Enter Season 2, episode 6, an installment of The Last of Us that alleviates my season-long quibbles for one heartbreaking hour. The episode reunites Joel and Ellie in a series of flashbacks spanning years, reminding us of both how impeccable Pascal and Ramsey's chemistry is and how much more well fleshed-out Jackson is compared to Seattle.

The latest episode of HBO's post-apocalyptic thriller drama deviated from the game’s narrative to tell a deeper story about the characters, including Gail and Eugene.

A series of flashbacks traced the evolution of Joel and Ellie’s relationship in Jackson, Wyo., filling in some blanks about her current state of mind.