly half of The Last of Us Part II’s remaining story, with new elements to keep gamers guessing.

Expect practical effects, emotional depth, and a focus on Abby’s perspective, potentially making her as central as Ellie.

The season will dive deeper into the cycle of violence, with Ellie and Abby’s paths converging again. New characters, like Lev and Yara, may appear, expanding the narrative.

The show’s commitment to its cast and themes ensures a compelling continuation, despite Season 2’s pacing issues.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 7 Ending Explained reveals a finale that’s equal parts thrilling and divisive, with a cliffhanger that leaves fans desperate for answers. By setting up Abby’s Season 3 arc and teasing Ellie’s uncertain fate, “Convergence” captures the series’ themes of revenge and loss, even if its execution stumbles.

As we await Season 3, the emotional performances and narrative ambition keep us hooked.

Share your theories on the ending in the comments, and join us as we anticipate HBO’s next chapter in this unforgettable saga!