If you were hoping Joel’s demise in the last episode of The Last of Us was merely a moment of suspense, think again. The third episode of season two, titled “The Path,” opens with Tommy bidding farewell to his brother amid the fiery ruins of Jackson, Wyoming. Notably, Pedro Pascal’s name is absent from the opening credits, leaving no room for doubt—Joel is not returning to the storyline. Nonetheless, his brutal death at Abby’s hands is pivotal to the unfolding drama.
This episode expertly resets our emotions and recalibrates our expectations. As the residents of Jackson process Joel’s death, they grapple with whether to seek revenge on his killers, effectively setting the stage for the developments to follow.
Three months have passed since Joel’s tragic end, and Jackson has demonstrably rebuilt, both physically and emotionally. Ellie, healing in the hospital, must confront her feelings during a meeting with Gail, who is concerned about her mental health. Although Ellie expresses sadness and anger, she appears surprisingly composed, contradicting the turmoil surrounding her last interaction with Joel. Gail, though skeptical, clears Ellie for release.
Returning home, reality strikes Ellie hard as she discovers Joel’s watch—gifted by Tommy—and his belongings still hanging in the closet. A moment of vulnerability quickly shifts when Dina brings news that Ellie has been lying about her memory of Joel’s killers. Dina reveals the group’s origin (Seattle), their name (the Washington Liberation Front, or WLF), and even a key player, Abby. Ellie is furious but equally determined. Their conversation leads to Tommy’s involvement, emphasizing that a well-laid plan is imperative before taking action against Joel’s murderers.
Before making plans, the narrative intriguingly shifts to a path outside of Seattle. A group of people, marked by scars on their cheeks, exhibits an enigmatic ritual of communication through whistles. As they hide from an impending threat, a little girl innocently asks if they’re hiding from demons, to which the elderly man replies they are hiding from “wolves.” This moment may feel unrelated initially but carries significance as the plot unfolds.
Back in Jackson, the town gathers to deliberate over whether to dispatch a group to Seattle to confront Abby and her companions. The debate is intense, with some believing it critical to show strength, while others worry about risking town safety. Ellie passionately argues for her involvement—not solely for revenge, but to embody the community’s supportive spirit. Despite compelling points on both sides, the council votes against the motion.
That decision proves somewhat inconsequential. While Gail and Tommy discuss the town’s future at a Little League game, Ellie, fueled by determination, decides to embark on the journey regardless. She won’t be alone; Dina arrives, fully prepared with a map and supplies—a true partner in Ellie’s quest for justice.
With the help of Seth, Ellie and Dina head toward Seattle. Initially, it seems this episode may conclude before they even arrive, spanning multiple episodes. However, The Last of Us swiftly moves them to Seattle in record time, bringing with it key developments.
Upon reaching Joel’s grave, the emotional weight is palpable. Moments of lightheartedness emerge as they share teasing about their New Year’s Eve kiss. Yet the gravity of their mission soon settles in—Dina and Ellie speculate that the WLF might not be as formidable as rumored.
Then they unexpectedly stumble upon the prior scene with the Scars and find the aftermath of a brutal massacre, igniting the horrific revelations about the WLF. The link to the previously mentioned “wolves” becomes alarmingly clear.
Arriving in Seattle, Ellie and Dina are greeted by the iconic skyline, feeling a mix of hope and apprehension. Their confidence wanes as they spot Manny, Abby’s ally from Jackson, indicating the WLF is a far larger force than they anticipated—complete with military tanks and heavy weaponry. What seemed like a manageable task now looms as an almost insurmountable challenge.
The episode “The Path” intricately establishes the stakes for the remainder of The Last of Us season two. Ellie and Dina are ready to face daunting odds in their pursuit of Abby. Will they succeed? What mysteries await regarding this complex group? Stay tuned.
New episodes of The Last of Us premiere every Sunday on HBO and Max.
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