The Last of Us Season 2: Why Episode 4 Surpasses the Game and Leaves Fans Speechless!

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In the most recent episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, Ellie and Dina make their way into Seattle, providing some of the most memorable scenes yet from the show, as well as a few noteworthy reenactments that have been eagerly anticipated by fans.

This review will contain some story spoilers.

In ‘Please Hold My Hands’, we start with a flashback that introduces Isaac, a mysterious figure who becomes the head of the W.L.F., portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, who played him in the game as well. This adds depth to a character who was less prominent in the original storyline.

In line with the caliber of talent from Westworld, Wright exudes an awe-inspiring, understated air, and while we don’t want the show to delve too deeply into his character’s backstory, we’re eagerly anticipating his role as it unfolds. Mazin and the team are building up to the conflict between the W.L.F. and the Seraphites, and Wright’s acting adds an extra layer of suspense to the mix.

In this particular episode, Ellie and Dina take center stage. If you’ve been following our weekly recaps, you’ll understand that we find their on-screen dynamics to be a standout feature in the HBO adaptation of this story.

Isabela Merced’s nuanced portrayal of Dina contrasts beautifully with Bella Ramsey’s bold Ellie. One character is seeking vengeance, while the other is working to protect them both. This intriguing dynamic sets the stage nicely for future developments.

This episode offers some visually appealing post-apocalyptic sights, as the characters wander through deserted streets and decaying record shops. A standout feature is a tank almost completely hidden by moss, which caught our attention. HBO certainly showcases its financial might in terms of set design.

In ‘Please Hold My Hand’, several pivotal scenes from the game are highlighted, but some fall short compared to others. Previously, we had concerns about this adaptation’s handling of character movement and its potential influence on future narrative events. The moment when Ellie and Dina reach a Television Station is where these apprehensions became tangible for the first time.

In the game, Ellie and Dina trailing behind another character towards the TV station added an extra layer of suspense and dramatic flair. However, while there’s a surprising element in this scenario, the overall tension doesn’t quite resonate as deeply, which weakens the impact of the storyline for us.

Fortunately, the second half of the episode shows significant improvement, and the intense scene where Ellie and Dina navigate a subway station has been the most thrilling so far. The show’s set direction is commendable in this part, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats throughout. As they emerge from underground, tension builds even higher as the story unfolds.

In our opinion, this instance marks one of the rare occasions where the TV series outshines the original game. The modifications to the infected and the emotional responses from particular characters have significantly enhanced a significant part of the narrative, which we find captivating. It’s quality that we can’t help but hope the show consistently delivers.

We’re excited to follow along as the rest of the season unfolds, but HBO has a challenging task on their hands, given there are only three episodes left this season. Although we’re not completely sold on it yet, each new episode seems to bring us a step closer to thinking that they might pull it off successfully.

What do you think about The Last of Us Season 2 so far? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below. [Your Opinion Here]

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2025-05-05 15:08