The premiere of Episode 3 in The Last Of Us season 2 unfolds in the chaotic aftermath of the Jackson battle, with the Infected sprawled across the ground like fallen leaves, while those within the settlement strive to restore a semblance of everyday life amidst the ruins. Joel's passing has left an indelible mark on everyone's heart, particularly Ellie, who grapples with PTSD, her screams echoing through the hospital corridors as she struggles against those trying to comfort her.
A leap forward in time brings us to three months hence. Jackson's residents have united in an endeavor to rebuild their shattered community, each contributing their share of physical labor. Yet, Ellie remains confined within the hospital walls, still reeling from Joel's loss. Under the watchful eye of Gail, who endeavors to gauge her mental wellbeing, Ellie's initial raw pain has somewhat softened, though her countenance remains a mask of sorrow.
Returning to her home, Ellie surveys the remnants of her past, stumbling upon an old shoebox that harbors both memories and a watch. But it's the handgun she reaches for, clutching it as a symbol of her vulnerability and grief. Her moment of vulnerability is fleeting, however, as Dina's arrival—armed with cookies and crucial intelligence—interrupts her reverie. Dina unveils the identities of Abby's group and their origins, sparking a mix of frustration and urgency in Ellie. Though Dina justifies her silence by the town's dire state, Ellie is insistent on pursuing Abby without delay.
Dina shares a wealth of information about Abby's companions, including Manny, Owen, Nora, and Abby herself. Before being incapacitated, Ellie had glimpsed the yellow wolf and the initials WLF, revealing they belong to the Washington Liberation Front, based in Seattle. Determined, Ellie seeks Tommy's alliance, but his priorities lie in fortifying Jackson. He proposes discussing the matter with Maria and the council, an idea Ellie steadfastly opposes, her mind made up to confront Abby come what may.
Elsewhere, we encounter a sect of cultists known as the Scars, secluded in the woods and adorned in robes, their heads shaved and their faith unwavering. Among them is Constance, a young girl whom an elder addresses, extolling their trust in The Prophet and the safety their beliefs afford them. It becomes evident that they, too, flee from "wolves," potentially the WLF. Their peace is shattered when whispers of soldiers nearby reach their ears, signaling impending danger.
Returning to Jackson, the town meeting proceeds, with the Seattle dilemma occupying the forefront of discussion. Ellie sits, her brow furrowed once again, sneering at the concerns voiced by her fellow townsfolk and their grievances about this perilous, suicidal mission that leaves their town exposed. Each townsperson holds a steadfast opinion on the matter, and soon it's Ellie's turn to speak.
With a deceitful tongue, Ellie insists that this isn't about revenge but rather a pursuit of justice. However, the council votes, and the proposal is overwhelmingly rejected.
Afterwards, Tommy confides in Gail, voicing his anxiety over Ellie's mental well-being. He fears she might embark on a treacherous path, one from which there's no return. Gail dismissively shrugs, acknowledging Ellie's lies and stating that "some souls are beyond redemption."
Ellie begins to prepare her gear, and Dina steps in to lend a hand. Resolved to accompany Ellie, Dina presents a comprehensive list of supplies and necessities for their mission. Intriguingly, Dina reveals she "knows a guy" who can assist them, but it's not Jesse; it's Seth!
Dina provides Ellie with explicit instructions and urges her to meet at the Old Gate at 3 am for their departure. Seth arrives and goes over the provisions, and Ellie and Seth exchange a handshake—a rare, tentative gesture of mutual trust.
Before heading out, Ellie pays her respects at Joel's grave. Along the way, a subtle reminder of Ellie's sexuality is dropped (lest we forget) as Dina playfully asks her to rate their kiss. The next morning, they resume their journey and encounter the bodies of the deceased cultists from earlier, strewn across the woods. It seems the handiwork of Abby and her group.
Dina and Ellie are now just nine miles from Seattle, but it appears Abby's group is far more formidable than anticipated. The WLF boasts a vast numbers, and both Dina and Ellie are poised to walk into a blazing inferno.
