Kaitlyn Dever’s debut as Abby in HBO’s The Last of Us Season has reignited fierce debate among fans: does Ellie ultimately kill Abby, or is their rivalry destined for a different end? The answer is more complicated than many expect.
In both the acclaimed video game and the new TV adaptation, Abby is introduced as a vengeance-driven survivor, portrayed originally through motion capture and voice acting by Laura Bailey, and now brought to life on screen by Dever. The series’ second season quickly delivers the story’s most controversial moment—Abby’s brutal killing of Joel, witnessed by Ellie and setting off a relentless cycle of revenge.
As the story unfolds, Ellie’s quest for vengeance leads to a climactic showdown with Abby. However, despite coming close to killing her, Ellie ultimately spares Abby’s life, breaking the cycle of violence that has consumed both characters. This pivotal decision mirrors the game’s ending, where Ellie’s empathy and memories of Joel prompt her to let Abby go, leaving both women irrevocably changed.
Laura Bailey, who endured significant backlash for her role as Abby in the original game, has praised HBO’s approach and expressed curiosity about how audiences will react to these emotionally charged scenes. With Kaitlyn Dever’s nuanced performance and the show’s willingness to explore moral ambiguity, the rivalry between Ellie and Abby remains one of the most talked-about dynamics in modern television.
