On the most recent The Last of Us, Ellie and Dina continue their pursuit of the people they feel are responsible for Joel’s death. The journey brings them to Seattle where they walk into a war zone between the groups colloquially known as the Wolves and the Scars.
The cold opening is an example of the series building the world past the video game. Through side comments we gain insight of how long the fight for Seattle has been going on, and witness again the animosity on both sides. However, the scene is an efficient and clever means to portray Hanrahan, who was introduced last week, as a hard nosed yet compassionate leader. The final line is the kicker showcasing the sacrifices these characters make and a reminder of the dangers out there.
Finally, it is a bit of foreshadowing and sets the stage for the dramatic showdown in the end. There is so much accomplished in so few minutes, especially considering this is one of the shorter episodes of the season.
The dynamic between Ellie and Dina quickly changes as well. It’s cute that they are formally together and their interactions highlight how much they complement each other despite their differences. However, their relationship also means they have so much more to lose if something happens to either. We have the typical overprotectiveness on Ellie’s part, and although they seem on the same page now, it’s sometimes when there is a slight hesitation when things can go wrong on The Last of Us.
Once again, the action sequences are engaging. The encounter with the infected generates suspense with the darkness, unnerving sounds, and large number. There is even an added threat since these aren’t your run of the mill versions. Then we have the skirmish with the scars. It’s the first time you really feel they are legitimately dangerous. We have seen their handiwork, but we’ve seen more bodies from their side than the wolves. Those unfamiliar to the video game might find their practices jarring, especially when you actually witness it, but it’s a nice nod to the source material.
Probably the more unsettling part of the episode is Ellie’s darker turn. We all know it’s a revenge mission, but it doesn’t make her actions easier to stomach. She is a chip off the old block following in Joe’s footsteps with the brutality they dish out on behalf of each other. It’s a contrast to Dina’s painful story from earlier since her actions were due more to survival than vengeance. Even amongst all the drama, The Last of Us drops a bigger reveal regarding Ellie, which raises questions about her current savagery.
Episode five turns to dark urges where even the main characters aren’t immune.
New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays on HBO.
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