In the gripping opening of “The Last of Us” Season 2, Episode 5, the narrative once again immerses viewers in the world of the Washington Liberation Front (W.L.F.). The episode begins with Hanrahan, portrayed by Alanna Ubach, arriving at a W.L.F.-controlled hospital, only to discover that the basement stairwell has been completely sealed off. When she confronts Sergeant Elise Park, played by Hettienne Park, about her drastic actions leading to the deaths of her men, a harrowing story unfolds.
Sergeant Park recounts her attempt to restore the hospital for the W.L.F., clearing out each floor with minimal resistance. However, the atmosphere shifts as Park describes the chilling events on the basement levels. While B1 presented no threats—“the whole floor was empty, not even rats,” she notes—things took a dark turn when her son, Leon, was sent to assist in clearing B2. His frantic radio call, “It’s in the air. Seal us in,” leaves a haunting impression on Park and the audience alike. Hanrahan’s attempt to console Park, stating she resolved the situation “permanently and heroically,” only adds to the dread of the scene, showcasing Craig Mazin's talent for creating tension through dialogue.
As the episode shifts focus, we find ourselves back at the theater where Dina (played by Isabela Merced) and Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey) seek refuge post-Day One. Dina, utilizing the stolen W.L.F. radio, listens to military transmissions to navigate towards the hospital where they believe Nora (played by Tati Gabrielle) is stationed. Meanwhile, Ellie explores the theater and discovers a beautifully preserved guitar. In a poignant moment, she sings a line from “Future Days” by Pearl Jam, a song that resonates deeply with players of “The Last of Us Part II”.
Realizing the need to avoid W.L.F. patrols, Dina and Ellie decide to cut through a building they suspect is infested with infected. Although Dina deems this plan “reckless,” both are determined to proceed. Their journey takes a grim turn when they encounter another “Feel Her Love” mural, accompanied by a pile of murdered Seraphite bodies, a sight that horrifies them and deepens the narrative's themes of violence and loss. Dina shares a chilling story of her first kill, revealing her understanding of Ellie’s desire for revenge against Abby, setting the stage for their complex relationship as the series progresses.
Upon reaching the marked building, Ellie is reminded by Dina to avoid attracting attention, but their plans quickly unravel when they find themselves trapped with infected stalkers. In a tense moment, they are rescued by Jesse (played by Young Mazino), who leads them to safety away from the W.L.F. soldiers. The trio takes refuge in a park, where Jesse explains his and Tommy’s (played by Gabriel Luna) plans to reunite in the morning to return to Jackson.
However, the situation escalates when a group of Scars brutally executes a captured W.L.F. soldier, and in the chaos, Dina is shot in the leg. Ellie, driven by her mission, decides to pursue Nora instead of following Jesse and Dina back to safety. This pivotal decision showcases Ellie’s relentless drive, further complicating her character's arc.
Ellie stealthily navigates past patrolling W.L.F. soldiers and finally confronts Nora, who expresses surprise at seeing her again. Their exchange quickly turns tense, revealing Nora’s cold perspective on Joel’s actions and the consequences of his choices. As Ellie pushes for information about Abby, the two engage in a struggle that leads them into the basement level B2, where they discover the horrifying reality of the Cordyceps infection.
Nora, in a moment of desperation, reveals the truth about Joel’s past actions, stating that he killed everyone in the hospital, including the only person capable of creating a cure from Ellie. The weight of this revelation hangs heavy as Ellie grapples with her motivations and the implications of revenge.
The episode concludes with a powerful scene that hints at the long-awaited flashbacks between Ellie and Joel that “The Last of Us” has yet to explore. These moments are some of the most impactful in “The Last of Us Part II”, and their introduction may enhance the emotional resonance of the series moving forward. The pacing of the show, while occasionally disjointed, may benefit from these deeper character moments as fans eagerly anticipate how the story unfolds in subsequent episodes.
As “The Last of Us” continues to air on Sundays on HBO and Max, viewers are left contemplating the complex dynamics of love, loss, and revenge that define this haunting narrative.
