HBO’s The Last of Us Episode 4 Spoiler Free Review

While the episode itself bridges a gap told between important arcs of the pair’s escapade, its an imperative portion of the plot that gives insight to personal goals that continue to expand, from Ellie’s constant need to learn, and Joel’s unwillingness to forgive himself for Sarah’s untimely death. We finally see a moment shared here where it definitively displays a father guiding a daughter through deadly paths of an unruly territory, providing sanctity and peace-of-mind. Among the chaos, we’re also introduced to the leader of the aforementioned militia, Kathleen, an original character to the HBO series portrayed by Melanie Lynskey (Two and Half Men). Her merciless hunt for survivalists has no limit to the bloodshed of the innocent. Not much else is known of her intentions, but her careless nature motivates her army of ruthless militants, which impedes Joel’s mission to safely deliver Ellie.

While it’s not as emotionally impactful as Bill and Frank’s story, episode four continues to unravel the apocalyptic nature of the their universe outside of Boston’s safe haven. Kansas has been overturned into complete anarchy, with any sense of normalcy displaced, while on the brink of something utterly horrifying. An untrustworthy leader explicitly orders her crew and right-hand man to wipe out everyone, while they investigate an abandoned building that supposedly housed the escapees, but an unexpected surprise may unleash literal hell on earth. We’re almost half-way into the first season, and thus far its turbulence has been disgustingly delightful to digest. A tumultuous turn of events is expected to pique its upcoming arc where Joel, Ellie, and possibly others fight for their lives against monsters once believed to be myth. I’m so excited!