After Learning Dina's Backstory In The Last Of Us, I Think There's A Good Chance Her Relationship With Ellie Won't Follow The Game

Based on what Dina reveals about her backstory in The Last of Us season 2, there's a chance her relationship with Ellie won't end the same way as in the game. Despite the initial slow-burn, Ellie and Dina's relationship status in The Last of Us has reached several new levels rather quickly in the past few episodes. Fans of The Last of Us Part II game will be familiar with their romantic story, including what happens to the couple by the end of the story. With that said, the show has been known to make some changes.

By The Last of Us season 2, episode 5's ending, Jesse takes an injured Dina back to the theater while Ellie goes after Nora. At this point, Ellie and Dina are all-in with their relationship and future together, which will now include a child based on Dina's pregnancy reveal. Even though their future together sounds hopeful, the episode reiterates just how quickly everything can change based on the world they live in. Both Ellie and Dina have experienced tragedy, but it's a new reveal from Dina that could change the outcome of their relationship down the line.

Dina's Backstory In The Last Of Us Season 2 Explained

Dina Once Lived Outside Of Santa Fe, New Mexico

According to The Last of Us Part II game lore, Dina was raised by her older sister Talia after their mother was killed by an unknown man. Dina ended up killing the stranger, and the two remained in New Mexico until Talia was also killed, leading to Dina ending up in Jackson. The Last of Us season 2 takes a similar route with Dina's backstory, though the live-action version goes into more detail and tweaks some aspects.

Isabela Merced's The Last of Us character shares details about her past with Ellie in season 2's "Feel Her Love" episode. When detailing what happened with the first person she killed, Dina reveals that she used to live with her mom and sister in a cabin outside of Santa Fe. When she was just eight years old, she snuck out of the house, and while she was gone, a raider came and ended up killing her family. In response, Dina killed the raider with her own gun.

What Happens With Ellie & Dina's Relationship In The Last Of Part 2 Game

Ellie & Dina's Future Together Becomes Complicated

Dina sharing details about her life before Jackson is a big deal for the character in The Last of Us season 2. Ellie and Dina are now in a relationship, and they clearly feel comfortable with each other to share the truth regarding their pasts and hopes for the future. Whereas the significant news stems from Ellie's immunity and Dina's pregnancy, The Last of Us season 2, episode 5, also features Dina telling Ellie that she loves her. The show has made some changes to Ellie and Dina's romance, but their relationship status is following the game so far.

After a violent run-in with Abby and other WLF group members in Seattle, Ellie and Dina eventually left without completing the main mission. The game jumped a year later, showing the pair living on a farm and raising Dina's son, JJ, together. Though they seemed content, Tommy came back around, refueling Ellie's urge to find Abby again. Despite Dina's wishes to let go of the past, Ellie went back after her. By the time Ellie returned to Wyoming at the end of The Last of Us Part II, Dina left with JJ, seemingly putting an end to her life with Ellie.

Dina's Own Thoughts On Revenge Is A Good Indication That She Won't Leave Ellie In The Last Of Us

The Show Is Setting Up A Different Fate For Ellie & Dina

It's unclear how closely The Last of Us will follow the sequel game when it comes to the next chapter of Ellie and Dina's relationship. However, Dina's reveal about her backstory in "Feel Her Love" could be an indicator that the show has a different plan for the couple. Dina understands that Ellie might not want her to be along for the Abby mission out of fear something might happen to her or the baby. The stakes are much higher now, but Dina also shares her backstory to prove how much she understands wanting revenge.

If she hadn't killed the raider who murdered her mom and sister, Dina promises Ellie that she would also be hunting the person who murdered her loved ones, even if it took "forever." If that's the case, she may end up realizing why Ellie can't let go of Abby in the future, meaning Dina might never consider taking JJ and leaving Ellie like she did in the game.

Even though the game also gave Dina an understanding of Ellie's mindset following Joel's death, The Last of Us season 2 has increased Dina's own motivation to go after Abby due to her personal bond with Joel. The bond, which wasn't present in The Last of Us sequel game, is another hint that Ellie and Dina could have a happier ending in the show. There's also the fact that Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced have undeniable chemistry, giving the HBO show another reason to keep Ellie and Dina together in the end.