Part 2/13:
Showrunner Craig Mason admits that Neil Dukan did something bold—most notably, the death of Joel in episode two. Mason acknowledges that this decision was not universally popular and perhaps even a mistake, as it flies in the face of traditional storytelling tropes that often celebrate shocking moments. Fans heavily criticized the departure from expectations, especially since actor Pedro Pascal's character was presumed to be central for multiple seasons.
The narrative around the show's controversial moments suggests that the creative team believed they were making iconic storytelling choices. However, audience reactions indicated otherwise, and some crew members like Dukan and Mason have openly discussed the backlash, revealing a disconnect between intent and reception.