The streets of Seattle are in chaos, with gunfire erupting along the border—a violent skirmish at the border hints at a potential war with the Seraphites. Sergeant Hanrahan interrogates one of their own, Sergeant Park, who is under scrutiny for killing members of her own unit. The story she shares is harrowing—her team encountered an evolved form of airborne cordyceps in a basement. The infection spread rapidly, forcing Park to seal the unit inside to prevent further contamination. Tragically, her own son Leon was among those sacrificed. It’s a morally wrenching decision, but Hanrahan ultimately deems it necessary, acknowledging Park’s pain with quiet solidarity.
Meanwhile, Ellie and Dina continue their desperate hunt for Abby. With help from intercepted WLF radio chatter, Dina maps out a route to the hospital where Nora, a known member of Abby’s crew, is believed to be. However, the only viable path takes them through a building likely crawling with infected—a risk they reluctantly accept. During a quiet moment, Ellie finds a guitar in their hideout theater and starts to play “If I Ever Were to Lose You” before breaking down under the weight of Joel’s loss. The music, once a source of peace, now only deepens her grief.
The journey through Seattle becomes increasingly harrowing. Dina, already weakened by pregnancy, vomits at the sight of slaughtered Seraphites, causing concern to Ellie. Despite Ellie’s worries, Dina insists on staying. Their relationship, deeply tested, shows its emotional depth as they navigate not just the physical terrain, but the emotional minefield of trauma and love.
Upon entering the abandoned building, Ellie and Dina encounter a terrifying ambush from the infected. Just when things look bleak, Jesse arrives to save them. He reveals that he and Tommy had come to Seattle looking for the pair but had split up during the search. Jesse urges them to return home, but Ellie is single-minded in her quest for revenge. The emotional standoff between justice and survival becomes central to Ellie’s arc.
Their escape leads them into a dense forest, where they witness a gruesome Seraphite ritual—an execution by disembowelment meant to “free” a man’s soul. The horror is amplified when Dina is struck by an arrow, forcing Jesse to carry her to safety while Ellie distracts the attackers. As Ellie escapes into the shadows, she finally sees her destination: the hospital.
Inside, Nora is treating injured soldiers when Ellie corners her. The tension reaches a boiling point. Nora initially shows sympathy, apologizing for Joel’s death, but quickly twists the knife by stating that Joel got what he deserved. She flees, leading to a white-knuckle chase through the hospital and into the spore-infested basement. Ellie catches up, but Nora, already coughing and infected, refuses to talk. In a devastating climax, Ellie brutally beats her for answers—an act that pushes her deeper into the darkness. The episode closes on a flashback to a peaceful moment with Joel, a stark contrast to Ellie’s current fractured self.
This was another powerful installment in a series that refuses to pull punches. The writing continues to diverge just enough from the source material to surprise fans while preserving the emotional core of the story. Ellie and Dina’s relationship remains a highlight—raw, complicated, and beautifully human. The handheld cinematography enhances the immersion, grounding the show in a gritty realism that suits the narrative perfectly.
Bella Ramsey delivers a tour de force performance, embracing Ellie’s rage and sorrow in a way that’s both chilling and heartbreaking. With each episode, the show grows bolder, exploring the trauma of loss, the cost of vengeance, and the struggle to hold onto your humanity in a world that demands its surrender.
The Last of Us is not just maintaining its momentum—it’s accelerating. As the end of the season approaches, the emotional stakes have never been higher.
Rating: 9/10