Who Is Eugene in The Last of Us, and Why Did Joel Kill Him?

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 has finally arrived, and it wastes no time in stirring emotions and sparking questions. One of the biggest mysteries from the premiere episode is about a seemingly minor character with a massive emotional impact Eugene. Fans who played the game may only vaguely remember him, but the TV series brings his story to the forefront. So, who exactly is Eugene in The Last of Us, and why did Joel end up killing him? Let’s break it down.

Eugene the Last of Us: A Minor Game Character, A Major Show Twist

In The Last of Us Part II video game, Eugene is a background figure. He’s mentioned briefly when Ellie and Dina discover his hidden weed farm under a library during one of their patrols. The game reveals he was a former Firefly, a freedom fighter group that Joel’s brother Tommy was once part of. Eugene was a skilled technician known for setting up security systems and being an experienced patrolman in the Jackson settlement.

In the game, Eugene peacefully dies of a stroke at the age of 73 — a rare natural death in a world filled with violence, infection, and heartbreak.

HBO’s Eugene Is a Lot More Than a Backstory

In The Last of Us Season 2, Eugene is no longer just a passing reference. The creators — Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, have chosen to expand his story, much like they did with Bill and Frank in Season 1. Now, Eugene’s life, his relationships, and his death are part of a powerful emotional arc.

In the series, Eugene Linden lived in Jackson, Wyoming, with his wife Gail, a therapist. Played by veteran actor Joe Pantoliano, Eugene is described as a long-time resident and patrolman, close with both Joel and Tommy. He also played a mentor-like role for Dina.

Though Eugene hasn’t appeared onscreen yet, he is mentioned during a powerful therapy session between Gail (played by Catherine O’Hara) and Joel. The reveal is explosive: Joel shot and killed Eugene.

Why Did Joel Kill Eugene?

This question is at the core of the emotional conflict in Season 2. In the therapy scene, Gail confronts Joel, saying:

“You shot and killed my husband. You killed Eugene. And I resent you for it… I hate you for it.”

She acknowledges that Joel had no choice, yet she cannot forgive him for how it happened. The scene is deeply personal and adds emotional complexity to Joel’s character, showing how even necessary decisions come with long-lasting pain.

Possible Reasons Behind Eugene’s Death

Since the full story hasn’t unfolded yet in the show, here are the two most likely explanations:

Eugene Was Bitten by an Infected:
This is the most straightforward theory. If Eugene was attacked while on patrol with Joel, and Joel had to prevent his painful transformation, mercy-killing him might have been the only choice.
Eugene Discovered the Truth About Ellie:
A more layered theory suggests Eugene may have learned the secret that Ellie is immune. Only Joel and Tommy know this truth. If Eugene found out and posed a threat to their plan of keeping it a secret, Joel may have felt forced to kill him to protect Ellie.

Either way, the emotional fallout is significant, especially for Gail, who now must face the man responsible for her husband’s death in her own home.

Who Is Gail in The Last of Us TV Show?

Unlike Eugene, Gail doesn’t exist in the video game. She is a brand-new character created specifically for the TV series. Gail is a therapist living in Jackson and offers counseling to residents, including Joel. Their sessions are raw and honest, revealing emotional scars and helping to expand Joel’s character development.

Tying Gail to Eugene adds a personal stake to the ongoing drama in Jackson. It’s a clever narrative decision that not only grounds Gail’s character but also makes Eugene’s death more tragic and meaningful.

What Role Will Eugene Play in Upcoming Episodes?

Even though Eugene is already dead by the start of Season 2, his presence will be felt throughout the season. According to co-creator Neil Druckmann, viewers will eventually see Eugene on screen in flashbacks. Joe Pantoliano’s portrayal will reveal more about his relationships with Gail, Joel, Tommy, and Dina.

Expect emotional scenes that show Eugene as a strong yet compassionate figure who was loved by many in Jackson. His death will likely become a turning point in the season, especially if the truth behind it turns out to be more complicated than we currently know.

Eugene the Last of Us: Why This Storyline Matters

Eugene’s storyline expanded for the HBO series touches on several key themes of The Last of Us:

Survivor’s Guilt and Regret: Joel is already weighed down by the burden of his decisions. Killing Eugene adds to his growing list of emotional baggage.
Love and Sacrifice: Whether it was mercy or a strategic move, Joel’s choice shows the extreme lengths people go to protect loved ones.
Trust and Secrets: If Eugene learned about Ellie’s immunity, it proves how dangerous secrets can be even among close allies.

Final Thoughts: Eugene the Last of Us – A Small Name, A Big Impact

While Eugene was just a name in the game, the TV show transforms him into a symbol of pain, loyalty, and moral complexity. His death will likely serve as a major narrative anchor in The Last of Us Season 2, driving both Joel and Gail’s emotional journeys forward.