Warning! This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us season 2, episode 1, and MAJOR spoilers for The Last of Us Part II.
The Last of Usseason 2 has already caused many to fall in love with Isabela Merced’s character, which bodes well for her future. Theending ofThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 1already teases how big a part Merced will play in the continuation of the hit HBO show.Isabela Merced plays Dina inThe Last of Us, a fellow Jackson resident and someone close to Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Pedro Pascal’s Joel.
As far as newThe Last of Uscast membersgo, Merced was positioned as the most important in episode 1. The episode showcases a lot about Dina, from her bond with Joel to her friendship with Ellie. Beyond that, Merced imbues Dina with an infectious energy and unabashed confidence that makes her an immediately lovable addition toThe Last of Us. For those that instantly felt connected to Dina as I did, I have good news for the remainder ofThe Last of Usseason 2’s story.
Isabela Merced’s Dina Will Be A Very Important Character In The Last Of Us Season 2
Dina Embarks On A Life-Changing Journey With Ellie
For those who have not playedThe Last of Us Part II,the video game on whichThe Last of Usseasons 2 and 3 are based, Dina could be a character that only has a big role in the premiere before being edged out of the show. However, this is not the case.The Last of Usseason 2, episode 1 hints at Dina’s romantic relationship with Ellie, something that will carry on throughout the story. This is driven by a big turning point in the show, one linked to Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby, also introduced inThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 1.
Abby was teased as a character who wants to kill Joel for what he did to the Fireflies in Salt Lake City inThe Last of Usseason 1’s finale. The depths of this are not explored, but the looming threat of Abby remains clear. After Abby exacts her revenge, Ellie heads to Seattle to seek their own justice against Abby. She does not go alone, though, as Dina travels with her.Dina and Ellie’s relationship only builds from the premiere, which will take them both to dangerous placesas the story ofThe Last of Usseason 2 continues.
In Many Different Ways
Image via Max
Overall, Ellie and Dina’s relationship is one of the best, most intriguing elements ofThe Last of Us Part II. Clearly, this bodes well forThe Last of Usseasons 2 and 3. For one,Dina and Ellie’s relationship is great for the representation of an openly gay couple. While this is not necessarily new for the world of TV, its depiction in the original video game was a huge step forward for the medium.
The exploration of the cycle of revenge and how it can damage relationships causes Dina and Ellie’s connection to take on entirely new layers…
The Last of Usseason 2, episode 1 explored this via Seth’s role, with the man taking issue with Dina and Ellie’s acts of affection. Beyond this representation, Ellie and Dina’s relationship is incredibly complex. The two already have been shown to have scintillating chemistry together, which makes their presence together throughoutThe Last of Us Part II’s story interesting on a surface level.
As the story develops, the exploration of the cycle of revenge and how it can damage relationships causes Dina and Ellie’s connection to take on entirely new layers. After howThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 1 made audiences fall in love with Dina and her connection with Ellie, I cannot wait to see how this all plays out on-screen.
Dina Will Continue Being Heavily Involved In Ellie’s Arc Throughout The Last Of Us
Even Going Into The Last Of Us Season 3
As alluded to by the mention of this exploration, Dina will be heavily involved throughout every aspect of Ellie’s arc inThe Last of Usseason 2. As confirmed via the showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann,The Last of Us Part IIwill be split across two seasons.HBO’s renewal ofThe Last of Usseason 3before season 2 even aired further solidified this, all while confirming Dina’s future as an important part of Ellie’s journey.
The Last of Usseason 2 will likely feature the aforementioned elements of Ellie and Dina’s relationship: their initial bond, the journey to Seattle, and the quest to hunt down Abby. InThe Last of Usseason 3, however, more will be explored and deeper elements of their relationship will be peeled back as Ellie struggles to let go of her need for revenge. On the whole, Dina is incredibly important to the story of the second game, boding well for those who loved Isabela Merced’s depiction of her inThe Last of Usseason 2, episode 1.
