When we last left The Last of Us, Ellie set out with her best friend Dina to look for justice after her local government failed her. Their journey sent them all the way to Seattle, but it’s a big city. Finding one person there is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
The introduction of WLF leader Isaac leaves a lasting impression. Played by Jeffrey Wright, he is a man of morals but can be ruthless and cold while serving his brand of justice. Isaac isn’t someone to be trifled with, and that helps instill the loyalty from his soldiers. It’s a testament to Wright’s talent that he can make dialog surrounding culinary accessories so chilling.
The Last of Us also creates an interesting dichotomy between the warring factions of the WLF and the Seraphites. There are obvious differences such as the modern versus primitive arsenals, but the series doesn’t make the Seraphites as defenseless as we first saw last week in “The Path.” These religious fanatics are fueled by their faith rather than intimidation. For someone like Isaac, who is accustomed to power and control, his adversaries are very frustrating. Yet, they can also be as cruel and merciless as his own group.
What really shines is the rollercoaster ride that is Ellie and Dina’s relationship. Their initial exploration of Seattle reminds you of how young, and to a degree, how innocent the pair are such as their optimistic interpretation of all the rainbow flags in the city. The show has a history of using acoustic musical performances as a vehicle to build a romance. Think of Bill’s serenade of Frank with “Long, Long Time.” Ellie delivers a vulnerable rendition of “Take on Me,” which has a similar effect. You can’t deny the attraction between both characters, but that stripped down version marks the minute that Dina falls in love.
But couples in The Last of Us can’t become too complacent. The clicker attack threatens to hijack the couple before they can even start. It creates action and a high level of danger while the duo flee for their lives. The primal nature of the infected ratchets the urgency of the moment, and the situations effectively develop suspense.
The aftermath results in a powerful and emotional scene. Isabela Merced’s looks of heartbreak and inner conflict tear at your soul because she doesn’t know the whole picture. Later, the use of a spotlight and the inability to see her face adds a degree of detachment because Dina needs to put all feelings aside when she makes her decision. In the end, it’s a leap of faith that is awarded leading to a passionate evening.
The pillow talk in the morning is a calming influence that serves as a perfect way to bring the intensity down. It’s a candid conversation any normal new couple would have. The humor is cute, sweet, and relatable and lightens the tone. It shows there are small beacons of hope in this post-apocalyptic landscape, but also increases the stakes. As a formal couple, there is so much more to lose.
This week’s episode of The Last of Us introduces a ruthless antagonist, but is carried by the compelling emotional rollercoaster featuring Ellie and Dina.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays on HBO.
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