The second season’s fifth episode of *The Last of Us* stands out as the shortest yet, but it delivers powerful narrative elements that resonate deeply with characters like Ellie, Dina, and the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), while also echoing the show’s broader themes.
Note: Spoilers for both *The Last of Us* game and television series ahead.
The episode opens with an unsettling cold open featuring WLF member Hanrahan, first introduced in the previous episode. He finds himself in a tense hospital setting where anxious soldiers await further instructions. A heavily secured door to the basement signals that something sinister is lurking, while Hanrahan converses with colleague Elise, portrayed by Hettienne Park.
Hanrahan seeks insight from Elise regarding a distressing incident involving her own troops, including a soldier named Leon. She recounts the harrowing moments when her team went to secure the hospital, only to encounter an unexpected danger dwelling in the basement. “It’s in the air,” she warns, just before sealing her team, which includes her own son, inside. Ouch.
Fans speculated in the first season about the absence of fungal spores, suggesting it was a creative decision to keep Joel—played by Pedro Pascal—from donning a gas mask. Now, with their introduction in season two, particularly in this episode, they hint at significant developments for a key character down the line (stay tuned). The long-awaited arrival of spores has finally arrived on-screen.
The story then shifts back to Ellie and Dina in the Seattle theater, where they plot their next move to locate the hospital and find Nora, following the nail-biting events of episode four.
While the episode includes several gripping scenes, such as when Ellie and Dina find themselves cornered by Stalkers and are dramatically rescued by Jesse and Tommy, I felt the pacing dragged at times. The high production values shine through, with outstanding set design, musical score, and visual effects. Ellie’s dark journey through a hospital basement transformed into a haunting fungal landscape, with spores wafting through the air, was visually striking.
Nonetheless, a lingering sense remains that the episode served more as a setup for future events rather than a standalone installment. Was a full 45 minutes necessary just to reach Nora?
Eventually, we encounter Nora, although her storyline is less graphic than in the game, it certainly remains intense. This scene illustrates Ellie’s burning desire for vengeance and reveals the lengths she’s prepared to go to track down Abby.
The confrontation between Ellie and Nora in the hospital echoes the raw tension of *The Last of Us Part 2*, culminating in a high-stakes standoff in a corridor filled with spores and bathed in a striking red light. Those familiar with the game likely felt the weight of impending doom.
As depicted in both the game and the series, Nora is afflicted by a spore infection and is deteriorating rapidly. Aware that Ellie is unharmed, she exhibits a mix of fear and bravery, steadfastly resisting Ellie’s inquiries about Abby’s whereabouts, despite the dire situation.
Tati Gabrielle skillfully captures the nuances of this moment, blending fear and desperation as she faces Ellie’s escalating demands. When Ellie invokes Joel’s actions against the Fireflies, it drives home her resolve to find Abby. The moment Ellie attacks Nora with a pipe is particularly distressing, bluntly showcasing Ellie’s descent into a revenge-driven spiral.
Personally, I found that scene to be more impactful in the game, where players are engaged in that horrific act. In the game, the mechanics involved felt framed by a forced cruelty against Nora, emphasizing Ellie’s character arc rather than providing depth to Nora.
Had I not known of the game beforehand, perhaps the moment would have left a stronger impression. Regardless, it was still a disturbing scene. Bella Ramsey’s performance here was exceptional, laying bare Ellie’s chaotic emotional state. When isolated from her surroundings, Ellie’s veneer of normalcy slips away, providing a glimpse into a stark and terrifying reality. However, I wish the show had devoted more time to fleshing out Nora’s character to enhance the emotional impact of the scene.
Three moments were particularly striking in this episode. Firstly, I appreciated the insight into Dina’s backstory, specifically how she avenged the aggressors of her sister and mother. This detail enriches our understanding of her motivations as she supports Ellie in her quest for justice against those who wronged Joel.
Secondly, the intimate scene where Ellie plays *Future Days* by Pearl Jam resonated strongly. Those who know the game will recognize its emotional weight, and the transient beauty of her performance felt profoundly moving. The fierce look on her face as she concludes the song signals a crucial transformation within her character this episode.
Lastly, the episode wraps up with a touching flashback to a sunlit Jackson, where Ellie awakens to Joel’s familiar greeting, “Hey kiddo,” as he enters her room. This nostalgic moment sharply contrasts her current loneliness and the depth of her losses. Next week promises even more emotional storytelling.
With only two episodes left in the second season of *The Last of Us*, I had anticipated we would delve deeper into *The Last of Us Part 2’s* storyline by now. This raises questions about how the remaining narrative will unfold. I have my theories about where the series is headed, but I hope it maintains a steady pace without feeling rushed in these final chapters.
What did you think of Episode Five of *The Last of Us* Season Two?
