Exploring love and survival in “The Last of Us” season 2: Kate Herron’s vision for Ellie and Dina
Shreeaa Rathi | TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 05, 2025, 20:42 IST
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
In Season 2 of The Last of Us, Ellie and Dina traverse a perilous landscape, their bond deepening amidst the turmoil. Director Kate Herron brilliantly captures the nuances of their romance, offering an authentic portrayal of love in dire circumstances.
In the latest episode ofThe Last of UsSeason 2, viewers are taken on an emotional journey as Ellie and Dina's relationship blossoms amidst the chaos of a post-apocalyptic world. In “Day One,” the pair navigates both the physical dangers of their environment and the complexities of their evolving connection. Under the direction of Kate Herron, the episode offers a refreshing and deeply impactful portrayal of young love, survival, and self-discovery.
From the very start, the show introduces a unique emotional layer as Ellie and Dina make their way through Seattle's Capitol Hill. Dina, played by Isabela Merced, casually asks, "What’s up with all the rainbows?" as the two encounter remnants of LGBTQ+ Pride flags fluttering in the wind. Ellie’s witty response—"I don’t know, maybe they were all optimists"—sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship throughout the episode. The subtle yet poignant interaction hints at the significance of their bond, which has been building since their first kiss in the series’ premiere. Initially dismissed as a fleeting moment of drunkenness, their connection grows more substantial as they face numerous trials, culminating in a passionate kiss.
The decision to delay the moment of romantic realization was a strategic one, according to Herron, who praised showrunner Craig Mazin for moving this pivotal scene further into the series. "I love that Craig moved this moment later in the season because it’s more impactful and surprising," Herron explained during a recent video call. The episode’s tension builds as Dina, fearing the worst after Ellie is bitten by an infected, holds her at gunpoint. This tense moment, teetering on the brink of tragedy, is a sharp contrast to the emotional relief of the kiss that follows.
A seasoned director with experience in major franchises like Loki and Doctor Who, Herron has been a strong advocate for showcasing queer representation in popular media. In The Last of Us, she was particularly drawn to the authenticity and depth of Ellie and Dina's love story. "I’ve always wanted to tell stories about young people questioning their feelings for each other," Herron confessed. "Even in the midst of a fungal apocalypse, there’s still room for personal connection and romance."
For Herron, it was crucial that their love story felt earned and natural. "It’s not just about whether they’re into each other or not. It’s about these two young people navigating something deeper than friendship. That’s what makes it so compelling," she added. The slow build-up to their romance, marked by flirtations and uncertainty, reflects the real-life emotional rollercoaster that many young people experience when discovering their feelings for someone special.
A standout moment of the episode is the iconic “Take on Me” scene, where Ellie serenades Dina on her guitar. Herron approached the scene with a deep respect for the emotional weight of the moment, understanding the significance of a young person’s attempt to impress someone they care about. "It’s a classic ‘how do I get your attention?’ moment," Herron explained. "But it’s also a subtle declaration of Ellie’s feelings, and that’s what makes it so beautiful."
Despite the dire circumstances, Ellie and Dina find solace in each other’s presence, which makes their moments of connection all the more meaningful. The juxtaposition of their growing love against the backdrop of constant danger is a central theme of The Last of Us. Herron and her team ensured that, while the tension of the world they inhabit never feels far away, there’s still space for moments of joy and human connection.
In addition to the romantic narrative, the episode also delves into the challenges Dina faces as she grapples with her own identity and experiences. Herron’s personal connection to the coming-out storyline resonated deeply with her. "I came out in my 30s, and Dina’s journey felt very relatable," Herron shared. "We’re all on different timelines, but stories like this help others feel less alone."
For Herron, directing The Last of Us was not only a professional achievement but also a personal mission to create representation that felt authentic and meaningful. "It’s such a privilege to tell these stories," she said. "The more we see these types of stories, the more we help others feel seen and heard."
