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The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 Ending Explained & Review: Isaac's Haunting Turn, Ellie's Sacrifice, and the Brutal Truths of War
Okay, full disclosure—this episode had me pacing. If Episode 3 felt like a slow burn, Episode 4 was like watching a firework explode in a dark room. "The Last of Us" Season 2, Episode 4 didn’t just build tension—it tore into raw emotional territory with surgical precision.
From that opening flashback of Isaac Dixon to the final infected-charged chase, this one gave us everything: character reveals, uncomfortable truths, and those haunting “what would you do?” moments that define The Last of Us.
Let's Talk About Isaac Dixon
Finally, we meet Isaac. And let me tell you, this dude? Complicated. He starts as a Fedra sergeant back in 2018, already showing cracks in the façade. While his fellow soldiers swallowed the propaganda whole, Isaac questioned it—so much so that he killed his own men when they crossed a line. But what really stuck out was how he spared the one newbie who hadn't been poisoned by Fedra’s ideology yet.
Flash forward 11 years, and now he’s using copper-core pans—his dream cookware—to torture prisoners. You can’t make this stuff up.
The Saraphite prisoner he’s torturing doesn’t flinch. He just repeats, "She watches over us." And it’s chilling. That kind of religious devotion, that absolute commitment… it’s terrifying. Especially because it’s what makes them such a dangerous enemy. Isaac realizes he’s not going to break this man, so he kills him. Just like that.
The Saraphites vs. Wolves – It's Getting Real
We got major Saraphite insight here. These people aren’t just your average cult—these are zealots with Glasgow smiles and a prophecy to fulfill. And while the Wolves fight dirty, the Saraphites fight raw. Their war isn't just physical—it's ideological.
There was a truce once. A fragile peace between Wolves and Saraphites, each staying in their corners of Seattle. But someone crossed the line. And now it’s payback time on both sides. But let’s be honest, it feels like the Saraphites are playing 4D chess while the Wolves are still learning checkers.
The moment Ellie and Dena find those Wolves strung up by their guts… it’s next-level horror. And a stark reminder that neither side is "good" in this world anymore.
Ellie and Dena – All the Cards on the Table
Let’s shift gears. The real emotional heart of the episode? Ellie and Dena.
Ellie puts herself in front of an infected to save Dena—and lets herself get bitten. Not because she’s reckless, but because she’s immune. And now Dena knows. This secret she’s carried for so long, finally out in the open. That moment felt huge. Like, drop-the-controller-in-the-middle-of-the-game huge.
Then Dena drops her own bomb: she’s pregnant. With Jesse’s child.
Cue the wave of feelings crashing down.
There’s this scene—Ellie finds a guitar, untouched for years. She plays a song while Dena just watches, and honestly, it’s one of the most beautiful scenes in the show so far. Amid the destruction and despair, there’s still music. Still humanity. And the fact that Joel taught her to play? Heartbreaker.
That Infected Scene Had Me Holding My Breath
Back to action—this episode delivered on infected horror.
We get a claustrophobic train station sequence that had my anxiety spiking. The way those infected swarm the windows, hammering away like a zombie flash mob from hell? Terrifying. And the scene at the ticket gate when it won’t budge? Pure panic.
It’s easy to forget how dangerous the infected still are when the show spends time on human conflicts, but this was a stark reminder: they’re still out there. And they don’t stop.
Land of Geek Rating: 9/10
A near-perfect blend of emotional storytelling and tension-filled action. Episode 4 brought back the infected, ramped up the drama, and gave us one of the darkest (yet most human) villain arcs yet with Isaac Dixon.
✅ Pros
- Powerful character development for Isaac, Ellie, and Dena
- A haunting, beautiful guitar scene that hits all the emotional notes
- Visceral infected sequence that amps up the fear factor
- Strong pacing and balance of story + action
- Expands the world and ideology of the Saraphites in chilling detail
❌ Cons
- Isaac’s backstory might feel rushed for viewers unfamiliar with game lore
- Joel’s absence continues to leave a noticeable void
- Some side characters still lack emotional weight or depth
Isaac's Haunting Evolution & What Comes Next
This episode felt like a turning point. We now fully understand Isaac—he’s a man who gave up on ideals and embraced brutality as a means to an end. The Saraphites are clearly not going away. And Ellie and Dena? Their relationship just leveled up in a huge way.
It’s hard not to miss Joel. Pedro Pascal’s absence is still heavy. But the story’s moving forward, and honestly, I’m here for it. With only three episodes left, things are about to get messy. And if Episode 4 is any indication, we’re in for an emotional rollercoaster.
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