Sadly, without Pedro, the weight of this show is left on Bella’s shoulders. They’re a strong actor, but Ellie has not been written well this season. I hate to say that, as I have been a Craig Mazin fan ever since Chernobyl.

It was made all too clear when we got the flashback episode with Joel. Everything felt right again. And I’m not saying that because Joel was back. But because Pedro and Bella are THAT good together.

I think that the flashbacks should have been spread throughout the season so we never lost Joel’s voice in our ear, and we could keep seeing those sad eyes of his. It would have covered the multitude of sins we’ve seen in the pacing of this second season.

[–] Ashtear@lemm.ee 21 points 5 days ago

This is the best suggestion I've heard for this season's Ellie problem. I don't know how people who haven't played the game feel about this season, but Ellie's drive for being in Seattle in the first place has felt wildly inconsistent. It's like she's flipping a switch on and off, whereas game Ellie is constantly, noticeably pensive, processing, simmering with growing rage. And it's so important to the rest of the story that I honestly wonder if they'll be able to save it at this point.

Maybe more Joel was exactly what they needed to keep things on track, keep Ellie's focus. Because I sure wasn't feeling it.

[–] LadyButterfly@lazysoci.al 1 points 4 days ago

Yep Bella was amazing in S1, really incredible. I really don't like the second game so I've not watched s2 but from what I've read, they're not getting good dialogue and they're dealing with horrible characterisation. Doesn't matter how good they are, they can't beat that

[–] driving_crooner@lemmy.eco.br 4 points 5 days ago

I think that the flashbacks should have been spread throughout the season so we never lost Joel’s voice in our ear, and we could keep seeing those sad eyes of his. It would have covered the multitude of sins we’ve seen in the pacing of this second season.

I tough that was what they were to do. Like having each episode advance the flashback plot line a little so we don't miss Joel from all season until birthday's flashback.

[–] Fredselfish@lemmy.world -1 points 5 days ago

So they stuck to the second game? I refused to watch even the first because they didn't.

[–] Lucidlethargy@sh.itjust.works -3 points 5 days ago

Oof... Giant spoiler. Guess I won't watch the end even when I'm desperate now.