Ellie’s Heart-Stopping Bite and Dina’s Secret in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4: A Scene Breakdown

HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, titled “Day One,” delivers a pivotal moment that fans of the game and show alike have been waiting for: Ellie’s harrowing bite and the emotional fallout that leads to her and Dina consummating their bond.

This sequence, set against the chaotic backdrop of Seattle’s infected-filled subway tunnels, is a masterclass in tension, vulnerability, and raw emotion. From Ellie’s selfless act to Dina’s shocking pregnancy reveal, we’re breaking down every beat of this unforgettable scene, analyzing its departures from The Last of Us Part II and its impact on the characters’ journey.

What Happens When Ellie Gets Bit in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4?

In The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) find themselves navigating Seattle’s underground transit tunnels, a direct nod to The Last of Us Part II.

Pursued by both WLF soldiers and a horde of infected, the stakes are sky-high. As they attempt to escape through a rusted turnstile, Dina gets stuck, and an infected lunges for her. In a split-second act of heroism, Ellie thrusts her arm into the infected’s mouth, taking the bite to save Dina.

This moment is a significant departure from the game, where Ellie’s immunity is revealed accidentally when her gas mask breaks, exposing her to spores. The show’s choice to make Ellie’s action deliberate amplifies her selflessness and deepens the emotional weight of the scene.

The bite itself is visceral and terrifying, with HBO’s production design—complete with flickering red flares and claustrophobic tunnel shots—heightening the sense of dread. Bella Ramsey’s performance captures Ellie’s instinctual bravery, while Isabela Merced’s Dina conveys pure panic, unaware of Ellie’s immunity. This setup primes the audience for the emotional rollercoaster that follows in the abandoned theater.

Why Does Dina Pull a Gun on Ellie After the Bite?

Once Ellie and Dina escape to the safety of an abandoned theater, the tension doesn’t let up. Dina, having witnessed the bite, believes Ellie is doomed to turn. In a gut-wrenching moment, she points her gun at Ellie, her hands trembling as she grapples with the prospect of killing her best friend and potential love.

This scene, described by fans on X as “intense” and “heartbreaking,” marks a stark contrast to the game, where Dina’s reaction to Ellie’s immunity is more subdued due to the chaos of their escape.

Ellie’s response is both desperate and vulnerable: she confesses her immunity, pleading with Dina to wait one night to see if she turns. “I’d die for you, but that’s not what’s happening,” Ellie says, a line that underscores her willingness to sacrifice everything for Dina.

Director Kate Herron’s framing, with tight close-ups and a lantern partially obscuring Dina’s face, immerses viewers in Ellie’s perspective, making the moment feel intimate and harrowing. This “rug-pull moment,” as Herron calls it, sets the stage for the emotional intimacy that follows.

How Does Dina’s Pregnancy Reveal Change Their Dynamic?

As Dina processes Ellie’s immunity, her relief is palpable, and it prompts her to share her own secret: she’s pregnant with Jesse’s baby. This revelation, confirmed by pregnancy tests Dina found earlier in the episode, comes after hours of waiting to see if Ellie will turn.

Unlike the game, where Ellie reacts with anger, calling Dina a “burden,” the show’s Ellie is excited, even joking about becoming a “dad.” This shift softens Ellie’s character, emphasizing her hope for a future with Dina and the baby, despite their dangerous mission.

Isabela Merced shines here, portraying Dina’s vulnerability as she opens up about her bisexuality and her mother’s disapproval, a detail that adds depth to her character. The morning-after scene, where the two share beef jerky to mask morning breath, injects a touch of levity, though some critics found it overly YA-romance-esque.

Nonetheless, the chemistry between Ramsey and Merced makes their bond believable, grounding the fantastical apocalypse in relatable human connection.

What Makes the Consummation Scene So Impactful?

The consummation of Ellie and Dina’s bond in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 is a release of pent-up emotions, occurring after their life-or-death confessions. Unlike the game, where their first sexual encounter happens earlier, the show builds a slow-burn romance, making this moment feel “earned,” as Herron notes.

The intimacy coordinator, Katherine Kadler, worked closely with Ramsey and Merced to ensure authenticity, resulting in a scene that feels tender yet urgent, reflecting the precariousness of their world.

The scene’s power lies in its contrast to the surrounding violence. Just hours before, Ellie and Dina were fleeing infected and dodging WLF soldiers. Now, in the quiet of the theater, they find solace in each other.

The show’s adaptation choices—delaying their romance and tying it to these revelations—enhance the emotional stakes, making their connection a beacon of hope amidst Seattle’s chaos. Fans on X praised the scene’s chemistry, with one calling it “beautiful and well worth the wait.”

How Does This Scene Compare to The Last of Us Part II?

Fans of The Last of Us Part II will notice significant changes in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4. In the game, Ellie’s immunity is revealed by chance, and her reaction to Dina’s pregnancy is harsh, leading to a bitter argument.

The show, however, crafts a more heroic reveal for Ellie and a warmer response to Dina’s news, aligning with its goal of fleshing out their romance. These changes have sparked debate, with some fans appreciating the added emotional depth, while others miss the game’s raw conflict.

The show’s decision to remove spores and make Ellie’s bite a deliberate act is a smart adaptation, working within the established rules of HBO’s Cordyceps infection. By focusing on Ellie’s agency and Dina’s emotional response, the scene becomes a defining moment for their relationship, setting up the challenges they’ll face as they pursue Abby and navigate the WLF-Seraphite war.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 delivers a scene that’s equal parts heart-pounding and heartwarming, as Ellie’s bite and Dina’s pregnancy reveal pave the way for a transformative moment in their relationship.

By reworking key elements from The Last of Us Part II, HBO crafts a sequence that honors the game while carving its own path, with Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced delivering performances that resonate long after the credits roll.

As Ellie and Dina head toward Lakehill, their bond—forged in trust and love—will be tested by the violence of Seattle. What did you think of this pivotal scene?

Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned for more The Last of Us breakdowns!