The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Spoiler warning: this article covers Jesse’s fate in The Last of Us Part II and in the HBO series’ season-two finale.
In the television series, Abby shoots Jesse in the head in the season-two finale, as he and Ellie run into the theater lobby to rescue Tommy. Co-creator Neil Druckmann told TheWrap that the team never seriously considered changing this outcome: “That one, I don’t think we ever entertained an alternative. His fate was always sealed.” In the game, The Last of Us Part II, Jesse also dies abruptly during Abby’s attack on the theater. The show adapts the game but changes how the story is told, so the two versions should be read separately.
What happens to Jesse in the show
The moment is the season-two finale, episode 7 of the series. Jesse (played by Young Mazino, according to the official season-two announcement from Warner Bros. Discovery) is moving through the theater with Ellie toward Tommy. As they enter the lobby, Abby shoots Jesse in the head. He dies at that moment, with no further scene dedicated to him. Details of the staging come from TheWrap’s finale report, which also carries the creators’ and cast members’ comments on the scene.
Who Jesse is to the story
Jesse is not an anonymous casualty of the finale. In the show, he is:
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
- Ellie’s friend
- Dina’s former partner
- The father of Dina’s unborn child
Shortly before his death, Jesse learns about the pregnancy. TheWrap describes him as having seemingly made amends with Ellie after she brought Dina into danger. That reconciliation is what makes the shooting land so hard: it removes a man who had just begun to repair a relationship, and it leaves Ellie and Dina to live with the consequences without him.
The television and game versions compared
The show is adapted from The Last of Us Part II, but the two versions do not match in every detail. Druckmann has said the two media can show things the other cannot, which is why the adaptation makes changes. The table below separates what each version establishes.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
| Element | Television series (season 2) | Video game (The Last of Us Part II) |
|---|---|---|
| Jesse’s death | Shot in the head by Abby as he and Ellie enter the theater lobby to rescue Tommy | Dies abruptly during Abby’s attack on the theater |
| Context before death | Learns of Dina’s pregnancy; appears to have made amends with Ellie | Not stated in the sources used for this article |
| Actor | Young Mazino | Not stated in the sources used for this article |
| Creators’ stance on alternatives | Druckmann says the team never entertained an alternative fate | Not stated in the sources used for this article |
The adaptation rationale is described in the Television Academy interview with Craig Mazin. Mazin describes the task as using what television does well while adapting the source events into a different medium. For a broader account of how the franchise was moved from console to screen, see Sony Interactive Entertainment’s feature on the adaptation.
What the creators have said about Jesse’s fate
Druckmann on writing characters toward their fate
In a Game Informer interview published March 26, 2025, Druckmann described a writing principle rather than an explanation of Jesse specifically. Writers, he said, should care deeply about their characters but should not give them plot armor. The fate that serves the story is the one to accept. In his words: “You have to love them enough to respect that whatever fate is in store for them to tell the best story you can, that’s what in store for them and you have to lean into that.”
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Druckmann on Jesse’s death in the series
In a TheWrap interview published May 28, 2025, Druckmann said the creators never seriously entertained an alternative for Jesse. The quote is his comment on the decision, reported by TheWrap; it is not a line spoken in the episode.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why the death reads as necessary
“Necessary” is best understood as the article’s interpretation of the story’s logic, not a fact that every viewer must accept. The argument rests on three narrative effects.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
It ends an attempt at repair
Jesse’s arc is the one place in the finale where the story offers a path back from the damage Ellie caused. Once he is dead, that path closes. Dina is left with a child and no partner, and Ellie is left with a guilt that no reconciliation can now address. The death makes the consequences of earlier choices concrete instead of abstract.
It shows that violence reaches beyond its targets
Druckmann has described The Last of Us Part II as a story about hate. In that frame, Jesse’s death is one of many losses produced by a cycle of revenge. It is not a twist for its own sake. The people who die are not only the ones who were targeted, and the story asks viewers to notice that.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Where the argument is weaker
- The claim depends on reading the finale as a continuation of the game’s themes. Viewers who see the death as shock value rather than character logic will reach a different conclusion.
- The creators’ statements explain their approach, but they do not prove that no other ending could have worked.
- Because the show differs from the game in detail, an argument built on the game’s structure does not automatically transfer to the series.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
