The second season of HBO’s The Last of Us (2023-) features seven episodes, beginning with “Future Days” and ending with “Convergence.” Officially announced soon after the release of the first season, this installment adapts part of the sequel to the original, The Last of Us Part II (2020).
While only two years have passed in real life, the series surprised audiences with a significant time jump: five years have elapsed for Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) since the events of the first season. They now reside in the thriving and safe community of Jackson, Wyoming. However, the tranquility of Jackson is shattered when a brutal and devastating event triggers a spiral of violence and revenge. Ellie, now 19, embarks on a relentless pursuit of justice that leads her to the dangerous, desolate landscapes of Seattle. There, she becomes embroiled in a brutal conflict between two rival factions: the authoritarian militia of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF) and the enigmatic, fanatical Seraphites.
The season delves into the dynamics of revenge, morality, and the consequences of violence. The narrative intertwines with Abby’s perspective, a new character with a deep connection to the events propelling Ellie’s quest, offering an intense display of the duality between personal justice and the endless cycle of retribution in a post-apocalyptic world. Bonds of loyalty are put to the test, and Joel and Ellie face an even more perilous and morally ambiguous world, where every decision carries significant weight, affecting not only the protagonists but also the lives of those around them.
This season gives Dina (Isabela Merced) a much bigger role, making her more visible and central than in the game. Her bisexuality is shown naturally, starting with her first kiss with Ellie, and the series even replaces Tommy with Dina in a major scene, deepening her impact on the story. We also learn more about her past, including how her mother dismissed her early feelings, and how her breakup with Jesse reflects her journey toward living more authentically.
In episode four, “Day One,” Ellie is bitten during a runner attack, leading Dina to panic and aim her weapon at her. Ellie reveals her immunity by showing an old bite mark, which shocks Dina and prompts her to reveal she’s pregnant with Jesse’s child. Overwhelmed, they kiss and spend the night together. The next morning, they talk about their future, Dina’s past struggles with her sexuality, and her relationship with Jesse. Despite everything, Dina commits to continuing their mission together.
When I was little, I told my mother I liked boys and I liked girls, and she said, ‘No, you like boys.’ And it’s just, I got stuck, even after she died. I tried to make things work with Jesse because I like him, I do. I think he’s a really good guy, but he wasn’t the one.
Kate Herron, the director of “Day One”, spoke with Variety about her approach to the episode. The interview primarily focused on how Herron managed the episode’s multiple storylines. Still, a central highlight was her deep admiration for how Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Isabela Merced (Dina) handled both action and intimate scenes.
Herron emphasized that the core of this episode lay in Ellie and Dina’s relationship, highlighting the importance of portraying their humanity and vulnerability amidst terrible circumstances. She aimed to provide “breather” moments, like the music store scene where Ellie sings to Dina, while also maintaining tension until Dina discovers Ellie’s immunity, ensuring the audience felt the fear and uncertainty. As a queer person, Herron emphasized the importance of portraying Dina’s bisexuality in a natural, straightforward way.