The Aftermath of Joel’s Death
If anyone still believed Joel’s death in the previous episode of The Last of Us might have been a trick, Episode 3 quickly shattered that hope. Among the charred remains of Jackson, Wyoming, Tommy tearfully says goodbye to his brother. Pedro Pascal’s name is missing from the opening credits — a powerful signal that Joel is truly gone. Yet, his brutal murder by Abby remains the emotional engine driving the story forward.
The third episode of The Last of Us Season 2 is titled “The Path,” an apt description for the journey ahead. This chapter redefines the characters’ emotional landscape and recalibrates the audience’s expectations. The residents of Jackson face a crucial decision: whether they will seek justice for Joel’s death and how far they are willing to go.
Jackson Rebuilds and Ellie Faces Her Grief
Three months have passed since Joel’s death, and Jackson has begun rebuilding both its structures and its spirit. Ellie, finally healed from her injuries, undergoes a mental health evaluation with Gail before being released. Although Ellie claims she is coping, Gail notices the discrepancy between her calm words and the storm brewing inside her. Nevertheless, Gail clears her to return home.
Ellie’s fragile composure crumbles when she steps into her house. She finds Joel’s watch and his old belongings, and grief overwhelms her. As Ellie breaks down, Dina arrives with a confession: during Ellie’s hospital stay, Dina lied. She remembers that Joel’s killers came from Seattle and were part of a group known as the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), led by a woman named Abby.
Armed with this information, Ellie and Dina approach Tommy. Although Tommy sympathizes with their pain, he insists that any mission must be properly planned and approved by the town council.
A New Threat Emerges Outside Seattle
Meanwhile, the narrative briefly shifts to a trail outside Seattle. Here, a new group is introduced: a religious sect marked by scars on their cheeks. They communicate through whistling and appear peaceful unless provoked. A little girl asks an elder if they are hiding from demons. His answer — that they are hiding from “wolves” — hints at greater dangers ahead.
Though disconnected at first glance, this scene will soon prove vital to understanding Seattle’s deadly environment.
The Town Council Divides Over Revenge
At a tense town meeting in Jackson, the community debates whether to launch a mission to Seattle. Some residents fear weakening Jackson’s defenses, while others argue that seeking justice is necessary to protect their way of life. Seth, a vocal supporter of retaliation, believes strength must be shown.
Ellie passionately speaks to the council, arguing that avenging Joel’s death is about loyalty and protecting each other, not just revenge. Despite her compelling speech, the council votes against the mission, with eight votes against and only three in favor.
This scene highlights The Last of Us at its best: delivering gripping drama while challenging viewers to wrestle with ethical dilemmas. Is risking the safety of many worth honoring the life of one?
Ellie and Dina Set Out on Their Own
Although the council rejects the plan, Ellie refuses to give up. During a casual baseball game with Gail, Tommy realizes that Ellie intends to leave with or without permission. Fortunately, Ellie finds a partner in Dina, who prepares a full plan — maps, supplies, and escape routes — ensuring they stand a fighting chance.
With quiet help from Seth, Ellie and Dina slip away under cover of night, determined to track down Abby and her group in Seattle.
A Journey Filled with Memories and Dangers
Their journey to Seattle unfolds rapidly. Along the way, they visit Joel’s grave, share memories of their New Year’s Eve kiss, and bolster each other’s resolve. The pair mistakenly believes that the WLF is a small rogue group they can defeat with some planning and determination.
Upon reaching the outskirts of Seattle, Ellie and Dina discover the gruesome aftermath of a battle: bodies scattered along a forest path. Among the dead are the scarred people introduced earlier. These victims were not fleeing from metaphorical demons — they were hunted by the WLF.
The “wolves” the little girl feared were terrifyingly real.
Seattle Reveals the True Strength of the WLF
Ellie and Dina finally glimpse Seattle’s skyline, eerily silent yet foreboding. They feel a sense of triumph — until they encounter Manny, a soldier seen earlier with Abby. From Manny’s vantage point, the truth becomes clear: the WLF is not a ragtag band but a massive military force equipped with tanks, armor, and heavy artillery.
Finding Abby now seems far more dangerous and complex than Ellie and Dina ever imagined.
New episodes of The Last of Us premiere Sundays on HBO and Max.
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