«Joel's death in the series 'The Last of Us' is a shocking plot twist»

Yes, Joel is dead in the present time of the show. However, he will continue to appear through memories, flashbacks, and emotional references, as well as in the video game. Showrunners have confirmed that Pascal will remain a part of the series in a non-linear, more limited role.

Episode 2, titled «Through the Valley», - delivers one of the most shocking moments in the series so far: Joel’s brutal death. While saving Abby from a horde of infected, Joel is lured into a trap, where she and her group are hiding. There, Abby shoots him in the leg and ultimately kills him, as Ellie arrives too late to intervene. The episode ends with Ellie devastated, holding Joel’s body and vowing revenge, setting the tone for what is to come