The Last of Us is celebrated for its affection for hidden nuances and Easter eggs, and the HBO adaptation upholds this legacy with clever references to the original Naughty Dog titles.

In the first episode of Season 2, enthusiasts of The Last of Us Part II might have noticed a subtle yet charming allusion to one of the game’s iconic puzzles — featuring a very special four-legged character.

During a sequence where Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) are exploring Greenplace Market near Jackson, Wyoming, Ellie halts next to an “Employee of the Month” display. This moment reflects a scene from the “Jackson Patrol” segment in The Last of Us Part II, where Ellie comes across the same board in a break room. In the game, players can locate a note from a Greenplace worker named Mina addressed to her colleague Kristen, suggesting a hidden stash inside the store’s safe.

The note states:

“Yo Kristen – left the real shit in the safe for you. Combo is the date my good boy got Employee of the Month. Don’t fucking sell those or give them away. That’s for your back, alright? Feel better — Mina”

To crack the puzzle in the game, players must revisit the Employee of the Month board and uncover that the honored “employee” for July 2013 is, indeed, a dog. Inputting the code 07-20-13 into the safe unlocks precious supplies like crafting materials, supplements, and alcohol.

The HBO series’ incorporation of this detail serves as a delightful homage to the original game and a treat for enthusiasts who relish identifying these types of references. It also stands as a sweet tribute to the canine “employee” who outshone all the humans at Greenplace Market.

This is merely one of the numerous Easter eggs audiences can look forward to as Season 2 progresses. The Last of Us continues to reward loyal fans with these thoughtful nuances.

The Last of Us Season 2 is now available for streaming on Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.