Part 3/9:
Critics and viewers were quick to criticize Season 2 for its departure from the original game's storyline, particularly for its handling of beloved characters. The decision to exclude key elements—most notably the character Joel—removing him prematurely from the narrative, was seen as a fatal misstep. Jesse, another significant character, was swiftly killed off, further alienating fans who valued the original storytelling.
This approach seemed to prioritize shock and deviation over coherent character development, leading to a dramatic drop in ratings and audience engagement. Many speculate that this decline might have contributed to internal fallout at HBO, with some insiders suggesting that heads may have rolled over the creative failures.