Sure! Here’s a rephrased version of the article:
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Last week, HBO’s acclaimed series The Last of Us presented one of television’s most gut-wrenching and sorrowful episodes to date. In contrast, episode three provided a welcome infusion of warmth, zeroing in on the burgeoning relationship between Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced).
Fueled by a quest for revenge—or perhaps justice, based on your viewpoint—the two teenagers from Jackson embark on a journey to Seattle, resolute in their mission to locate the WLF group accountable for Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) death. Their expedition is riddled with peril, ranging from harrowing encounters with the Infected to unsettling revelations involving cult members. Yet amidst the turmoil, Ellie and Dina discover fleeting moments of affection, contemplating the potential for their friendship to blossom into something more significant, especially considering their shared kiss back in the season opener.
As they draw nearer, Dina asks Ellie a profoundly personal question: Who was the first individual she ever killed? Ellie, clearly uneasy, sidesteps the query, labeling the answer as “too messed up” to disclose.
For those who have followed Season 1, the painful answer is already known: Riley (Storm Reid), Ellie’s first love.
In a flashback episode from the inaugural season, Ellie is shown reuniting with Riley, her closest friend who abandoned FEDRA to ally with the Fireflies. They enjoyed a memorable day together in a deserted mall, relishing a brief escape from the harsh realities of a world overtaken by Cordyceps. Unfortunately, their happiness was short-lived. An Infected attacked them, leading to both girls being bitten. While Ellie’s immunity protected her from transformation, Riley was not as fortunate.
The series does not depict Riley’s change explicitly, yet it strongly suggests that Ellie was compelled to take her life once the infection consumed her. It’s a heartbreaking memory—one that Ellie is understandably reluctant to reveal to Dina, especially while she is still grappling with the loss of Joel. Discussing her first love would only intensify her existing sorrow.
The Last of Us Season 2 is currently available to stream on Max, with new episodes debuting Sundays at 9 p.m. ET.
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