HBO's 'The Last of Us' Season 2 Nears Conclusion: Ellie and Dina Face New Challenges

HBO's 'The Last of Us' Season 2 is nearing its conclusion with three episodes remaining. Episode 5 airs on Sunday, May 11, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. The season explores Ellie and Dina's deepening relationship, highlighted by Dina's pregnancy revelation and their shared journey against the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), led by Isaac. The WLF's actions, including Joel's murder, propel Ellie on a path of vengeance. The series adapts the game with a focus on emotional depth and character development, setting up a tense finale.

Ellie and Dina’s Relationship Evolves in New Ways

Season 2 of “The Last of Us” has taken a more deliberate and emotionally nuanced approach to the relationship between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) compared to the video game. Over the course of the first four episodes, their bond has grown from cautious companionship to a deeply personal connection. In Episode 4, Dina reveals her pregnancy, a moment that could have fractured their relationship but instead brings them closer. Ellie responds with warmth and support, even offering to co-parent the child with Dina and Jesse.

This moment of vulnerability is followed by their first night together in the abandoned theater they’ve taken refuge in, marking a significant turning point in their relationship. The show’s slower pacing allows for a more emotionally resonant portrayal of their intimacy, contrasting with the game’s more abrupt development of their romance. The series also reimagines key moments, such as Ellie revealing her immunity to the Cordyceps virus, which in the game occurred during a tense moment involving airborne spores. In the show, this revelation is given more emotional weight, further strengthening the trust between the two characters.

The Threat of the Washington Liberation Front

While Ellie and Dina’s relationship forms the emotional core of the season, the external conflict escalates with the introduction of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), a militant faction based in Seattle. Led by the imposing Isaac (Jeffrey Wright), the WLF is responsible for the brutal killing of Joel (Pedro Pascal), a pivotal event that sets Ellie on a path of vengeance.

Three months after Joel’s death, Dina informs Ellie that the WLF is behind the attack. Despite opposition from the town council in Jackson, Ellie decides to pursue the group alone. Dina, unwilling to let her go without support, joins her, bringing supplies and a renewed sense of purpose. Their journey to Seattle is not just a mission of revenge but also a test of their resilience and commitment to each other.

The WLF’s presence introduces a new layer of danger and moral complexity. As Ellie and Dina navigate the ruins of Seattle, they encounter not only infected but also heavily armed human adversaries. The WLF’s ideology and tactics challenge Ellie’s sense of justice, forcing her to confront the cost of her quest for retribution.

Upcoming Episodes and Airing Schedule

With four episodes already released, “The Last of Us” Season 2 is entering its final act. The season consists of seven episodes in total, with the remaining schedule as follows:

Episode 5: Sunday, May 11
Episode 6: Sunday, May 18
Episode 7 (Finale): Sunday, May 25

Each episode airs at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on HBO and is available for streaming on Max. The series continues to draw viewers with its blend of emotional storytelling and post-apocalyptic tension, and the final episodes are expected to bring major developments in both character arcs and overarching plotlines.

A Season of Emotional Reckoning

Season 2 has not shied away from the emotional fallout of Joel’s death. His absence looms large over every decision Ellie makes, and the show uses this loss to explore themes of grief, vengeance, and identity. Ellie’s transformation from a protected teenager to a hardened survivor mirrors Joel’s own arc from Season 1, but with a more tragic undertone.

The showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have expanded on the game’s narrative by giving more screen time to character development and interpersonal dynamics. This is particularly evident in the way Ellie and Dina’s relationship is portrayed. Their shared trauma, mutual support, and growing affection provide a counterbalance to the violence and despair that surround them.

Looking Ahead

As the series approaches its finale, viewers can expect the tension to escalate. The WLF remains a formidable threat, and Ellie’s pursuit of justice—or revenge—will likely come at a high cost. With only three episodes left, the show is poised to deliver a powerful conclusion that stays true to the emotional depth and moral ambiguity that have defined the season so far.

Season 2 has already set itself apart by reimagining key elements of the game while preserving its core themes. The evolving relationship between Ellie and Dina, the looming threat of the WLF, and the emotional aftermath of Joel’s death all contribute to a season that is as introspective as it is intense.