The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Day One

If The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 “The Path” was Ellie’s stepping stone in embracing her own path, then The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 “Day One” really puts her and Dina to the test. Since Joel’s passing back on The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 “Through the Valley”, nothing’s been the same for the two.

While Season 2 Episode 3 felt like more like a conclusive piece to the three-episode arc in Jackson, this episode, in most aspects, feels like a new beginning. Much like how The Last of Us: Part II‘s story focused on Ellie and Dina’s new venture together, we get the high points of that here.

However, given how “Day One” is already the midpoint of The Last of Us Season 2, it feels like there’s still a long way to go. Fortunately, this episode makes good use of its time in solidifying Ellie and Dina while introducing this season’s big bad: Isaac Dixon.

Though Abby and her goons from the Washington Liberation Front have always been a lingering threat, The Last of Us‘ choice to introduce Isaac this late into the game may feel odd. However, he makes a strong impression in the opening, bearing this cold, if abrasive, attitude as he betrays his team.

I knew that the Washington Liberation Front was evil in some capacity, but seeing that come to life firsthand through Isaac was actually terrifying. Sure, the game didn’t necessarily show how Isaac helped form the WLF, but “Day One” highlighted how intimidating he could be.

While the opening gave us a taste of what Isaac is capable of, it’s what happens later on “Day One” that really shows how cruel the former Marine is.

In the present, Isaac gives this somewhat menacing, slightly comical monologue about saucepans. I thought it felt a bit goofy at first since he rambles on and on about the saucepans’ materials.

However, when the episode reveals that he’s been interrogating one of the Seraphites this entire time, you can’t help but feel worried. On The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 “The Path”, we knew that the Seraphites were innocent, somewhat cult-like foragers and the WLF attacked them.

I honestly couldn’t help but feel bad at first since not much about the Seraphites was revealed then. That way of thinking has definitely changed given what Ellie and Dina find later on.

On Ellie and Dina, we’re treated to some of the best hits from The Last of Us: Part II in regards to their relationship. One of these moments comes when Ellie and Dina take shelter in a vinyl shop when they continue venturing into Seattle.

Ellie and Dina haven’t been necessarily fully on in their relationship. For example, The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 1 “Future Days” saw the two seeing if they had the feels for each other at the New Year’s dance. Meanwhile, “The Path” saw Dina’s feelings for Ellie slowly intertwining with her need to keep her safe in her journey.

Here, not only does their relationship reach one step closer to being solidified, but it actually does by the end of it. If Ellie singing “Take On Me” didn’t do it, then it’s their heated confrontation between each other that does it in.

Though they don’t find Abby’s group in the watchtower, Ellie and Dina do find the corpses of several WLF soldiers and are forced to run once they’re spotted. Of course, this leads into an Alien–esque escape sequence as the two go through subway tunnels and trains to escape.

However, it’s in the aftermath of the third act that leaves you biting your tongue.

Ellie getting bitten in the arm shouldn’t leave you worried at first because we already know she’s immune. However, the fact that she’s never told Dina about her immunity should make you feel concerned if you’re going into this season completely blind.

What happens is perhaps the most intense moment of “Day One” and that’s not even counting the whole infected tsunami. When Dina holds Ellie at gunpoint despite her pleas that she’ll be okay, I genuinely felt a bit of uneasiness.

Ellie putting herself at risk showed that her need for independence can be a weakness as well.

Ellie doesn’t want to rely on others and be babied in that way. However, by being self-reliant and too compassionate in this manner, Ellie puts herself, Dina, and those she trusts in dangerous situations.

As such, some may think that what Dina does is right. The way “Day One” presents her keeping an eye on Ellie throughout the night also highlights this slight change where Dina is made out to be this stranger to Ellie.

However, when Ellie proves she’s immune, there’s a happy ultimatum Dina shares: she’s pregnant with Jesse’s child and she wants to share it with Ellie.

Additionally, the way that we also get Dina’s coming-out story feels really realistic given how some have gone through Dina’s situation with strict parents.

With this reveal, “Day One” almost leaves off on a satisfying note with Ellie and Dina understanding one another and finally cementing their love. However, with the WLF fighting nearby, you get a feeling that this story might not get the happy ending Ellie and Dina want.

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 “Day One” is a strong episode, offering that right mix of sweet and sour moments between Ellie and Dina with a pinch of bitterness through Isaac’s introduction.

Though we’re already midway through Season 2, I’m very hopeful these next episodes will gradually emphasize what made “Day One” work while sticking to Part II‘s narrative.

Stray Thoughts:

• Out of everyone who could possibly cameo, I actually didn’t expect Josh Peck to show up as one of the FEDRA soldiers in the opening scene.
• When Dina was looking for resources in that shop, she decided to hold back for a bit before meeting back up with Ellie. What’s that all about?
• I absolutely couldn’t wait for Ellie’s rendition of “Take On Me” to finally come on Season 2. Now that we’ve gotten that here, let’s just say that it almost made me tear up.
• All of the WLF’s strung up bodies in the watchtower really disgusted me, which is rightfully so. That’s how you know the Seraphites are actually evil too.
• When Dina started counting the amount of infected to Ellie, that moment felt like it was a scene out of A Quiet Place. Their shared silence really made me feel unsettled!

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The Last of Us Season 2 releases new episodes at 9 PM EST/PST every Sunday on Max and HBO.

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