In Episode 5 of The Last of Us Season 2, which aired on May 11, 2025, Dina tells Ellie about a tragic event from her early life. When she was 8 years old, she lived with her mother and sister in a quiet cabin near Santa Fe, New Mexico. One day, she left the cabin with a gun without asking for permission. When she returned, a raider had entered the home and killed her family. Dina killed him. It was the first time she ever took a life. Since then, she has wondered if staying home would have changed anything.
Ellie begins her path of revenge
After hearing Dina’s story, Ellie takes the first steps toward tracking down the people who killed Joel. This episode shows her discovering the first person on her list. Although she does not confront the target yet, it is clear that she is now ready to act. Her journey of revenge has officially begun.
The tone gets darker
This episode shifts the mood of the season. It gives a deeper look into both Dina and Ellie. The storytelling focuses on trauma, pain, and the emotional cost of survival. As Ellie prepares for revenge, viewers see her changing. She is becoming more serious and more distant. At the same time, Dina’s past helps explain her cautious and strong nature.
Survival means pain and growth
The episode shows how hard the world has become for everyone. Even children are forced to grow up fast. Dina had to take a life at a young age. Ellie now faces similar choices. Both are shaped by their past and driven by love and loss. Their connection becomes stronger because of what they have suffered.
What to expect next
With Ellie’s mission now moving forward, the season is likely to become even more intense. She will face danger, hard decisions, and emotional struggles. Viewers will want to see whether Ellie can keep her humanity or lose it along the way.
About the show
The Last of Us is based on the video game created by Naughty Dog. It follows survivors in a world destroyed by infection. Season 2 builds on Ellie’s story and shows how loss can change a person. New episodes air weekly on HBO and stream on Max.
