Unveiling The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4: How It Stacks Up Against the Game

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 delivers a thrilling adaptation of The Last of Us Part II, diving deep into Ellie and Dina’s Seattle adventure. As fans dissect this pivotal episode, many are eager to uncover how HBO’s vision diverges from Naughty Dog’s iconic game.

From narrative tweaks to emotional shifts, this article explores every major difference, ensuring you understand what’s changed and why.

Spoiler Warning: This analysis contains spoilers for both The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 and The Last of Us Part II. Proceed with caution if you’re not caught up!

How Does Ellie’s Immunity Reveal Differ in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4?

In The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, Ellie’s immunity is revealed dramatically when she’s bitten by a clicker while protecting Dina in a subway turnstile. This forces Ellie to confess her secret, proving she won’t turn by offering to sleep in front of Dina.

The game, however, ties this moment to spores—an airborne threat absent in the show. Instead, Ellie’s gas mask breaks during a subway escape, exposing her to spores and prompting Dina to learn of her immunity. The show’s bite-driven reveal heightens the immediate stakes, while the game’s spore-based moment leverages its environmental hazards.

This change reflects HBO’s decision to eliminate spores for realism, as explained by showrunner Neil Druckmann: characters would otherwise need constant gas masks. The adaptation prioritizes visceral, physical encounters over the game’s fungal atmosphere, reshaping this critical plot point.

What Changes Were Made to Dina’s Pregnancy Reveal?

The climactic scene of The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 sees Dina reveal her pregnancy at the Pinnacle Theater, a moment that sparks joy and leads to an impassioned kiss with Ellie.

This contrasts sharply with the game, where Dina’s announcement is fraught with stress and anguish, and Ellie reacts with anger, calling Dina a burden before storming off to secure the theater. The show portrays Ellie as excited, even joking about being a “dad,” cementing their bond with intimacy.

HBO’s choice to make this a positive turning point enhances the emotional warmth of Ellie and Dina’s relationship, differing from the game’s darker, more conflicted tone. This shift aligns with the show’s slower-burn romance arc, giving Dina’s bisexuality and their connection more narrative weight.

How Is Isaac Dixon’s Introduction Altered?

Spoiler Warning: This section discusses Isaac’s backstory, which may spoil future plot points.

In The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, Isaac Dixon, the WLF leader, is introduced earlier than in the game, with a flashback showing him as a FEDRA soldier defecting to the resistance. This adds depth to his character, played by Jeffrey Wright, whose intimidating presence shines. The show also depicts Isaac torturing a naked Seraphite in a kitchen, fully showcasing his brutal methods.

In The Last of Us Part II, Isaac’s interrogation scene occurs later, during Abby’s perspective, and is set in a bathroom with his cruelty only implied. The show’s explicit portrayal and earlier timing align with its linear timeline, contrasting the game’s dual-narrative structure. This change emphasizes Isaac’s role in the WLF-Seraphite conflict sooner.

What’s Different About the Channel 13 TV Studio Sequence?

The Channel 13 TV studio is a centerpiece of The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, faithfully recreating the game’s grisly Seraphite massacre. WLF soldiers are strung up, and the cult’s blood-drawn symbol adorns the wall, mirroring The Last of Us Part II.

However, the show’s escape is more frantic, amplified by stormy weather, while the game’s version is calmer, with less environmental drama. The set design and path Ellie and Dina take remain authentic, though not a perfect replica.

The show’s heightened tension and weather effects add cinematic flair, but some fans note it lacks the game’s unique tension from following another character’s trail, which added narrative depth. This tweak prioritizes action over the game’s stealth-driven exploration.

How Does the Seattle Exploration Vary?

In The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, Ellie and Dina explore a condensed Downtown Seattle, visiting only Weston’s Pharmacy and Valiant Music Shop, where Ellie plays A-ha’s “Take On Me.” The game’s Seattle Day 1 offers an open-world design, allowing players to roam multiple buildings, creating a broader sense of place.

The show’s streamlined approach sacrifices some of this freedom for pacing, focusing on key narrative beats.

Additionally, the show includes a scavenging scene where Dina finds pregnancy tests, tying directly to her reveal. The game scatters such moments throughout, emphasizing resource scarcity through gameplay. HBO’s narrative-driven scavenging enhances storytelling efficiency for a passive TV audience.

What’s the Deal with the Guitar Scene’s Placement?

Ellie’s guitar-playing moment in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 occurs early, at the Valiant Music Shop, setting a lighthearted tone before the chaos. In the game, this scene happens later, at the theater after Dina’s pregnancy reveal, serving as a reflective pause.

The show’s earlier placement aligns with its focus on building Ellie and Dina’s bond upfront, while the game uses it to deepen their emotional complexity post-conflict.

This shift showcases HBO’s intent to frontload character development, making the episode feel more intimate before diving into action-heavy sequences.

How Does the Lakehill Hospital Plot Point Differ?

Spoiler Warning: This section hints at future story arcs.

At the end of The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4, Ellie and Dina overhear a radio mention of “Nora” at Lakehill Hospital, driving their next move. In the game, they first hear about Hillcrest, believing Tommy is there, and Lakehill is mentioned later.

The show’s direct focus on Nora and Lakehill accelerates the narrative, bypassing the game’s detour to Hillcrest and Dina’s choice to stay behind.

This change suggests HBO is streamlining the multi-season arc, potentially omitting Tommy’s early Seattle presence to focus on Ellie’s revenge-driven journey.

Why Do These Changes Matter?

The differences in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 highlight HBO’s adaptation strategy: balancing fidelity to The Last of Us Part II with TV-friendly pacing and emotional resonance. By removing spores, condensing exploration, and reordering key moments, the show crafts a linear, cinematic experience distinct from the game’s interactive depth. These alterations don’t just adapt the story—they reimagine it for a broader audience, sparking debate among fans.

As The Last of Us Season 2 continues, these changes set the stage for further divergence. Whether you’re a game purist or a show enthusiast, The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 proves HBO is bold in its vision.

Share your thoughts below, and stay tuned for more comparisons as the season unfolds!