Dina Takes Tommy’s Place in Shocking ‘Last of Us’ Twist, Changing Both Characters Forever

Beware: Major spoilers lie ahead for The Last of Us season 2, episode 2, as well as The Last of Us Part II game! In the second season of The Last of Us, Dina has undergone significant alterations compared to her portrayal in the game, with her stepping into Tommy’s shoes during Joel’s shocking death scene. Episode 2 depicts Abby avenging her father’s death by killing Joel, a moment that unfolds five years after their initial encounter in season 1’s finale. As Joel was responsible for her father’s demise, Abby has been seeking retribution, and she finds it shortly upon arriving in Wyoming. Unlike The Last of Us Part II, Dina plays a crucial role in the events leading up to Joel’s passing.

In the debut of The Last of Us season 2, Dina and Joel share a strong bond in the HBO version that was not depicted in the original game. This unexpected connection, in turn, underscores the growing tension between Joel and Ellie. Regrettably, due to the events in episode 2 of season 2, their relationship remains unresolved within the series’ narrative as it stands. However, by altering certain aspects of the game’s plotline, Dina’s character takes on a captivating importance for future developments.

Dina Is With Joel For The Last Of Us Season 2’s Ski Lodge Scene, Not Tommy

Tommy Has Other Things To Worry About In Jackson

In the second season of “The Last of Us,” entitled “Through the Valley,” we find Joel and his companion Dina embarking on a joint patrol. During this outing, they cross paths with Abby. Her group, members of the WLF, have found sanctuary in a mountain ski lodge beyond Jackson. While independently patrolling, Abby almost falls victim to an infected horde, but Joel manages to rescue her at the last moment. As the weather deteriorates, Abby extends an invitation for them to seek shelter at the lodge. Eventually, this decision leads to Joel’s demise. Notably, it is Tommy rather than Dina who accompanies Joel during the ski lodge sequence in “The Last of Us Part II.

In episode 2 of The Last of Us season 2, swapping Dina for Tommy seems logical. After all, the series has already emphasized the bond between Dina and Joel. On the other hand, Tommy is fully engaged in the storyline throughout this episode. The event that unfolds, where Jackson is under attack by an infected horde, mirrors Joel’s death scene at the hands of Abby but also introduces a new subplot. This heartbreaking incident serves to highlight Tommy’s leadership within the community and provides him with a separate narrative thread beyond Joel’s destiny.

What Dina’s Presence For Joel’s Death Means For The Last Of Us Season 2

Another Character Will Be Heavily Impacted By The Loss Of Joel

In the scenario, when Joel saves Abby from the infected, he encounters Dina who recognizes him by name, thereby informing Abby about his real identity. To lead them back to the lodge for her plan, Abby feigns assistance with the Jackson issue. However, instead of helping, Abby knocks Dina unconscious and shoots Joel in the leg, then brutally beats him. Ellie arrives just as Abby is about to kill Joel with a broken golf club. Although Dina doesn’t see Joel’s murder directly, she has to deal with its consequences.

After being woken up groggily, Dina joins Jesse and Ellie as they ride back towards Jackson with their horses. Although we don’t witness Dina and Jesse’s response to Joel’s demise, it’s clear that both were informed about the unfortunate incident. In the game, Dina travels with Ellie in pursuit of Abby, but knowing she was an eyewitness to Joel’s murder adds a more personal drive to her quest for revenge. We understand that Joel’s death will significantly affect Ellie, but it will also deeply move Dina.

Tommy Can Still Go After Abby, But He Might Have To Focus On Jackson

Tommy Needs To Help Jackson Heal & Rebuild

Though Tommy wasn’t directly part of the incident involving Joel and Abby at the mountain lodge, his brother’s demise will significantly shape his storyline moving forward. In the game, it was Tommy who embarked on a quest to track down Abby, prompting Ellie and Dina to follow him to Seattle. Whether this scenario repeats in The Last of Us season 2 is uncertain, but what we do know is that multiple characters will journey across the country towards Seattle. Although Tommy might be among these travelers, he now faces other pressing issues.

In the wake of Jackson being attacked by the infected, the town will likely require extensive reconstruction, given the devastation that Tommy and Maria witness upon their reunion. Besides the physical destruction, it’s clear that numerous lives have been lost, making it challenging for the town to function and recover. However, with his family residing in Jackson, Tommy might decide to stay behind and assist, keeping in mind the potential risk of further infected attacks. Yet, this doesn’t mean he wouldn’t seek justice for Joel’s death; rather, he must weigh these desires against his other obligations within the world of The Last of Us.

2025-04-27 00:49