The debate around Ellie’s character in the much-anticipated second season of ‘The Last of Us’ is heating up! Fans are increasingly upset, feeling that Ellie has strayed far from her roots in the original game. New comments from co-showrunner Craig Mazin have only amplified this outrage.

Critics argue that the portrayal of Ellie as a nearly clueless character is a significant departure from her strong persona in both the game and the first season of the show. Viewers have noted that instead of being resourceful and intuitive, Ellie frequently appears hapless, with Dina often saving the day. Her combat skills seem diminished as well, with her tally of kills appearing accidental rather than deliberate.

In a recent podcast discussing the season finale, Mazin shared his thoughts on the juxtaposition between Ellie and Abby, stating, "Abby is incredibly competent... She is in complete control of the situation." This directive paints Ellie in a rather unflattering light, especially for fans who remember her as a sharp, capable character from the game.

In the acclaimed second game, Ellie evolves into a formidable force driven by vengeance, offering a fierce challenge to Abby. This transformation is central to her character, and many fans feel that the show’s current depiction undermines her journey. What frustrates viewers is the stark contrast to the strong-willed Ellie from season one, who demonstrated intelligence and resilience.

It's perplexing for fans to reconcile this portrayal with what they've seen previously. As season one showcased a more nuanced, prepared Ellie—complete with combat training and skills—the second season seems to disregard this development altogether. It raises the question: why would the showrunners chose to diminish a character they spent an entire season building up?

Moreover, the fanbase has come across clips and scripted sequences, including scenes of Ellie wielding an assault rifle that never made it to the screen. This inconsistency has left many wondering if these cuts were a disservice to the character they’ve grown to love.

In a time when character arcs are crucial to storytelling, fans are understandably frustrated. As the narrative unfolds, many are left questioning if the essence of Ellie’s character has been lost to fit a new direction that strays from its source material.