The Last of Us' Pedro Pascal brands co-star a 'little miracle' after brutal episode

WARNING: Major plotline reveals ahead for fans of The Last of Us

After the intense second episode of the show's sophomore season, Pedro Pascal has taken to social media to post a behind-the-scenes photo alongside cast mate Kaitlyn Dever amidst a wintry backdrop.

The pair are beaming in the snow-draped selfie, which Pascal captioned: "Blizzard Buddies. Thank you, scene partner. You little miracle. @kaitlyndever @thelastofus @hbo @streamonmax #Canada."

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Kaitlyn's response was just as warm as the post itself: "I love you! ! ! !" accompanied by a red heart emoji.

This sweet exchange follows the dramatic turn of events on The Last of Us, wherein Kaitlyn's on-screen persona Abby is responsible for the demise of Pascal's character Joel, reports .

Within the narrative, the Jackson Hole haven is buffeted by both a tempest and assaults from creatures known as the 'infected'. Joel rescues Abby amidst the chaos, oblivious to her link with the militant Fireflies and unaware of her vengeful intentions.

Driven by a desire to settle old scores from five years ago, when Joel ended her father's life, Abby exacts her grudge; she shoots Joel in the leg, delivers further punishing blows with a club, and brings about his tragic end.

Compounding the sorrow is Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey), who witnesses the cruel fate of her surrogate father, powerless to intervene.

Reflecting on Joel's departure from the storyline, Pedro candidly shared with Entertainment Weekly: "I'm in active denial. I realise this more and more as I get older, I find myself slipping into denial that anything is over.

"I know that I'm forever bonded to so many members of the experience and just have to see them under different circumstances, but never will under the circumstances of playing Joel on The Last of Us. And, no, I don't spend a lot of time thinking about it because it makes me sad."

Pedro, who has a knack for memorable exits like his character Prince Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones, joked about Joel's demise being a contender for his best on-screen death.

He chuckled: "I get killed a lot. I like to die. I think this is the best one. No, it's in competition, I think, with Game of Thrones. It has to be. I love the golf club. I'm going to start golf."

The actor was clued in about Joel's fate not surviving the second series after a heads-up from executive producer Craig Mazin.

While gamers knew Joel's end was written in the stars, viewers of Sunday night's episode were left gutted by the turn of events.

One fan lamented online: "I knew what was gone happen but it still sucks #TheLastOfUs."

Another expressed disbelief: "I cannot believe they're doing this so early into the season #TheLastofUs," and yet another was dismayed: " WTF? ? ? Joel did not deserve that #TheLastOfUs."

The Last of Us season 2 airs on HBO in the US and on Sky and Now TV in the UK.