We’re still a month away from returning to the dystopian world of The Last of Us, but since we’re already two years away from the premiere, do you remember all the details?

Here’s a detailed recap of what we saw to get you ready for the April 13 premiere.

Episode 1: “When You’re Lost in the Dark”
The series begins in 2003, showing an ordinary day in Texas. We meet Joel Miller and his daughter Sarah as they live a seemingly mundane life. The outbreak of the Cordyceps infection begins with disturbing news on the radio and increasing chaos outside. The infection spreads quickly, causing its hosts to transform into violent creatures.

On the night of the outbreak, Sarah is tragically killed while trying to escape with Joel. This traumatic event deeply affects Joel, setting the tone for his character. The story flashes forward to 2023, where Joel is now a hardened smuggler living in a quarantine zone in Boston. Along with his partner Tess, he takes on dangerous jobs, navigating a world ruled by the infected and brutal survival.

They are tasked with smuggling a young girl, Ellie, who has a mysterious immunity to the Cordyceps infection, out of the quarantine zone to a resistance group known as the Fireflies. The episode ends with the trio facing dangers, including an encounter with the infected.

Episode 2: “Inside”
Joel, Tess, and Ellie continue their journey through a haunted and decaying Boston. As they travel, they encounter infected individuals. The episode delves deeper into the nature of the outbreak and how the infection spreads, introducing the terrifying concept of clickers—infected individuals at a later stage of infection.

The trio arrives at a Firefly safehouse, where they learn more about Ellie’s immunity and her potential role in creating a cure. However, the path to safety becomes treacherous, leading to harrowing encounters. The episode culminates in a heartbreaking moment when Tess is bitten while trying to protect Ellie. Realizing she doesn’t have much time left, Tess sacrifices herself, detonating explosives to eliminate a horde of infected, allowing Joel and Ellie to escape.

Episode 3: “Long, Long Time”
This episode shifts the focus to Bill and Frank, two survivors living in an isolated community. As we follow their love story, we witness the beauty and fragility of human connection in a world without hope. Bill, a survivor, initially comes across as cynical and misanthropic but finds companionship and love in Frank.

Their relationship faces challenges and grows over the years. In a poignant turn of events, Frank becomes gravely ill, and Bill decides to care for him until he dies. Bill later chooses to end his life on his own terms, leaving behind a letter for Joel that reveals the importance of love and connection in despair. This episode encapsulates the poignant themes of love, loss, and resilience, showing how relationships can thrive even in dire circumstances.

Episode 4: “Please Hold My Hand”
Joel and Ellie continue their journey toward the Fireflies in Wyoming. The pace of their journey creates a deeper bond between the two characters, interspersed with quiet moments of humor and reflections on their pasts. They encounter hardships, including bandits who attack them, leading to tense and violent experiences.

Throughout this episode, Joel reveals pieces of his painful history while Ellie shows her growth and resourcefulness. The episode explores themes of trust and survival instinct, emphasizing the developing father-daughter dynamic between Joel and Ellie. They eventually reach a safe haven run by a group of survivors, where they are drawn into the conflict once again.

Episode 5: “Endure and Survive”
Set in Kansas City, the episode introduces new characters, including Kathleen, who leads a group of survivors seeking revenge against Joel for the death of her brother. Joel and Ellie, along with a survivor named Henry and his younger brother Sam, are on the run from Kathleen’s faction.

Tensions mount as they navigate the dangerous streets of the city. The episode culminates in a harrowing confrontation with the infected, specifically a massive horde that emerges from underground, leading to tragedy when Sam is infected. Henry, driven by despair, ultimately takes his own life after witnessing his brother’s transformation, shocking Joel and Ellie, who struggle with the aftermath of loss and grief.

Episode 6: “Kin”
In Wyoming, Joel and Ellie finally reach their destination—the Fireflies’ camp. Here, they are reunited with Joel’s brother Tommy, who has created a safe community. The episode explores the tension between loyalty and family ties as Joel struggles to decide whether to continue his mission with Ellie or stay with his brother.

Ellie experiences a sense of belonging and connection within this new community, but the fragile balance of her relationships is tested by misunderstandings. At a pivotal moment, Joel confides in Tommy, expressing his fears of losing Ellie, who he has come to see as a surrogate daughter. This theme of parental love and protection continues to drive the narrative.

Episode 7: “Left Behind”
A flashback episode focuses on Ellie’s past before her journey with Joel. It reveals her relationship with Riley, a friend with whom she shares a deep bond. The episode explores themes of adolescence and the fleeting nature of happiness as the two girls enjoy a night of freedom before confronting the realities of their world.

During their outing, they are attacked by the infected, resulting in a heartbreaking moment when Riley becomes infected. Ellie’s struggle with loss and grief is brought to the forefront, emphasizing her resilience as she resolves to move forward with her mission alongside Joel.

Episode 8: “When We Are in Need”
Joel is injured and incapacitated after an altercation with raiders, leaving Ellie to fend for herself. This episode introduces a new threat in the form of a cult led by David, who initially appears to offer Ellie safety and companionship. However, their darker intentions quickly become apparent, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.

Ellie confronts the dangers of cannibalism and the lengths people will go to to survive. The episode culminates in a violent confrontation between Ellie and David, which ultimately showcases her fierce determination and growth as a survivor. In a raw and emotional climax, Ellie asserts her strength, highlighting the lengths she will go to protect herself and the people she cares about.

Episode 9: “Look for the Light”
The finale focuses on the journey to the Fireflies’ lab, where Ellie will be used as a vehicle to develop a potential cure for the Cordyceps infection. The episode captures the tension in Joel’s relationship with Ellie as he must face the possibility of losing her if she undergoes the procedure.

In a highly emotional climax, Joel makes a heartbreaking decision to save Ellie from the Fireflies, ultimately sacrificing his chance at a cure for the world. This act of love and selfishness underscores the series’ central themes, questioning the morality of choices made in desperate circumstances.

The season ends with Joel lying to Ellie about the Fireflies not wanting to create a cure, forcing her to try to trust him. This tension between love and truth sets the stage for future conflicts, leaving viewers to ponder the moral complexities of Joel’s actions and the deep connection he shares with Ellie.

What Now?

After a faithful and moving adaptation of the game, The Last of Us won over fans with a narrative rich in emotional depth, character development, and exploration of themes such as love, loss, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. For those who already knew the story, it still revealed new layers to the characters and ended up emotionally invested. Now, we are ready for a new chapter, one that will have twists and turns and will make us question what we think we know. Are we ready?

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