Refresh
Grover Cameo!
One of my favorite books of all time is The Monster at the End of This Book. I still have my original softcover, as well as the newer version bought for my daughters. The Last of Us won my heart once more with this reference brought in.
Abby Is Isaac’s WLF Successor
Abby’s importance within the WLF is set up pretty well here, and without really putting a bow on it. Elise initially suspects Isaac is horned up for Abby, but soon learns of Isaac’s other plans for the future, involving the possible death of all his soldiers on what sounds like a dangerous mission.
Costco Cameo!
I love that this wasn’t just a generically named store, and is 100% a Costco.
Jesse Doomed Himself, Didn’t He?
As soon as Jesse says the words “I’m not dying” in any context, it kinda sealed his doom in my mind. One can hope for the better, but one doesn’t get to take amoral stances on children getting killed by WLF soldiers right after talking about wanting to keep his unborn child safe. Something doesn’t add up there, Jesse.
Everything Changing Doesn’t Have To Change Things
Ellie may have grown up a lot since her time as a 14-year-old, but one talk with Jesse is a quick reminder that she has a long way to go still.
Jesse is indeed all clued in about Dina’s pregnancy, which he tricked Ellie into admitting, and is going forward with the knowledge that he needs to survive long enough to make sure Dina and his kid make it back to safety. Because that kind of plan goes REALLY WELL in this universe.
SHIMMER LIVES!!!
Aw hell yeah, Jesse, for this update:
- “We followed the likeliest path into the city. Found the place you stashed Shimmer. She’s still there doing alright, not that you asked.” – Jesse, not horsing around
Three cheers!
Dina Gives Ellie THE BRACELET
It’s unclear whether or not the bracelet will come up again in this particular finale, but anyone watching who didn’t play the games should keep an eye on Ellie’s wrist in future episodes. It may not be quite as meaningful as Joel’s watch, but give it time.
Dina Cleanses Ellie’s Wounds And Soul
Though they haven’t been away from each other for that long, quite a lot transpired since Ellie and Dina were in the same space. And bless Dina for her first move to be to take care of Ellie, already letting the motherly feelings set in.
Also, holy fuck, Ellie’s back.
Ellie comes clean about what happened with Nora after I initially thought she’d lie about it, reflecting Joel’s lies to Gail about Eugene. She says she left Nora for dead, which is probably the truth, though she doesn’t mention the spores at all. Still, this confession was enough.
- “I made her talk. I thought it would be harder to do, but it wasn’t. It was easy. I just kept hurting her.” – Repentant Ellie
Ellie then comes clean and gives Dina the TLDR version of events that led to Abby murdering Joel, confirming that she took a trip out to Salt Lake City and learned what Joel did to Abby’s father. I wasn’t even sure if Ellie was telling Nora the truth in saying she knew what Joel did, but this brings the story closer to the game’s version of events.
“I knew” could become the newest version of “You swore.”
A Shimmer Reference!
Fans have been waiting for an update about Ellie’s horse since the old gal was left behind in the record shop to munch on some grass. Although I’m not sure if it counts that Jesse namechecked the animal as a form of security to make sure it was Ellie banging on the door.
- “Shimmer. I’m alone. Open the fucking door!” – Ellie, alone and wet and horseless
Still no actual update though…
Dr. Jesse Operates On Dina’s Gnarly Leg Wound
It’s bonkers to me that Jesse and Dina traveled all the way back to the theater before doing something about the arrow in her leg. I understand why they had to hoof it, of course, but I’m not sure my own body would have followed suit so successfully. Also, is it a bad omen that Dina starts this episode off saying Jesse can’t let her die? I choose to say no.
If only all doctors told their patients to shut up and drink alcohol before an operation. Surely Jesse is wondering why Dina would refuse the booze, right?
I gotta say, the sound of the arrow being pushed through the back of Dina’s leg would be enough to get me to down a shot or two, even if I was pregnant. (Considering I’m male, the leg wound wouldn’t be the one topping the list of medical anomalies.) I now feel bad for Isabela Merced having to act with Dina’s wound for the rest of the episode and beyond.
No Cold Open
Considering most cold opens end on a somber note that the opening titles serve to punctuate, I guess it’s a positive thing that the finale is just getting straight into the meat of it all. Coulda used another smack of Pedro Pascal’s Joel, especially after seeing the return of the single figure at the end. Sigh.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Finale Live Blog Starts Here
First and foremost, a big thanks to all of YOU for showing up week after week, with the same amount of thankful grace shown to anyone who’s following along for the first time. I can appreciate the irony in jumping on board right when the ride is ending. What a ride I’m expecting it to be.
Before the festivities kick off, here are a few anti-predictions for what I definitely don’t expect to happen during the episode:
- Ellie will find Abby and before they can fight, they both bond really hardcore over a shared love of ‘90s grunge rock.
- Tommy will wear a totally faded shirt that wouldn’t stick out against any background.
- Jesse will be totally cool with every aspect of Ellie and Dina’s burgeoning relationship and won’t say anything harsh.
- TV’s first Clicker-on-Clicker sex scene, coinciding with TV’s last Clicker-on-Clicker sex scene.
