The Last of Us actor Isabela Merced explains why a change from the source material was important. The Last of Us season 2, episode 4 "Scars" aired on May 4. While it sees the return of season 1 actors Bella Ramsey, Pedro Pascal, Gabriel Luna, and Rutina Wesley, it also introduces new actors, including Kaitlyn Dever, Merced, Young Mazino, and Catherine O'Hara. Merced plays Dina, a girl Ellie's age living in Jackson. As of episode 4, Ellie and Dina are on a journey to Seattle together, trying to take down Abby.
Speaking with Entertainment Weekly, Merced discusses a change from the game. In The Last of Us season 2, episode 4, there is a change to how Dina finds out that Ellie is immune. Praising the show's approach, Merced believes the reveal is "more of an intense sequence." In the game, Merced feels that Dina "doesn't really get to fully process it." Check out the full quote from Merced below:
"I think it's more of an intense sequence. The game is a little bit more casual. She finds out in a completely different setting and it's too fast, so she doesn't really get to fully process it."
What This Means For The Last Of Us Adaptation
Ellie Had Been Keeping A Big Secret
In both the game and the show, the fact that Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps virus is kept secret from Dina. As is seen in season 2, Ellie has gotten a tattoo and self-inflicted burns to cover up her bite scars. In the game, Dina finds out about Ellie's immunity when the latter's mask breaks during the infected subway attack sequence. While airborne spores have not been introduced in the show, in the game, it indicates that Ellie is not impacted by the virus.
As The Last of Us season 2 has not yet brought the airborne infection into the game, the scene needed to be changed. Before getting to safety, Ellie and Dina run through a turnstile while infected chase after them. As an infected approaches Dina, Ellie puts her arm up to block Dina from being bitten. With Ellie getting bit in her stead, she has saved Dina, but she threatens Ellie with a gun, thinking Ellie is about to turn. After they are in safety, Ellie reveals her secret.
Our Take On The Last Of Us Season 2, Episode 4 Change
The Show Will Likely Make More Changes
Image via Max
The Last of Us season 2 has made several changes from the game surrounding Dina's character, including showing her relationship with Joel and making her present for his death. A lot of these changes end up giving more emotional gravity to Dina, which aids the power of her and Ellie's journey. As The Last of Us season 2 presents its final three episodes of the season, it will be interesting to see what other changes the show makes from the game.
