Episode 5 of The Last of Us Season 2, titled “Feel Her Love,” is a brutal, methodical entry that reinforces the moral toll of revenge while teasing some of the darkest corners of this universe. While the episode succeeds in its visual storytelling and tension, it also shows some cracks in pacing and character dynamics that hold it back from being one of the season’s best.
A Game of War and Memory
The episode kicks off with a look into the Wolves’ operations, introducing Hanrahan, portrayed by comedic actress Alanna Ubach. Her commanding presence sets the tone for a storyline built around factions and fallout. The show continues to lean into the mythos of the Cordyceps infection, this time reintroducing airborne spores as a threat. This is a notable shift, given the first season seemed to abandon that game-accurate detail in favor of the hive-mind concept. The return of spores not only elevates the horror but raises the stakes for Ellie’s immunity in a more visceral way.
This narrative choice also sets the groundwork for future dangers. A bloater might be the most recognized threat in the show’s infection hierarchy, but fans of the game know something worse looms: the Rat King. There’s heavy speculation the show is saving this monstrous figure for a dramatic appearance later in the season, and subtle hints like “nobody goes below B2” help build anticipation.
Relationships Under Pressure
Ellie and Dina’s relationship continues to be a central focus, but the chemistry between the two characters feels inconsistent. While there are moments that feel authentic, like Dina correcting Ellie on her poor navigation skills or quietly challenging her decisions, the relationship still feels rushed. In the world of The Last of Us, that might be by design. The apocalypse accelerates everything, including love, but the show struggles to make that progression feel earned.
Dina’s quiet strength shows in a powerful scene where she tells Ellie that the mission is hers to continue or abandon. It gives her agency and adds emotional weight, especially when she shares the memory of her first kill. That moment deepens her character and suggests a shared darkness that makes her and Ellie more than just companions.
Still, there’s a tension in how Ellie sees Dina. Instead of recognizing her as a grounding presence, Ellie seems to view her as a liability. That mindset pushes Ellie further down a dark path, culminating in her brutal encounter with Nora.
Embracing the Darkness
The hospital sequence is both visually stunning and thematically harrowing. Ellie’s descent into violence, particularly in her torture of Nora, mirrors Joel’s most brutal methods. The scene is drenched in red light and claustrophobic tension, reinforcing the idea that Ellie is walking further into the moral abyss.
The show makes a strong point that in this world, brutality is often rewarded. Ellie’s willingness to abandon compassion gets her what she wants, and that works disturbingly well. But in doing so, she loses more of herself, and the audience feels the weight of that trade-off.
Building Tension for the Future
The episode also provides a chilling look at the Seraphites, or Scars, whose ritualistic violence is on full display. While they are still underdeveloped, the visual contrast between their primitive tools and the Wolves’ technology suggests a bigger ideological conflict brewing. Whispers and whistles add a layer of terror that makes their scenes stand out.
Meanwhile, Jesse’s return injects some much-needed action and complexity. His tension with Ellie over Dina’s safety and his likely fatherhood adds more emotional stakes. Jesse’s arrival also hints that Tommy will return soon, which could reorient Ellie’s path back to something more human—if it isn’t too late.
Final Thoughts
“Feel Her Love” is a stepping-stone episode, designed to bridge major plot points while planting seeds for what’s to come. It succeeds in visual spectacle, horror, and expanding the world’s lore, but some of the character dynamics still need refinement. Bella Ramsey’s performance as Ellie continues to impress, even as the character walks a darker road. While this episode might not be a standout in terms of storytelling, it carries enough emotional and narrative weight to push the series forward.
Rating: 7.5/10
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