'The Last of Us' Season 2 Episode 3 Review: The Path

Courtesy of HBO

After last week's shocking episode of The Last of Us, this week's episode showed us the ripple effects of Joel's death and how it affects the Jackson community. Joel's death was truly one of the most shocking moments for people who have never played the video games. Joel was seen as the heart of the show. One concern from fans is how the show would continue without Joel. Would the absence of Joel affect the quality of the show? Let's find out.

The Impact of Joel's Death on Ellie

The episode starts with a time jump 3 months in the future. The community of Jackson is slowly rebuilding with Tommy leading the charge. Ellie finally gets out of the hospital 3 months after her attack. Ellie talks to Gail about Joel's death but doesn't show her true emotions. There is a beautiful scene when Ellie comes back home and looks at Joel's clothes. She sees Joel's clothes and starts breaking down in a heartbreaking moment. This is the first time Ellie has really showed emotion like this. This scene shows how much Joel meant to her.

Ellie's Revenge

Ellie finds out important information from Dina about who the people that killed Joel are. Ellie immediately wants to kill Abby and her crew. Ellie tells her plan to Tommy but Tommy says the council needs to vote on it. Tommy then ensures Ellie that he will be on her side. The town meeting happens and Ellie gives a passionate speech about how Jackson should use resources to avenge Joel. The only person in the crowd that backs Ellie is Seth. The council votes on it and the majority doesn't want to use resources to avenge Joel. This causes Ellie to formulate a plan to break out of Jackson and find Abby. Dina finds out about Abby's plan and decides to tag along with her to Seattle.

Ellie and Dina's Relationship

Ellie and Dina's relationship has been a complicated one so far. In the first episode, they shared a passionate kiss. This episode Dina and Ellie agreed that their kiss meant nothing. This caused some anger with fans of the video game. In the video game, Ellie and Dina's relationship is a huge part of the second game. Fans were expecting Dina and Ellie to get together immediately but it looks like the show will take viewers on a slow burn for their relationship.

Who are the WLF?

The biggest mystery in the season so far is the WLF and who they are. Abby and her crew belong to that group. We don't know much about the WLF and what they stand for. But, we know they make quite an impact. We also were introduced to a new cult like group called The Seraphites. The Seraphites believe in one thing called The Prophet. While, Ellie and Dina were on their journey to Seattle, they find members of The Seraphites killed. Ellie and Dina think Abby and her crew were the ones to do it but they don't know that it could have been other members of the WLF. Ellie and Dina reached Seattle but they don't know that they have to go through numerous members to find who they are looking for.

Review

This episode was a good aftermath episode after the huge last episode. Bella Ramsey did a good job of continuing the show without Joel. You still miss Pedro Pascal's impact on the show. It felt weird not watching Pedro Pascal on the screen. It was especially weird not seeing his name in the opening credits. But, the show does a good job of showing the audience where we are going next. It's obvious we are on a collision course of Abby vs Ellie but since Ellie and Dina have already arrived in Seattle, it will be interesting to see how they flesh out the story.

Grade: B

What did you think of this episode of The Last of Us? Leave your opinion in the comments below.