The Last Of Us fans are hyped to see Joel go feral in episode 8

The eighth episode of The Last of Us will pit Ellie against a group of survivors with a brutal approach to apocalyptic survival while Joel is still healing from his wound, and fans are simultaneously excited and terrified for what's to come.

Possible spoilers for 'When We Are In Need' based on the events of the game are included in this article.

Let's not mince words here: Pedro Pascal's portrayal of Joel in HBO's The Last of Us is extraordinary. Leaning into the impending infirmity of aging over the stoicism of traditional masculinity, he pleads that Tommy should take Ellie to the Fireflies as he's not strong enough.

Heartwarmingly, Ellie chooses him anyway and the two escape the bandits at the university, though Joel suffers a severe stab wound. The next episode will follow Ellie scavenging for what remains to bring her father figure back to full health and meeting fellow survivors who might have what they need.

Check out the trailer for the penultimate episode:

Those who have played the original game will be aware of the true motivations of the survivors' leader, David. In fact, I'm sure I'm not alone when I say that the boss fight with David is the most chilling experience that you'll ever endure as the flames rage either side of the two.

When the game lets the player play as Joel again, he jolts awake and tracks Ellie to the settlement where she is being held captive, although weakened as a result of his recovery. Given that Joel's lack of action led to the loss of Sarah and he himself has admonished that pattern of trauma placing Ellie in harm's way, viewers are very ready to see the guy go remorselessly feral to rescue her.

"It is his [worst] fear coming true… losing a kid again. He’s going to go full 'any means necessary,'" commented one on the series' subreddit. "I’m expecting an 'A History of Violence' level of shit from Joel," added another. "After repeatedly hearing about the person he 'used' to be, well it’s time for us to see that person." The next episode releases 5 March on HBO Max and 6 March on NOW TV.