The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3: Ellie's Journey to Seattle

The Aftermath of Joel's Death

The third episode of The Last of Us Season 2, titled "The Path", opens in the immediate aftermath of the attack on Jackson. The community is shown burning the bodies of the infected outside the city walls, a grim but necessary task to prevent further spread of the fungus. This scene sets a somber tone, reflecting the heavy emotional weight carried by the characters following Joel's death in the previous episode.

Tommy, Joel's brother, is given a poignant moment to see Joel's body, which Ellie and Dina had brought back to Jackson. This marks a significant departure from the game's storyline, where Tommy was present during Joel's death. The show's decision to alter this detail may have implications for Tommy's character arc moving forward.

Ellie's Recovery and PTSD

The episode then shifts focus to Ellie, who is shown recovering in the hospital. Her mental state is fragile, with clear signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as she relives Joel's death repeatedly. The narrative jumps forward three months, during which time Ellie has been recuperating both physically and mentally.

During her recovery, Ellie is visited by Gail, Joel's therapist, who attempts to help her process her trauma. However, Ellie is resistant to therapy, choosing instead to lie and deflect Gail's questions. This behavior highlights Ellie's struggle to cope with her loss and her reluctance to confront her emotions head-on.

Returning to Joel's House

Upon leaving the hospital, Ellie returns to Joel's house for the first time since his death. The scene is heavy with emotion as Ellie encounters memorials left by community members and enters Joel's room. Here, she finds a box of his belongings, including his watch and revolver. This moment serves as a catalyst, reigniting Ellie's desire for revenge against Abby and her group.

Dina's Role and the Plan for Revenge

Dina, Ellie's close friend, plays a crucial role in this episode. She provides emotional support to Ellie and shares important information about Abby's group, the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), also known as the Wolves. Dina's knowledge, gained from Eugene, becomes instrumental in forming their plan to travel to Seattle.

The episode portrays Dina as the "brains" of their operation, emphasizing her strategic thinking and planning skills. This characterization adds depth to Dina's role and justifies her decision to accompany Ellie on her dangerous mission.

The Community's Response

The episode dedicates significant time to exploring the Jackson community's reaction to Ellie's desire for revenge. A town meeting is called to discuss the matter, with various community members voicing their opinions. This scene serves multiple purposes:

1. It showcases the democratic nature of the Jackson community.
2. It highlights the different perspectives on revenge and justice in their post-apocalyptic world.
3. It sets up the conflict between Ellie's personal mission and the community's desire for safety and stability.

Ultimately, the community votes against sending a group to Seattle, setting the stage for Ellie and Dina's secret departure.

Preparation and Departure

Despite the community's decision, Ellie remains determined to pursue her revenge. With Dina's help and support from a few sympathetic community members, including Seth (who shows significant character growth from earlier episodes), Ellie prepares for her journey.

Before leaving, Ellie visits Joel's grave, leaving coffee beans as a tribute to his love for coffee. This touching moment provides closure for Ellie's time in Jackson and marks the beginning of her new, dangerous quest.

The Journey to Seattle

The episode then shifts to a montage of Ellie and Dina's journey to Seattle. This sequence serves several purposes:

1. It shows the passage of time and the distance traveled.
2. It provides opportunities for character development, particularly in exploring Ellie and Dina's relationship.
3. It offers glimpses of the post-apocalyptic world beyond Jackson.

During their journey, Ellie and Dina encounter evidence of conflict between different factions, foreshadowing the dangers that await them in Seattle.

Introduction of the Seraphites

The episode introduces a new faction called the Seraphites, also known as Scars. This religious group is portrayed as victims of the WLF's aggression, with Ellie and Dina discovering a group of murdered Seraphites during their journey.

The Seraphites are characterized by their distinctive appearance, including scars on their cheeks, and their belief system that views the infected as demons. This introduction sets up the complex political landscape of Seattle, where multiple factions are in constant conflict.

Arrival in Seattle

As Ellie and Dina reach the outskirts of Seattle, the episode builds tension by contrasting their optimism with the reality of the situation. The girls are shown looking out over the city, reminiscent of a similar scene in the game, unaware of the true scale of the challenges that await them.

The episode concludes with a scene showcasing the WLF's strength and organization. A large convoy of well-armed WLF members is shown, emphasizing the formidable opposition that Ellie and Dina will face in their quest for revenge.

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Character Development and Relationships

Throughout the episode, significant attention is given to developing the characters and their relationships:

Ellie's Growth and Struggles

Ellie's character is shown grappling with intense emotions, from grief and anger to determination. Her training scenes with Jesse highlight her physical preparation for the journey, while her interactions with Dina reveal her emotional vulnerabilities.

Dina's Expanded Role

The episode expands Dina's character beyond her role in the game. She is portrayed as intelligent, resourceful, and deeply loyal to Ellie. Her decision to accompany Ellie on this dangerous mission underscores the strength of their bond.

Tommy's Dilemma

Tommy's character is shown struggling with his desire for revenge and his responsibilities to the Jackson community. His decision to stay behind, contrary to his actions in the game, adds a new dimension to his character.

Community Dynamics

The town meeting scene provides insight into the various personalities within the Jackson community and how they interact in times of crisis.

Themes and Symbolism

Several key themes are explored in this episode:

Cycle of Violence

The episode touches on the destructive nature of revenge, with characters like Carlyle warning against the pursuit of vengeance. This theme is central to the overall narrative of The Last of Us Part II.

Grief and Coping

Ellie's struggle with PTSD and her difficulty in processing Joel's death are prominent throughout the episode, highlighting the psychological toll of loss in their harsh world.

Community vs. Individual

The conflict between Ellie's personal mission and the community's decision raises questions about individual desires versus collective safety.

Nature vs. Civilization

The introduction of the Seraphites brings forth ideas about different approaches to survival in the post-apocalyptic world, contrasting their nature-centric beliefs with the more militaristic approach of the WLF.

Easter Eggs and References

The episode includes several nods to the game and pop culture:

• Ellie's room contains posters referencing 90s culture, including The Matrix and Radiohead.
• The song "The Path" from the game's soundtrack is referenced in the episode's title.
• Ellie's backpack and the horse named Shimmer are direct references to the game.

Setting Up Future Conflicts

The episode effectively sets the stage for upcoming challenges:

1. It introduces the WLF as a formidable enemy, far more organized and well-equipped than any threat Ellie has faced before.
2. The brief glimpse of the Seraphites hints at the complex factional conflicts that dominate Seattle.
3. The mention of Isaac, a key antagonist from the game, teases his upcoming introduction in the next episode.

Conclusion

"The Path" serves as a transitional episode, bridging the shocking events of Joel's death with the new chapter of Ellie's journey. It balances character development, world-building, and plot progression, setting up the conflicts and challenges that will drive the rest of the season.

As Ellie and Dina enter Seattle, viewers are left with a sense of foreboding. The girls' determination and skill are pitted against the overwhelming odds represented by the WLF and the unknown dangers lurking in the city. This setup promises intense, emotional, and action-packed episodes to come as Ellie pursues her quest for revenge in a world that grows more complex and dangerous with each step.

Image Credit: HBO