Overview

• Co-creator Neil Druckmann confirmed the Seraphite Island sequence was originally cut from the game for time constraints and later resurrected for the show’s finale
• Reviewers argue the expanded world-building—introducing the WLF and Seraphites—added scale but failed to deepen the narrative’s emotional core
• Critics have pointed to Ellie’s uneven rage as undermining her revenge arc and note that writing inconsistencies led to unfair backlash against Bella Ramsey
• Showrunners defend the detour as faithfulness to unused game material even as pacing and character coherence remain frequent points of contention
• Season 2 has concluded and HBO plans to premiere Season 3 in late 2026 or early 2027 with a narrative shift to Abby’s perspective within the WLF