Love in the Time of Cordyceps…
If there’s one thing HBO’s The Last of Us nails in Season 2, it’s that even in a world overrun by killer fungi, love can bloom. And not just any love—we’re talking about Ellie and Dina. Their romance isn’t just sweet; it’s real, messy, and totally swoon-worthy. In a series loaded with pain, trauma, and infected monstrosities, their connection brings something fresh: hope.
A Breath of Fresh Air in Jackson
Let’s set the stage. Season 2 jumps five years ahead from where Season 1 left us. Ellie is now 19, scarred but stronger. She’s living in Jackson, Wyoming—a peaceful, well-guarded community where, for the first time in forever, normal feels possible.
And guess what? That little slice of safety gives Ellie space to do something radical: be a teenager. One with crushes. And banter. And maybe even a slow dance.
Because that’s where Dina enters the frame.
That Flashback Dance Scene (You Know the One)
Every love story needs a spark. For Ellie and Dina, it’s the dance. Set during a New Year’s Eve party, the flashback gives us a glimpse into what happiness looks like in the apocalypse. It starts with Ellie lurking near the edge of the dance floor, watching. Jealousy flickers in her eyes as Dina laughs with someone else. Then, in a move that sends longtime fans into a frenzy, Dina grabs Ellie and pulls her in.
They sway. They talk. The tension builds. And yes, they kiss. Right there, surrounded by people, in the middle of a town lit by string lights and hope.
It’s not just romantic. It’s iconic. Fans of the game already knew what was coming—this scene lifted straight from The Last of Us Part II almost shot for shot. For new viewers, it was a bold, beautiful surprise.
From Patrols to Partnership
Their love story doesn’t stop at that kiss. Far from it. The show expands on their relationship in ways both subtle and sharp.
When they go on patrol together, it’s not just about clearing infected. It’s about long talks on horseback. Trading inside jokes. Catching each other when danger hits. These moments feel easy, earned. They argue sometimes. They tease a lot. But it’s clear: they’re better together.
Here’s what makes them click:
- Honest banter: They joke, they flirt, they poke fun. It’s playful, but it deepens their bond.
- Mutual support: When Ellie spirals, Dina doesn’t run. She listens. She stays.
- Shared trauma: They’ve both lost people. They get it. And that understanding makes their connection feel lived-in.
So even though the world around them is on fire, they find these pockets of peace.
Fans Are Loving the Faithfulness
If you played the game, you’re probably grinning already. The adaptation stays fiercely loyal to Ellie and Dina’s storyline from The Last of Us Part II. Isabela Merced, who joins the cast as Dina, nails the character’s spark and depth. Her chemistry with Bella Ramsey (Ellie) feels natural, not forced. They’re comfortable with each other in a way that reads instantly believable.
Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann (yep, same Druckmann from the game) clearly know what they’re doing. They bring Ellie and Dina’s romance to screen without sanitizing it or over-dramatizing. It just is.
Love as a Rebellion
Here’s the real beauty: their romance isn’t just sweet. It’s powerful. Choosing to love someone in this kind of world? That’s radical. That’s survival on another level. Ellie and Dina don’t just cling to each other for comfort. They build something. Something real.
And yes, this is still The Last of Us. There’s darkness. Loss. Grief. But having this sliver of light makes all of that easier to bear. When things hit the fan (and they will), knowing what’s at stake makes the pain cut deeper.
For the Newcomers: It Still Works
If you’re new to the story, maybe you didn’t expect Ellie to have a girlfriend. And that’s okay. Because what the show does brilliantly is make their connection so human, so warm, that you don’t need context. You just feel it.
They’re not perfect. But they’re trying. They’re growing. And that makes them relatable, no matter who you are.
Not Just Another Apocalypse Romance
Let’s be honest, a lot of apocalypse media forgets one key thing: people still fall in love. Ellie and Dina prove that romance doesn’t have to be shoved to the side just because Clickers are lurking around the next corner.
Their story brings:
- Levity: There are actual jokes! Smiles! Even laughter!
- Real stakes: We care more about their safety because we care about their love.
- A change of pace: Between action scenes and heartache, this romance is a deep breath.
And let’s face it, we need that breath.
Final Thoughts: A Love Worth Fighting For
So what’s the takeaway here? Simple. Ellie and Dina’s romance doesn’t just add heart to Season 2—it is the heart. It’s what makes all the pain and struggle feel worth it. It’s what reminds us, in a world built on loss, love still matters.
Because while cordyceps may eat away at the world, it can’t touch what Ellie and Dina have.
And that’s something worth watching.
