The Last of Us Season Two: A Delicate Dance of Grief, Love, and Survival for Ellie and Dina
The brutal landscape of The Last of Us season two continues to test its characters, demanding resilience in the face of relentless tragedy. Amidst the darkness, however, a flicker of hope has ignited in the burgeoning romance between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced). This week’s episode offered a glimpse into the deepening connection between the two women as they navigated a perilous quest for revenge, highlighting the healing power of love amidst unimaginable loss.
Isabela Merced, rapidly gaining recognition for her roles in Madame Web, Alien: Romulus, and the upcoming Superman film, recently shared her insights on the evolving relationship between Dina and Ellie, emphasizing the profound impact they have on each other’s healing journeys. Talking to Variety, she beautifully articulated the way in which their bond offers a sanctuary from the pervasive trauma that defines their existence. "Ellie’s really fucked up and angry, but whenever Dina’s around, it’s like she suddenly is able to access the joy that she once felt," Merced explained. This delicate balance, where one character’s presence can momentarily alleviate the other’s suffering, speaks volumes about the strength and importance of their connection in a world seemingly devoid of hope.
Furthermore, Merced underscored the reciprocal nature of their support, suggesting that both women are actively involved in helping each other confront their individual grief. "I also think Dina’s helping Ellie grieve in a way—but also Ellie’s helping Dina grieve. I think Dina’s redirecting her grief and putting it on Ellie and being like, ‘Oh, I’ll help you.’” This selfless act of redirection, where Dina channels her own pain into supporting Ellie, showcases the depth of her compassion and the unwavering commitment she has to nurturing their bond.
The development of Ellie and Dina’s romance has been a deliberate "slow burn," a stark contrast to the pacing of their relationship in the original The Last of Us game. This deliberate choice allows the HBO series to delve deeper into the complexities of their emotional connection, fostering a more nuanced and believable portrayal of their love. However, the showrunners have also made sure to pay homage to some of the iconic moments from the source material, most notably the "Take on Me" scene.
Merced expressed her enthusiasm for recreating this beloved scene, describing it as "a really truly sweet and tender moment in the show after so much darkness and loss." The set design further enhanced the emotional impact of the scene, creating a visually stunning backdrop for this rare moment of joy. Merced confessed to feeling particularly emotional while filming, acutely aware of the contrast between the scene’s lightheartedness and the surrounding despair.
But even within this tender moment, Merced subtly infused Dina with a sense of vulnerability, reminding the audience that even seemingly strong characters grapple with their own fears and insecurities. "I noticed when watching it recently that there was a switch from the loving look to a sadness in my eyes," Merced recounted. She explained that she wanted to convey the message that "Dina isn’t fearless, really? She may seem like it. She may seem like she can handle a lot, and throughout the episode you learn that she can’t." This vulnerability, she believes, is essential to portraying a realistic and relatable character. After all, "love is scary," and the prospect of opening oneself up to such intense emotions can be daunting, even in the face of a zombie apocalypse.
The exploration of Ellie and Dina’s relationship reached a new level of intimacy with the depiction of their first sexual encounter. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Merced described the scene as "a really necessary step in their relationship. It’s also just like really hot to me because it’s like the culmination of all of these feelings and secrets all just being let out in one moment." The scene, while potentially charged with emotional weight, was also intended to represent a significant milestone in their journey, a physical manifestation of the deep emotional connection they share.
Despite the spontaneity that the scene conveys on screen, Merced emphasized that it was meticulously planned and executed behind the scenes. "It may seem passionate and in-the-moment, but it was really calculated, and we were really intentional about every single thing that was a part of that sequence, because we wanted to make sure none of the characters were doing anything that was out of character." This commitment to authenticity ensured that the scene remained true to the characters’ established personalities and emotional arcs, avoiding any unnecessary or gratuitous elements.
The careful consideration given to this scene underscores the series’ commitment to portraying LGBTQ+ relationships with sensitivity and respect. By prioritizing the characters’ emotional journey and ensuring that their actions remain consistent with their established personalities, The Last of Us continues to set a high standard for representation in mainstream television. The show acknowledges that these relationships, too, can provide moments of happiness, intimacy, and hope, despite the overarching backdrop of grief and despair.
As season two of The Last of Us unfolds, the relationship between Ellie and Dina promises to be a source of both comfort and conflict. Their love will undoubtedly be tested by the harsh realities of their world, and they will face difficult choices that will challenge their individual values and their commitment to each other. But amidst the darkness, their connection offers a glimmer of hope, reminding us that even in the face of unimaginable loss, the human spirit can endure, and love can blossom in the most unexpected places.
New episodes of The Last of Us are available on HBO and Max every Sunday, offering audiences a continuing journey into the complex and compelling world of these unforgettable characters.
