The Last of Us – “Kin” Review
The Last of Us, “Kin” aired on February 19th on HBO. Based on the 2013 video game developed by Naughty Dog, the series follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler tasked with escorting the teenage Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the post-apocalyptic United States. In “Kin”, after ignoring the advice of locals, Joel and Ellie descend deeper into dangerous territory in search of the Fireflies – and Tommy (Gabriel Luna). Below you will find our review of The Last of Us, “Kin”.
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Warning: This article contains spoilers from The Last of Us “Kin”. Read at your own risk!
It’s been three months since the last episode. Joel and Ellie find themselves with an older couple Florence (Elaine Miles) and Marlon (Graham Greene), who urge them to turn around and head back east. That if they go past the river, they will meet death. Joel and Ellie ignore the elderly couple’s warning and go towards the river of death. Joel and Ellie are stopped by a group on horseback as they pass through the river of death. The group uses a dog to sniff for infection. The group brings Joel and Ellie to their community in Jackson, Wyoming, where Joel reunites with Tommy.
Joel is introduced to Tommy’s wife Maria (Rutina Wesley) who is on the council of the town. Collective ownership. Joel and Tommy split up from the others so they could talk and Tommy informs his brother that Maria is pregnant. Switch to Ellie and Maria, after a shower Ellie returns to Maria with fresh clothing and receives a haircut. This is when Ellie finds out about what happened to Sarah, Joel’s daughter. Maria also gives Ellie a warning about Joel.
“The only people who can betray us… are the ones we trust.” – Maria Miller (Rutina Wesley)
Later in the day, Joel confides in Tommy about Ellie’s immunity and his own declining mental health since their journey started. Joel asks his brother to take Ellie to the Fireflies as he’s afraid he’s going to get her killed. Ellie overhears everything and confronts Joel who insists that they part ways.
In the morning, Joel changed his mind, not giving him a chance to talk his way out of it, Ellie quickly takes him up on the offer. Tommy offers a place in the town for both Ellie and Joel. The pair headed out on a single horse to the Firefly Base in Colorado. The journey takes about a week; once they reach the base, they discover that the Fireflies have vacated the base and probably have relocated to a hospital in Utah.
Joel and Ellie quickly spot raiders, when Joel is attacked and he kills the raider. But Joel gets stabbed in the process. He pulls the knife out and they escape. Ellie notices more raiders are approaching and they quickly escape. Once they are far enough away Joel collapses and falls off the horse, Ellis is unsure what to do.
My Overall Thoughts
The bond that is forming between Joel and Ellie is developing beautifully. You can see the gradual progress, and understand why Joel is struggling to open up due to his past experience with his daughter. How Joel is teaching Ellie things along their journey so that she can survive, like how to keep watch. Even though he doesn’t want her to keep watch.
The best detail I love that they have added to the show I that they address how women experience the apocalypse. Earlier in the season we see Ellie find the last box of tampons and in this episode, we see that Maria gave Ellie and diva cup. Not many apocalyptic shows cover any of that, so it’s a little refreshing.
When you’re lost in the darkness, look for the light.
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