The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 picks up after the devastating loss of Joel, and while a lot is similar to the game, there are some differences.
The Last Of Us Season 2 may have already executed (no pun intended) one of the most emotional beats of the entire series, but because of the small changes from the game, more and more differences are starting to bleed into the show.
After the events of Jackson, it was clear some things had to change in order to make sense. That horde fight does not exist in The Last Of Us Part II, and because Tommy was there protecting the city, he was not by Joel’s side when things went down with Abby. Joel and Dina being on patrol together caused Jesse to be the one with Ellie that fateful day. While these are minor changes, the impacts are starting to ripple through.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 Differences
In The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3, we learn that Ellie was down for the count for several months, recovering in the hospital. The residents of Jackson have gone to work doing their best to return it to its former glory.
In the game, Ellie convinces Tommy to go after Abby pretty much immediately after Joel’s death. It is clear that something changed in him after that day as he becomes consumed with revenge – as does Ellie. Dina and Ellie head out as well, not long after Tommy.
Because of this, Tommy ends up really hurt. He also ruins his relationship with his wife. Thanks to the addition of the horde attacking Jackson, Tommy now chooses to stay home and help rebuild.
While I completely understand this, I am curious to see if Tommy ever goes down the dark path he does in the game, because it doesn’t seem to make sense that he would in this context. This would leave that part completely to Ellie.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 features a council meeting, where Ellie tries to convince the town to send a group of people after Abby. I immediately knew this would not happen because it would change the entire dynamic of what is to come. Ellie going after Abby with a group of sixteen would make their odds a lot better, and take away from the events that occur down the road.
Dina coming to Ellie to go with her on her journey is similar to how things play out in the game, besides the fact that Tommy left ahead of them. Since we missed out on them going on patrol together, it was lovely to see them spending this time together and getting to see what their friendship is like on screen.
Of course, we get the kiss rating conversation as well. In the game, this is a conversation that is had while they are on patrol and holed up in the store full of weed. In the series, it happens while they are waiting out a rainstorm and getting some rest. Just as good if you ask me, I am just happy they didn’t skip over it because I feel it is crucial to the story.
In The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 Ellie stops by Joel’s grave to say goodbye. This is one of the most emotional parts of this episode and I am really glad it was included.
This episode also introduces the Seraphites, a group of sadistic and brutal people with scars on their faces. They use whistles to communicate and while, so far, they seem to be harmless, gamers know that not to be the case. A group of them is murdered by the Wolfs in The Last Of Us Season 2 Part 3, which then causes a key moment from the game to happen.
Dina finds the group and is so bothered by the smell that she throws up. This might not sound all that important, but I promise you, it is.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 may have some differences to the game, with the biggest one being that Tommy has remained in Jackson. I don’t think this is going to have a major effect on the future of the series, so I don’t mind the change.
The Last Of Us Season 2 Episode 3 is now streaming on Max.
NEXT: The Last Of Us Cast Teases What To Expect In Season 2
About The Last Of Us Season 2
Five years after the events of the first season, Joel and Ellie are drawn into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind.
Returning cast includes Pedro Pascal as Joel, Bella Ramsey as Ellie, Gabriel Luna as Tommy, and Rutina Wesley as Maria. Previously announced new cast includes Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, Isabela Merced as Dina, Young Mazino as Jesse, Ariela Barer as Mel, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Spencer Lord as Owen, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Catherine O’Hara also guest stars.
THE LAST OF US, based on the acclaimed video game franchise developed by Naughty Dog for the PlayStation® consoles, is written and executive produced by Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. The series is a co-production with Sony Pictures Television and is also executive produced by Carolyn Strauss, Jacqueline Lesko, Cecil O’Connor, Asad Qizilbash, Carter Swan, and Evan Wells; with writer/co-executive producer Halley Gross. Production companies: PlayStation Productions, Word Games, Mighty Mint, and Naughty Dog.
The seven-episode season two of The Last Of Us releases one new episode weekly through May 25 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.Â
