In the fifth installment of The Last of Us Season 2, viewers are drawn deeper into the emotional and psychological toll of survival. The episode opens with Dina recounting a pivotal and traumatic moment from her childhood. At just eight years old, while living in isolation with her family north of Santa Fe, a simple act of rebellion — taking a gun for a solo walk — altered her life forever. When she returned, her mother and sister had been murdered by a raider. Dina shot the intruder, marking the first life she ever took.
Her story serves as more than just backstory — it underscores the blurred lines between justice, vengeance, and the necessity of violence. Dina questions whether any death, no matter the context, can be justified. This idea reverberates throughout the episode and through the actions of Ellie, who is still relentlessly pursuing Abby. Though Dina offers Ellie the option to abandon the mission, the decision has already been made in Ellie’s heart.
The Seattle Stalemate: A Change of Pace
Three consecutive The Last of Us episodes have unfolded within the ruins of Seattle, and while the atmosphere remains rich, the narrative begins to feel somewhat claustrophobic. The momentum that characterized the first season now finds itself entangled in repetitive terrain, though this may well be by design — reflecting the characters’ own feelings of being trapped in cycles of grief and retaliation.
As Ellie and Dina prepare to leave their hideout in the Pinnacle Theater, the weight of their mission hangs heavy. In a moment of rare vulnerability, Ellie strums a guitar and softly sings, “If I ever were to lose you,” only to stop mid-verse. It’s a fleeting but poignant indication that she’s fully aware of the risks ahead, both emotional and physical.
Wolves, Cordyceps, and Cautionary Tales
In a chilling flashback, we see Elise Park, a high-ranking member of the militant group known as the Wolves, confronted with a horrifying decision. Her son, Leon, led a failed mission into the cordyceps-infested lower levels of Lakehill Hospital. Spores overwhelmed his team, and Elise sealed the basement — and her son — behind a wall of death. It’s a brutal testament to the hard choices made in a world without mercy.
Unaware of this gruesome episode, Ellie and Dina continue toward the hospital. They believe their path through an unpatrolled building might offer stealth, but what they encounter is far more terrifying than infected hordes.
Flirting Through Fear
Even amid danger, Ellie and Dina manage to exchange playful banter, a welcome contrast to the somber tone that pervades most The Last of Us episodes. Their chemistry brings warmth to the otherwise grim environment. Dina jokes about Ellie’s impulsiveness, calling it one of the reasons she loves her — a declaration that surprises Ellie and deepens the emotional stakes.
Their plan to avoid conflict quickly unravels when they face a pack of terrifying new infected, distinguished by grotesque antlers and predatory cunning. Despite efforts to remain quiet, gunfire becomes unavoidable. The confrontation is intense and visceral — yet it only marks the beginning of their ordeal.
An Unexpected Rescue and a Brutal Revelation
Just when all seems lost, Jesse arrives, having tracked Ellie and Dina across the Northwest. He helps fend off the infected and leads them to a park where the Wolves dare not tread. Unfortunately, this sanctuary belongs to an even more dangerous group — the Seraphites.
The trio barely has time to breathe before witnessing a horrifying ritual: a Seraphite priest executes a Wolf prisoner in a public spectacle of brutality. Moments later, Dina is struck by an arrow, forcing the group to scatter. In the chaos, Ellie stumbles into Lakehill Hospital alone.
Descent Into the Unknown
Inside the hospital, Ellie encounters Nora, a former Firefly and now part of Abby’s group. Their brief and violent exchange leads them both into the basement — Level B2 — the same place where Leon perished. The fungal infestation here is particularly gruesome: spores erupt from human remains pinned to the walls, including Leon’s own body.
As Nora succumbs to the air’s toxicity, she reveals a painful truth — Joel killed the doctor who might have cured the world. Ellie, unmoved, delivers a chilling reply: “I know. I don’t care.” She then ends Nora’s suffering with a metal pipe.
It’s a jarring scene that challenges viewers’ loyalties and underscores the emotional complexity that defines the best The Last of Us episodes.
Flashbacks and Foreshadowing
Though the central storyline closes with Ellie’s violent act, the episode ends on a quieter note: a flashback of Joel and Ellie, smiling in Jackson. It’s a brief but powerful reminder of what’s been lost — and what continues to drive Ellie forward. With the next episode hinting at a deeper dive into Joel’s past and Ellie’s discovery of his secrets, the emotional intensity is only set to increase.
Highlights and Observations
Dina’s Tactical Genius
- Dina’s use of maps and intercepted communications to plan their route earns Jesse’s praise and showcases her intelligence.
- Her strategic thinking contrasts with Ellie’s more impulsive style, reflecting the complementary nature of their partnership.
Smarter Infected, Scarier Sound
- The latest breed of infected emits eerie, almost human-like groans, raising disturbing questions about their evolving intelligence.
Musical Bookends
- The episode is musically bookended by Pearl Jam tracks — “Future Days” and “Present Tense” — adding emotional layers and thematic resonance, particularly regarding regret and redemption.