The Last of Us has returned for its much-anticipated second season and in just one episode, it’s already queerer, moodier, and more emotionally loaded than ever before.

Set five years after the hospital showdown that ended Season One, Episode 1 sees Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) living in the relatively stable commune of Jackson, Wyoming. Their relationship is strained, burdened by the past and secrets left unsaid. Joel is now dealing with his guilt through therapy sessions with Gail, played by comedy legend Catherine O’Hara, while Ellie is growing closer to her maybe more-than-friend Dina, portrayed by Isabela Merced.

At a New Year’s Eve party, Ellie and Dina’s bond deepens when Dina jokingly suggests the local boys are jealous. Ellie, the shy little lesbian she is, insists she’s no threat prompting Dina to lean in and say, “I think they should be terrified,” just before they kiss. It’s tender, bold, spectacularly gay and…rudely interrupted by a homophobic slur from Jackson’s resident bigot, Seth (Robert John Burke). 

True to the game, Ellie confronts him without hesitation but this version kicks things up a notch. Joel steps in, and rather than just pushing Seth aside as he does in the game, he full-on tackles him to the ground. The scene is raw and protective, cementing the still-complicated bond between Joel and Ellie.

isabela merced, you understood the assignment. you understood it so well that i cried. you did good, kid. you are dina #thelastofus pic.twitter.com/beNkRaT3Cl

— Nora Dominick (@noradominick) April 14, 2025

Speaking about the Ellie-Dina storyline, Merced teased, “The gays are going to be fed. I love it. I’ve seen the edits done by a queer woman, Emily Mendez and it’s all so authentic.” 

The cast this season also includes Gabriel Luna as Tommy, Rutina Wesley as Maria, Young Mazino as Jesse, Tati Gabrielle as Nora, Danny Ramirez as Manny, and Jeffrey Wright as Isaac. Oh, and that huge (I’m talking about her arms) danger looming in the shadows? Abby and the fireflies are on their way with unfinished business.

While the queer drama is front and centre, the apocalypse is still very much alive. A dropped sparkler near some twitching roots hints that the Cordyceps threat is evolving. With Jackson in view and enemies approaching, The Last of Us‘ second season looks like it’s going to be wild…and hopefully even queerer. Episodes are releasing weekly from April 14 on Sky and Now TV in the Republic of Ireland.