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The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 Ending Explained: Ellie & Dina’s Dangerous Journey to Seattle Begins
The Last of Us season 2 episode 3 pushes Ellie further down the road of grief and revenge following Joel’s devastating death. After Abby’s brutal attack in episode two, Jackson mourns the loss while trying to rebuild. But for Ellie, there’s no healing without justice—and episode three marks the moment she sets out with Dina toward a dangerous future in Seattle.
Ellie and Dina’s plan to hunt down Abby Explained
Three months after Joel’s death, the town of Jackson is partially rebuilt, but the emotional wounds remain raw. Despite Ellie’s pleas to Jackson’s council to approve a mission after Joel’s killers, the town prioritizes safety over vengeance. Ellie and Dina, however, can’t sit still.
Remembering the names of Abby's WLF associates, Dina suspects they returned to Seattle. Believing the WLF might be vulnerable, the two friends decide the time has finally come to act. Their departure isn’t without secret support. Seth, surprisingly sympathetic, supplies them with weapons, supplies, and a horse, giving them a fighting chance beyond Jackson’s borders.
Why Ellie and Dina went Alone
Despite widespread grief over Joel's death, the residents of Jackson voted overwhelmingly against pursuing Abby. Even Tommy and Jesse, while sympathetic, caution Ellie against risking everything. As Seth puts it during a fiery town council speech, "What the hell are we all talking about here? BOO-HOO, it’s not fair! They came into our house! They took one of ours! ... GROW UP!"
Ultimately, the council votes eight to three against Ellie’s plan. Even Tommy warns her, “I just don’t want her to go down the same paths that Joel did.” Left with no other choice, Ellie and Dina set off on their own, determined to avenge Joel without the town’s blessing.
Who are the Cult with the Face Scars? The Seraphites Explained
In The Last of Us season 2 episode 3, during their journey, Ellie and Dina encounter a chilling new threat: the Seraphites. This religious cult marks its members with facial scars, believing they symbolize humanity’s flaws. Their teachings come from a figure known as The Prophet, whose influence lingers even after her death.
Who Killed the Seraphites?
Ellie and Dina come across the bodies of dead Seraphite members in the woods. The evidence points toward the WLF: various types of ammunition scattered around the scene suggest the WLF launched a deadly attack. As both groups battle for control of Seattle, it's clear Ellie and Dina are walking into an all-out war zone.
Tommy’s next move Foreshadowed
Tommy’s grief over Joel looms large. Although he initially chooses to stay in Jackson, episode three hints that he might eventually follow Ellie and Dina to Seattle. Fans of The Last of Us Part II game will recognize this trajectory—Tommy setting off on his own, with Ellie later catching up.
Ellie’s Haunted Dreams About Joel
Trauma continues to gnaw at Ellie’s soul. After Joel’s demise, she is hospitalized for months, plagued by horrific nightmares of his murder. One haunting sequence shows Ellie reliving Joel’s death while strapped to a hospital bed, screaming in terror until the medical team is forced to sedate her.
Ellie tells her therapist, Gail (played by Catherine O’Hara), "But your final moment with someone doesn’t define your whole time with them." Gail somberly responds, "It shouldn’t, but it also does." This exchange perfectly encapsulates Ellie’s internal struggle and the grief propelling her forward. Also, Gail understands what Ellie is feeling on some level because she lost Eugene (and that too at the hands of Joel).
The Ending: Ellie and Dina's Dangerous First Steps
Despite warnings, despite heartbreak, Ellie refuses to stay behind. Dina joins her in solidarity, and the two set off with weapons supplied by Seth. Before leaving, they honor Joel at his grave with a handful of coffee beans—a quiet, heartbreaking tribute to his memory.
Their journey quickly becomes perilous. As they trek through the woods, they discover a gruesome massacre caused by the WLF, foreshadowing the dangers ahead. The final scene shows the WLF patrolling the area, unaware that Ellie and Dina are already closing in.
Episode three of The Last of Us season two masterfully builds tension, balancing tender moments of grief with the harsh realities of survival. As Ellie and Dina venture into the unknown, the emotional weight of their mission—and the growing threats they face—promise an even darker road ahead.
Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?
The Last of Us season two is now streaming on HBO and Max, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays. The fourth episode will premiere on May 4, 2025. If you want to refresh your memory, we have a recap of Episode 1 & Episode 2.
You can also check out the making of episode three below.
Episode four preview is also here. Watch it below.
Also Read: The Last of Us Season 2: How, Why, and When did Joel die?
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