The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 has arrived, and yes, it definitely injects new life into the ongoing season after the last episode’s slower pace. It’s no secret that showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have made some noticeable and bold changes to the second season’s storyline—some of which have already triggered a substantial portion of fans of the source material, Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II video game.
Episode 3 couldn’t replicate or surpass the heights of the epic Episode 2, which marked the end for Joel (Pedro Pascal) and featured the large-scale destruction of Jackson. Instead, Episode 3 gave viewers—and the characters—some time to slow down and process what actually happened in Episode 2; it served as a much-needed recovery period.
For many fans, Episode 3 did a fantastic job not only showcasing how that battle and Joel’s loss adversely impacted the lives of those in Jackson, especially Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Tommy (Gabriel Luna), but also laying a strong foundation for the rest of the second and third seasons.
Thanks to the slower, acting-heavy Episode 3, Episode 4, titled “Day One”, naturally feels like the beginning of a new journey for Ellie and Dina (Isabela Merced). We don’t see Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby in this episode either, but we do get to witness the acting brilliance of none other than Jeffrey Wright, who plays Isaac Dixon.
Aside from Wright’s compelling performance, the episode also gives us a deeper look at the ongoing conflict between the Scars and the WLF. Following the slower Episode 3, this episode unveils major plot developments and expands the show’s lore. Ellie and Dina’s journey takes a dangerous turn as they unknowingly enter a war zone while pursuing Abby, whose whereabouts have remained unknown since Joel’s death.
The biggest highlight of Episode 4 is the chemistry between Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Isabela Merced’s Dina. The scene where Ellie finds a guitar and sings to Dina is raw, emotional, and vulnerable. Until now, we’ve seen Ellie this season as a tough, slightly cocky girl with her heart in the right place—but this moment catches us off guard.
While playing the guitar, Ellie briefly forgets everything else and stops taking herself so seriously—a moment that clearly touches Dina. Soon after, we see Ellie protecting Dina from a horde of Infected by letting herself get bitten, as she is immune. But convincing Dina of her immunity takes time. During this exchange, Dina also reveals that she is pregnant.
When both characters share their deepest secrets, it feels like the walls between them crumble, and they finally confess their love for one another.
When it comes to natural and heartfelt LGBTQ+ representation, The Last of Us knows how to get the job done. Ellie and Dina’s relationship feels unforced and authentic. Merced’s monologue about Dina’s sexuality and Ellie’s acceptance of their growing family are standout examples of this realism. Dina’s pregnancy, however, significantly raises the stakes for Ellie’s mission, intensifying what she stands to lose and hinting that she’ll go to great lengths to protect her family.
After Episode 2, much of the fanbase believed the show might be over—after all, Pedro Pascal was the glue that held it together. But Episode 4 proves that while Pascal’s Joel was a core element, his absence hasn’t hurt the show in any way.
The upcoming episodes of HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 will continue to follow Ellie and Dina’s journey. They must cross a war-ravaged Seattle to find Abby. The stakes are higher than ever, and there’s no turning back. These characters aren’t nearly strong enough to do this alone. Don’t be surprised if another Jackson resident joins their mission—maybe Tommy or Jesse? Who knows? Stay tuned for more updates.
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