Ellie’s quest for vengeance takes a disturbing turn as HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us progresses. As the series continues after a brief interlude focused on lighter themes, the intensity of its revenge narrative has returned, leaving viewers eager yet unsettled.
Setting the Stage
This episode unfolds within a Washington Liberation Front (W.L.F.) base, where tension simmers as Hanrahan, a character previously introduced, meets with Sergeant Park. The atmosphere is fraught with concern as Park reflects on the heavy cost of her role in securing a hospital, where her squad encountered respiratory symptoms hinting at airborne infection—a significant deviation from the game’s original lore surrounding the cordyceps fungus.
During Season 1, showrunner Craig Mazin acknowledged changes to how the infection spreads, opting for a narrative that avoids showing characters in gas masks. However, the current episodes bring back the concept of airborne contagion, albeit in specific environments, leading to dramatic implications for the characters involved.
Character Dynamics
Meanwhile, in the theater, Ellie and Dina continue to navigate their relationship amid the chaos. Dina, engaged with W.L.F. communications, humorously critiques Ellie’s academic focus while attempting to triangulate the locations of their targets. Tension builds as Ellie seeks to contribute, but ultimately leaves Dina to her work after a charming exchange. Their bond deepens through moments of nostalgia and vulnerability, particularly when they share an intimate conversation about names for Dina’s unborn child.
Their journey introduces darker themes when they encounter the aftermath of violence against a group of Seraphites, prompting Dina to confront her past in a poignant narrative where she reveals a traumatic early encounter with a raider that cost her family dearly. This backstory adds depth to Dina’s character, diverging from her portrayal in The Last of Us Part II, emphasizing her motivations and desire for vengeance.
A Confrontation with Nora
As the episode escalates, Ellie’s path leads her to Nora, a former ally turned adversary. Following a tense confrontation within the hospital’s confines, Nora attempts to negotiate her safety, but the discovery of the infection complicates matters. In a chilling sequence, Ellie’s pursuit turns brutal as they navigate the hospital’s eerie basement, where Ellie’s immunity becomes a critical factor in their fateful encounter.
This moment contrasts significantly with the original game’s approach to character relationships and conflicts, raising questions about the portrayal of violence against marginalized characters. The narrative shifts challenge the viewer’s engagement with the story, especially as Ellie’s descent into darkness becomes more pronounced.
The Stakes of Vengeance
The culmination of this episode underscores the heavy thematic weight carried by the story. Ellie’s brutal interrogation of Nora serves as a chilling reminder of her moral decline, paralleling the game’s exploration of the consequences of revenge. The decision to depict this moment raises significant discourse about representation and the implications of violence in storytelling.
As tensions mount, the episode closes with a glimmer of hope through a flashback featuring Ellie and Joel. This nostalgic moment serves as a poignant reminder of what they have lost and sets the stage for further emotional exploration in upcoming episodes.
New episodes of The Last of Us premiere Sundays at 9 p.m. Eastern on Max.