‘The Last of Us’ Star Got “Physically Ill” Over Their Death Scene in S2 Finale
The Last of Us Season 2 finale is here. What death scene was so intense it made its star feel sick? Here's what we know.
HBO understands better than anyone else that there are no limits to what can be shown on screen. The Last of Us is no exception, delivering a season full of shocking moments. However, Mel's fate in the finale is one of the most painful and jarring deaths not only in the TLoU universe, but in television history as a whole.
What Happened to Mel in ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Finale?
The finale continues to follow Ellie as she seeks revenge on Abby. This pursuit has had devastating consequences already. But one of the most devastating yet is probably her accidentally killing pregnant Mel (played by Ariela Barer).
When Ellie shoots Owen, Mel is struck in the neck by the same bullet. Knowing she is going to die, Mel begs Ellie to perform a C-section to save her child. In a state of shock, Ellie is unable to perform the procedure.
Ariela Barer Was Shocked by ‘The Last of Us’ Finale
_37694.webp)
If you felt sick watching the scene, you're not alone. Ariela Barer, the actress behind Mel, was sick learning what's going to happen with her character.
“Someone explained to me what's going on. I was like, 'We're doing what?' I felt sick hearing the plot. Reading the scripts, I felt physically ill,” Barer said during her talk with Esquire.
Mel's Death in ‘The Last of Us’ Game Wasn't Accidental
_37694.webp)
Mel's death in The Last of Us Part II was very different. Ellie didn't kill her by accident like in the show. In fact, Mel and Ellie got into a knife fight, which the latter won. Craig Mazin knew the game version of the scene was brutal, but he wanted to make it even more intense.
“I remember saying to Neil that as f– up as that moment was in the game, I think it can be more f– up and not to be a tormentor,” Mazin said in his interview to The Hollywood Reporter.
What Do Fans Think About Mel’s Death Scene in ‘The Last of Us’?
“Ellie killing Mel on accident felt cheap and like they couldn’t commit to anything to do with making Ellie seem absolutely evil like the game,” Redditor aft3rsvn wrote.
“[I] was not expecting to feel that emotional about the death of Mel but goddamn that was such a tough moment realizing she was pregnant and immediately wanting the baby out of her,” Redditor SerDire said.
Where Can I Watch ‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Finale?
The Last of Us Season 2 is available on Max.
