In the latest episode of The Last of Us Season 2, titled “Day One,” we delve into the gripping dynamics between Ellie and Dina during their first 24 hours in a post-apocalyptic Seattle. This episode marked the introduction of Isaac, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, who serves as the formidable leader of Abby’s Washington Liberation Front (WLF). However, the audience is taken back in time to meet Isaac a decade earlier, when he was still a federal military sergeant struggling through a challenging day on the job.
In this episode, Isaac and the federal military, known as FEDRA, are tasked with managing a discontent populace referred to sarcastically as “voters,” a term that highlights the disillusionment felt by citizens stripped of their voting rights. The atmosphere inside the military van becomes increasingly tense when the troops encounter an unexpected roadblock—a bus obstructing their path. This incident is no mere coincidence. In a shocking turn of events, Isaac spares a young FEDRA soldier who shows empathy, only to return and eliminate the rest of his comrades, ultimately aligning himself with a nascent group of resistance fighters.
Fast forward eleven years, and we find Dina and Ellie scavenging an abandoned house on their first day in Seattle. While Dina attempts to project confidence—declaring, “All right, hit it — people to kill”—her enthusiasm seems forced. The episode features an array of visual Easter eggs for Seattle residents, including a fictional Weston’s Pharmacy and a tattered Capitol Hill rainbow banner, despite being filmed in British Columbia. However, the scene lacks authenticity, as the landscape includes a multitude of destroyed vehicles, notably absent of the iconic Subaru.
As they navigate the ruins, Dina and Ellie take refuge in an abandoned music shop, where Ellie performs a heartfelt cover of the '80s hit “Take on Me” on an acoustic guitar. This moment of vulnerability hints at Ellie’s emotional turmoil regarding her late father figure, Joel, and her longing for connection. As she shares her musical talent, the audience feels the weight of her regret and yearning for the past, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.
Switching back to Isaac, now a ruthless leader of the WLF, he is seen lecturing about kitchen equipment while torturing a captured Seraphite, a member of the cult-like faction that the Wolves are at war with. The tension escalates as the Seraphite clings to hope, praying to his prophet, while Isaac remains indifferent, embodying the brutal nature of survival in this harsh world. This segment of the episode underscores the overarching theme of vengeance and the cyclical nature of violence that permeates the series.
Dina and Ellie stumble upon a chilling ritual sacrifice conducted by the Scars, a faction that opposes the WLF, further illustrating the grim reality of their world. As they narrowly escape the scene, they find themselves pursued by WLF troops, leading to a heart-pounding sequence filled with infected creatures in an abandoned building. The tension reaches its peak when Ellie allows herself to be bitten to protect Dina, revealing her secret: she is immune to the fungal infection.
In a pivotal moment, Ellie admits her immunity to Dina, who is initially skeptical but soon comes to trust Ellie after witnessing her survival. Dina then shares her own secret—she is pregnant with Jesse’s child. After a night of emotional catharsis, the pair resolves to continue their journey together, motivated by their love and commitment to one another.
As the episode concludes, fans are left hoping for a brighter future for Ellie and Dina amidst the chaos that surrounds them. Tune in for Episode 5 of The Last of Us to see how their story unfolds.
