Dina Discovers Ellie’s Immunity in The Last of Us: Key Differences

Dina Discovers Ellie’s Immunity in The Last of Us: Key Differences

If you’ve played The Last of Us Part 2, you might have noticed significant changes in the live-action adaptation. A notable tweak has been made to Tommy’s storyline, which left fans feeling disappointed. However, the second episode of The Last of Us Season 2 finally showcases a pivotal moment: Dina learns about Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps infection. The way this discovery unfolds has been restructured for more emotional depth.

This revised revelation makes Dina’s understanding of Ellie’s immunity more impactful for viewers.

Spoilers Warning:

This post contains spoilers regarding the plot of The Last of Us Part 2 and Season 2 of the TV show, so read on at your own risk.

How Dina Learns About Ellie’s Immunity in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4

Dina Finds Out About Ellie’s Immunity in The Last of Us, But There’s a Major Difference
Image Credit: HBO (via Liane Hentscher/HBO, Warner Bros Discovery Pressroom)

In this episode, the subway escape sequence has been carefully altered from the video game, amplifying the suspense in HBO’s adaptation. Instead of navigating through a spore-filled area, Ellie and Dina simply escape from an infected horde in the subway.

As they flee, Dina gets stuck in a turnstile gate, and an infected creature charges toward her. Ellie quickly intervenes, putting herself in harm’s way by taking the bite meant for Dina. They manage to shoot the infected and escape the chaos.

At this point, Ellie hasn’t yet revealed her immunity. They find refuge in the Pinnacle Theatre, where Dina faces a moral quandary, believing she might have to kill Ellie before she turns. In this tense moment, Ellie cries out,

Please listen to me. I would die for you. I would. But that is not what just happened. F*ck. I’m immune. I can’t get infected.

Dina remains skeptical and keeps her gun aimed at Ellie. To convince her, Ellie proposes that Dina can keep watch from a distance and “pull the trigger” if she starts turning. Ultimately, Ellie proves her immunity convincingly.

A lot of the times, I wish this wasn’t true… I’m gonna wake up exactly as I’m right now. Me.

How Dina Discover Ellie’s Immunity in The TLOU Part 2 Video Game?

Ellie inside spores region in subway station
Image Credit: Naughty Dogs (via in-game screenshot by Ajithkumar/Moyens I/O)

In the video game, Dina learns about Ellie’s immunity under different circumstances. As they escape from WLF soldiers and infected in a spore-filled subway, Ellie falls and damages her gas mask. After dealing with a close encounter with an infected, Dina, concerned about Ellie’s broken mask, attempts to share hers. In that moment, Ellie interrupts her, asserting,

Stop! I’m not infected! I’m immune – Ellie

To clarify, Ellie takes off her mask, showcasing her lack of illness as she remains unaffected by spore inhalation. After safely reaching the Pinnacle Theatre, Ellie further validates her immunity through a heartfelt backstory explaining how she survived the infection, making clear that only a few know her secret.

This contrast in revelations, while different in execution, succeeds at emphasizing how deeply these characters would go to protect each other, mirroring the game’s essence.

While Tommy’s storyline changes left a sour taste for some, this emotional moment is anticipated to resonate well with fans. What did you think about Dina finding out Ellie’s immunity in Episode 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.