One of the aspects we appreciate most about The Last of Us is its complexity. The show’s narrative is characterized by moral ambiguity, with characters frequently expressing thoughts and feelings that are difficult to categorize or define. This complexity is a hallmark of the series, allowing it to explore the grey areas of life. The characters exist on a spectrum, with no one being entirely good or evil, and the show often challenges the audience to form their own opinions on the characters’ actions. The responsibility is placed on the viewer to determine how they want to perceive the events unfolding before them.
This season, the narrative has occasionally strayed from this complexity, with a significant portion of the story focused on the blossoming relationship between Ellie and Dina as they navigate their quest for revenge against those responsible for Joel’s death. However, the season two finale sees the return of the nuanced storytelling that makes the show so compelling. The episode is a tense, edge-of-your-seat hour of television, with the tension and stakes reaching a boiling point, ultimately leading to a conclusion that may be somewhat perplexing, which we will attempt to break down.
And so, for the final time this season, let’s recap an episode of The Last of Us.
When we last saw our characters in Seattle, Ellie had likely been involved in a fatal altercation with a woman, and Jesse was trying to get Dina to safety after she was shot in the leg with an arrow. Jesse manages to get her back to the theater, where he informs her that he needs to push the arrow through her leg rather than pulling it out. He disinfects the area with whiskey and offers some to Dina, who declines. In a subtle yet telling moment, Jesse notices her refusal, which, along with her earlier vomiting, suggests that she might be pregnant. Jesse successfully removes the arrow, and Dina confirms that the baby is unharmed.
Ellie returns from her violent encounter and checks in on Dina, who is tending to Ellie’s wounded back. Ellie reveals that she found Nora and that the only information she obtained about Abby’s whereabouts was the cryptic phrase “whale wheel.” In a hushed tone, Ellie confesses to Dina that she made Nora talk, and it was easier than she thought it would be. The scene is intercut with flashes of Ellie’s brutal interrogation of Nora, implying that Ellie has undergone a significant transformation.
Dina attempts to comfort Ellie by suggesting that Nora might have deserved her fate, but Ellie sees this as an opportunity to reveal the truth about Abby’s motivations for killing Joel. Dina is left speechless, struggling to reconcile her feelings about the situation. The conversation is poignant, with Ellie being physically and emotionally vulnerable, stripped of her defenses.
The next morning, Jesse and Ellie set out to meet up with Tommy, hoping to return home together. Along the way, Jesse discovers that Dina is indeed pregnant and that he is the father. This revelation changes everything for Jesse, as he now feels a sense of responsibility to live for the sake of his child. However, their plans are soon disrupted by the sound of gunfire and chaos in the distance.
As they navigate through the war-torn city, they stumble upon a group of WLF soldiers chasing a Scar. Ellie wants to intervene, but Jesse cautions her against it, reminding her that this is not their war. The scene serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing conflict between the WLF and the Scars.
The story then shifts to a WLF base, where Sgt. Park expresses his concern about the impending storm and his fixation on finding Abby. Isaac reveals that he had hoped Abby would take over the WLF if he were to die, but her disappearance has left him uncertain. The scene marks a rare moment of praise for Abby, which feels somewhat out of place given the show’s overall narrative.
Jesse and Ellie arrive at the designated meeting point, but Tommy is nowhere to be found. As they wait, they engage in a tense conversation about their motivations and the consequences of their actions. Jesse reveals that he did not vote for Ellie to go to Seattle, citing her selfishness and willingness to put others in harm’s way. Ellie retaliates, accusing Jesse of only caring about Jackson and being willing to let an innocent boy die earlier that day. The argument highlights the moral grey areas that the show is known for, leaving the audience to ponder the validity of each character’s perspective.
Source Link
