The Last of Us season 2 has gripped audiences with its intense storytelling and emotional depth, and episode 4 delivers a pivotal moment in Ellie’s journey. Ellie, driven by vengeance, is hunting Abby, a member of the Washington Liberation Front (WLF), to avenge the brutal murder of her surrogate father, Joel. This quest fuels her actions as she navigates a dangerous world. Episode 4, titled Day One, was released on May 4, 2025, and aired on HBO, with streaming available on Max at 9:00 PM ET.
The previous episode ended with Ellie and Dina leaving Jackson, Wyoming, to pursue Abby in Seattle. Episode 4 picks up with the duo exploring Seattle for supplies. They encounter a WLF-marked tower, face a horrifying scene, and escape to a theater. Here, they overhear a WLF conversation about Lakehill, hinting at Abby’s possible location, setting the stage for their next move.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4. Reader’s discretion is advised.
Ellie hunts Abby to avenge Joel’s death in The Last of Us season 2
Ellie’s pursuit of Abby stems from the traumatic events of episode 2, where Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, killed Joel (Pedro Pascal) in a brutal act of revenge. Joel, a hardened survivor and Ellie’s protector, had previously killed Abby’s father, a Firefly doctor, in season 1’s finale to save Ellie from a fatal surgery meant to find a cure for the Cordyceps infection.
Abby, a skilled WLF soldier, tracked Joel to Jackson with her group, including Owen and Manny, and executed him in front of Ellie. This loss shattered Ellie, now 19 and portrayed by Bella Ramsey, pushing her into a relentless quest for justice. Accompanied by Dina (Isabela Merced), her close friend and romantic interest, Ellie ventures to Seattle, where the WLF operates. In episode 4, they escape a WLF tower after a tense encounter and take refuge in a theater.
Using a walkie-talkie, they learn about Lakehill, a WLF base under attack, possibly by the Seraphites or Infected. Despite the visible gunfire and explosions, Ellie and Dina decide to head toward Lakehill, believing Abby might be there. This choice reflects Ellie’s unyielding determination, even as the war zone’s dangers escalate, setting up future confrontations.
Dina’s pregnancy adds complexity to the mission
A surprising revelation in episode 4 is Dina’s pregnancy, confessed to Ellie after a harrowing escape from Infected in a Seattle subway. Dina, who discovered her condition via pregnancy tests found earlier, reveals Jesse (Young Mazino), her ex-boyfriend from Jackson, as the father.
This disclosure, portrayed by Isabela Merced with emotional depth, complicates their revenge mission. Ellie, already protective of Dina, worries about the added risks, especially since Dina’s pregnancy could cause physical limitations in Seattle’s brutal environment. The revelation follows a tense moment where Ellie, bitten by an Infected, reveals her immunity to Dina, who initially fears Ellie will turn.
This strengthens their bond, culminating in a romantic moment where they confess their love. Dina’s choice to continue despite her condition underscores her loyalty to Ellie, but it raises stakes for their survival, hinting at potential conflicts with Jesse or further challenges in future episodes.
Isaac emerges as a formidable WLF leader
Isaac Dixon, played by Jeffrey Wright, is introduced in episode 4 through a flashback showing his brutal defection from FEDRA in 2018. As a FEDRA sergeant, Isaac, disillusioned by their oppression, kills his platoon with a grenade to join the WLF, led by Hanrahan (Alanna Ubach).
In the present, Isaac leads the WLF in Seattle, overseeing a torture scene with a Seraphite prisoner, whom he executes after a calm yet chilling speech. His strategic cruelty, highlighted by Wright’s commanding performance, positions him as a major antagonist.
The episode shows Isaac’s WLF clashing with the Seraphites, a religious cult, or possibly Infected at Lakehill, where Ellie and Dina are headed. Isaac’s connection to Abby, though not fully explored, suggests he may protect her, complicating Ellie’s mission. His leadership and ruthless tactics foreshadow a dangerous encounter for the duo.
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Arvind is a Senior Writer and Editor at Hilvaro, specializing in anime, entertainment, and pop culture. With a BSc in Transportation Technology, his passion for storytelling led him to a career in journalism. He has previously contributed to Sportskeeda and GameRant, covering anime and entertainment with a keen eye for detail.
Outside writing, Arvind loves gaming and is fond of anime, binge-watching movies and television series. He spends some of his free time listening to rock music and writing poetry. What Arvind appreciates most about pop culture is the theme that makes it more alive and engaging for this generation; thus the possibility of such content reaching readers across the globe.
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