As the episode draws to a close, viewers are reminded that, despite the horrors of the world around them, love can still flourish. The juxtaposition of survival with personal growth, particularly for Ellie and Dina, leaves a lasting impact. Herron’s direction has allowed this relationship to shine in a way that honors both the source material and the emotional truths at the heart of the story.
Ultimately, The Last of Us Season 2 continues to prove that, even in the most harrowing of circumstances, human connections remain one of the most powerful forces in the world.
From the very start, the show introduces a unique emotional layer as Ellie and Dina make their way through Seattle's Capitol Hill. Dina, played by Isabela Merced, casually asks, "What’s up with all the rainbows?" as the two encounter remnants of LGBTQ+ Pride flags fluttering in the wind. Ellie’s witty response—"I don’t know, maybe they were all optimists"—sets the stage for a deeper exploration of their relationship throughout the episode. The subtle yet poignant interaction hints at the significance of their bond, which has been building since their first kiss in the series’ premiere. Initially dismissed as a fleeting moment of drunkenness, their connection grows more substantial as they face numerous trials, culminating in a passionate kiss.
The decision to delay the moment of romantic realization was a strategic one, according to Herron, who praised showrunner Craig Mazin for moving this pivotal scene further into the series. "I love that Craig moved this moment later in the season because it’s more impactful and surprising," Herron explained during a recent video call. The episode’s tension builds as Dina, fearing the worst after Ellie is bitten by an infected, holds her at gunpoint. This tense moment, teetering on the brink of tragedy, is a sharp contrast to the emotional relief of the kiss that follows.
A seasoned director with experience in major franchises like Loki and Doctor Who, Herron has been a strong advocate for showcasing queer representation in popular media. In The Last of Us, she was particularly drawn to the authenticity and depth of Ellie and Dina's love story. "I’ve always wanted to tell stories about young people questioning their feelings for each other," Herron confessed. "Even in the midst of a fungal apocalypse, there’s still room for personal connection and romance."
For Herron, it was crucial that their love story felt earned and natural. "It’s not just about whether they’re into each other or not. It’s about these two young people navigating something deeper than friendship. That’s what makes it so compelling," she added. The slow build-up to their romance, marked by flirtations and uncertainty, reflects the real-life emotional rollercoaster that many young people experience when discovering their feelings for someone special.
A standout moment of the episode is the iconic “Take on Me” scene, where Ellie serenades Dina on her guitar. Herron approached the scene with a deep respect for the emotional weight of the moment, understanding the significance of a young person’s attempt to impress someone they care about. "It’s a classic ‘how do I get your attention?’ moment," Herron explained. "But it’s also a subtle declaration of Ellie’s feelings, and that’s what makes it so beautiful."
Despite the dire circumstances, Ellie and Dina find solace in each other’s presence, which makes their moments of connection all the more meaningful. The juxtaposition of their growing love against the backdrop of constant danger is a central theme of The Last of Us. Herron and her team ensured that, while the tension of the world they inhabit never feels far away, there’s still space for moments of joy and human connection.
In addition to the romantic narrative, the episode also delves into the challenges Dina faces as she grapples with her own identity and experiences. Herron’s personal connection to the coming-out storyline resonated deeply with her. "I came out in my 30s, and Dina’s journey felt very relatable," Herron shared. "We’re all on different timelines, but stories like this help others feel less alone."
For Herron, directing The Last of Us was not only a professional achievement but also a personal mission to create representation that felt authentic and meaningful. "It’s such a privilege to tell these stories," she said. "The more we see these types of stories, the more we help others feel seen and heard."
As the episode draws to a close, viewers are reminded that, despite the horrors of the world around them, love can still flourish. The juxtaposition of survival with personal growth, particularly for Ellie and Dina, leaves a lasting impact. Herron’s direction has allowed this relationship to shine in a way that honors both the source material and the emotional truths at the heart of the story.
Ultimately, The Last of Us Season 2 continues to prove that, even in the most harrowing of circumstances, human connections remain one of the most powerful forces in the world.