Who is Eugene in The Last of Us and why did Joel kill him? Season of HBO’s acclaimed series has fans buzzing about this mysterious figure, whose death is at the center of a tense new storyline.
Eugene, played by Joe Pantoliano, is introduced as the late husband of Gail (Catherine O’Hara), Joel’s therapist in Jackson. While Eugene was only mentioned in passing in the original video game—where he died of natural causes at 73—the show dramatically changes his fate. In the series, Gail reveals in a therapy session that Joel shot and killed her husband. “You shot and killed my husband. You killed Eugene. And I resent you for it. No, maybe a little more than that. I hate you for it,” she tells Joel, making it clear the event is recent and deeply personal.
But why did Joel kill Eugene? The show hints that Joel “had no choice,” leading many to speculate that Eugene was bitten by an Infected and Joel acted out of mercy. Others suggest there may be more to the story, possibly involving secrets about Ellie’s immunity or a threat to the community.
Eugene’s backstory is also richer in the series: he was a Vietnam veteran, former Firefly, and the secret grower of Jackson’s legendary weed farm. His past and his death are set to be explored in upcoming flashbacks, promising more revelations about his connection to Joel and the wider community.
With the truth behind Eugene’s death still unfolding, fans are left wondering: was Joel’s act truly necessary—or is there a darker secret yet to be revealed?
