The Last of Us Season 2 continues to deliver emotional punches, with the latest episode spotlighting a key detail that left many fans heartbroken—Joel’s death and Ellie’s tribute to him.

In a powerful moment following Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) brutal death, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is seen leaving coffee beans on his grave. While this gesture may seem subtle to casual viewers, it carries deep emotional and symbolic weight rooted in the lore of The Last of Us.

Why Coffee Matters in The Last of Us

In the post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the Cordyceps infection, coffee is a rare and cherished luxury. Throughout Season 1, Joel frequently expressed his longing for the beverage whenever the opportunity arose. These small mentions helped humanize his character and highlight the normalcy lost in the wake of societal collapse.

By placing coffee beans on Joel’s grave, Ellie pays tribute to a memory they shared, symbolizing her deep bond with him and her grief. It’s a nod to their time together, emphasizing how even the smallest comforts—like coffee—can carry monumental emotional weight.

Joel’s Death: What Happened?

In The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 2, Joel is killed by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), who seeks vengeance for the death of her father. Fans will recall that Joel killed Abby’s father—who was the surgeon poised to operate on Ellie in the Season 1 finale—in order to save her life, sacrificing a potential cure for the Cordyceps infection.

This pivotal moment has drastically shifted the narrative, sparking debate among viewers and creating space for Ellie’s evolution as a central figure in the storyline.

Showrunner Craig Mazin Speaks on the Fallout

Despite the shocking turn, The Last of Us co-creator Craig Mazin remains confident that Joel’s death will only deepen viewer engagement.

“If the emotional response is not intense, then we failed,” Mazin told The Hollywood Reporter. “Joel will always be there, even if not physically. We know how emotionally powerful the rest of this story is and how invested fans already are in these relationships.”

What’s Next in The Last of Us Season 2?

As HBO continues airing new episodes of The Last of Us Season 2, Ellie’s journey is poised to take center stage. With Joel gone, fans can expect a more complex exploration of grief, vengeance, and the weight of survival in a broken world.