"We Need To Go Home": How Dina Learning About Joel Changed Her In The Last Of Us Season 2 Finale

Ellie revealed her and Joel's most devious secret to Dina in The Last of Us season 2's finale, and it will have a notable effect on their dynamic. The Last of Us season 2 ending was packed with major plot twists and video game changes, including Ellie sharing the motivation behind why Abby killed Joel. Abby has been a somewhat mysterious villain throughout The Last of Us season 2, as even though we know why she did what she did, there's a massive, missing portion of the storyline that we haven't been shown yet, waiting for us in season 3.

That said, we have gotten Ellie's perspective, including a highly emotional penultimate episode that consisted primarily of flashbacks to moments shared between her and Joel. Ellie's outlook is the focal point of season 2, with all seven episodes being about the harrowing internal journey she's taken since that fateful day in Salt Lake City. Episode 6 revealed that she's known this whole time exactly what happened between Joel and the Fireflies, and she's still set on her path of revenge.

Ellie Tells Dina The Truth About Joel & The Fireflies In The Last Of Us Season 2 Finale

Dina Knows Abby's Motivation For Killing Joel Now

As Ellie and Dina's romance has blossomed throughout season 2, Ellie has shared some of her darkest secrets, including her immunity and the story of her first kill. Sharing the truth about Joel and the Fireflies is different, however, as it changes the scope of their entire mission. Dina was present during Joel's murder, and she saw that, despite the evident anger that was present in the room, Abby and her group held themselves back from killing anyone but Joel. They had one goal, and they showed restraint otherwise.

Dina's "We Need To Go Home" Reaction Shows Her Perspective Changed On The Abby Mission

Dina Knows This Isn't About Justice Anymore

Up until now, Dina has considered their mission to Seattle to be about justice. Ellie is important to her, and she knows how much this means to Ellie. In the video game, Dina has a line about how, if it had been her mother who was killed, she would have done the same. She understood what this was about, but everything changed when she learned why Abby killed Joel. What Joel did was terrible, and while he had his reasons, it still makes sense why Abby would want revenge.

At this point, Ellie has shown less restraint than Abby, killing three people on her path to find her, including a pregnant woman. Not only does Dina empathize more with Abby after understanding the situation in its entirety, but she also sees what's happening to Ellie. This isn't justice, it's a cycle of violence that's going to go on and on until they're all dead. Jesse is the next person to pay the price, later in the episode. Dina says, "We need to go home," suggesting she wants to put an end to all of this before it's too late, but Ellie can't stop now.

Will The Truth About Abby Change Things Between Ellie & Dina?

Dina Will Try To Hold Ellie Back From Destroying Herself

Ellie and Dina have been solid throughout season 2, as a beautiful romance of understanding and care has developed between them. Dina will always care about Ellie because she's an empathetic, caring person who is very passionate about those she loves. The problem is, Dina knows what's best for Ellie, which is to turn around, go home, try to heal, and live out their lives in peace, but that's not what Ellie wants. Ellie wants blood and revenge, even if it destroys her.

A pivotal barrier between Ellie and Dina in the video game is that, while Dina wants Ellie to live, Ellie is consumed by her trauma and her desire for action. She can't let Joel's murder go, and that pursuit takes hold of her. Dina represents everything Ellie could ever want: a peaceful, loving life, but The Last of Us examines how the cycle of revenge becomes addictive and self-destructive. Dina knowing the truth won't make her love Ellie any less, but she can only love her to the extent that she's willing to love herself.