The Last of Us Season Two: Episode Three Recap
The hit HBO series, The Last of Us, has taken a dramatic turn in its third episode of season two, leaving fans reeling with the introduction of new characters and plot twists. According to a report by The Guardian, the episode picked up where the previous one left off, with Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, still reeling from the death of Joel, played by Pedro Pascal.
The episode began with a moving scene of Tommy, Joel’s brother, played by Gabriel Luna, tending to his body in a makeshift morgue. This was followed by a heart-wrenching scream from Ellie as she flashed back to Joel’s murder by Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever. The scene was a poignant reminder of the trauma that Ellie has endured, and her emotional response was a testament to the strong acting of Ramsey.
As The Guardian notes, Ellie has grown up in a world ravaged by a fungal apocalypse, and her sarcastic backchat is a hallmark of her character. However, in this episode, she was largely silent, grieving for the loss of her surrogate father, Joel. The article from The Guardian states, "Despite growing up amid a fungal apocalypse that she alone may have the ability to undo, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is a typical teenager in one key regard: constant sarcastic backchat."
The article from The Guardian went on to describe how Ellie spent much of the episode in pained silence, grappling with the loss of Joel. The sight of Joel’s jacket and flannel shirts finally triggered tears, although the arrival of Dina, played by Isabela Merced, cut that catharsis short.
Dina has brought homemade cookies and some vital intel: she knows more about Joel’s killers than she has been letting on. A distinctive wolf patch suggests they are members of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) based in Seattle. She also caught some of their names before getting knocked out: Manny, Owen, Nora and, crucially, "the girl with the braid" whose image is burned into Ellie’s memory. Her name is Abby. "Abby," repeats Ellie, putting that name at the top of a mental kill list.
The episode also introduced a new faction, a spiritual sect in rough cloaks advancing through a forest, as a man with a distinctive facial scar discusses the group’s philosophy with a young girl. The article from The Guardian noted that the holy speechifying was opaque, but it all went out the window when a warning whistle confirmed an imminent threat.
As Ellie prepares to head out to Seattle to avenge Joel’s death, she faces opposition from the town council. Despite her passionate plea, the motion to "find the people who killed Joel and execute them" is opposed by eight votes to three. Undeterred, Ellie sets out on a perilous journey with Dina, mapping out a route and gathering supplies.
The article from The Guardian described the scene where Ellie and Dina stumble upon the aftermath of what seems to be a one-sided massacre, which leaves Dina traumatized. As they approach Seattle, they remain confident that Abby and her WLF accomplices will be easy to find. However, unbeknownst to them, Abby’s friend Manny is watching from atop the Space Needle, gazing down at a formidable armed force.
The episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Ellie and Dina seemingly unaware of the danger that lies ahead. As The Guardian noted, "It’ll take more than quips to take this lot down." The article concluded that the introduction of new characters and plot twists has left fans eagerly anticipating the next episode.
In an interview with The Guardian, the show’s creators hinted at the direction of the next episode. While they did not provide any specific details, they did mention that the next episode will explore the complexities of Ellie’s character and her quest for revenge.
The Guardian’s report also included some interesting observations, including a shoutout to "Boring Scott," the guy at the town meeting who just wanted to educate everyone about the potential long-term benefits of corn production and turkey farming. Additionally, the ride from Jackson, Wyoming, to the outskirts of Seattle, Washington, is over 850 miles, which seems like a hard shift for poor Shimmer the horse, especially with two passengers weighed down with hardtack, bear spray, and an abundance of ammo.
Overall, episode three of The Last of Us season two has been a game-changer, introducing new characters and plot twists that have left fans reeling. As The Guardian noted, the show continues to explore the complexities of Ellie’s character, and her quest for revenge will be a major theme in the rest of the season.
Source: The Guardian – The Last of Us recap: season two, episode three – yes, Joel has been replaced already
