The Last Of Us Fans Are Devastated Over Tess' Traumatic Scene In Episode 2
Contains spoilers for "The Last of Us" Season 1, Episode 2
Fungus has never been more terrifying than on HBO's newest phenomenon, "The Last of Us." The postapocalyptic television series is not only adapted from the 2013 video game of the same name but also based on the very real and disturbing occurrence of Cordyceps. Explained in vivid and horrifying detail in the cold open of Episode 1, it is obvious that this is no ordinary infection tale. But if a fungus capable of puppeteering you like a nightmarish marionette isn't enough to traumatize you, there are always the emotional stakes of the series.
In the battle to survive in a devastating wasteland, no one comes out unscathed, least of all Joel (Pedro Pascal), who suffers something no parent should ever have to. After his daughter, Sarah's (Nico Parker), untimely death at the hands of the military, the lead character closes himself off emotionally. His partner, Tess (Anna Torv), is similarly damaged, willing to do anything to survive in the new world, no matter the cost. Both characters have lost their former selves, making their relationship based more on survival and convenience and less on devotion. But as heartbreaking as it is that Tess cannot get what she wants out of a relationship with Joel, it doesn't even come close to her brutal scene at the end of Episode 2.
Even gamers weren't prepared for Tess' fate
Those familiar with the video game are under no illusion. There is no happy ending for any character in this series. But even though they had forewarning of Tess' final moments, it didn't cushion the blow. While escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey) through the city, Joel and Tess have to make the only decision available to them and travel through a contaminated museum.
Throughout their trek, Joel has difficulty coming to terms with Ellie's immunity. But when both she and Tess are bitten by the Infected, there is no more denying it. Ellie has no symptoms of infection, while Tess is on borrowed time. After only two episodes, fans have to lose Tess to a horde of Infected. The response on Twitter was universal.
"Tess broke my heart man. I am in mourning. Again," tweeted @bridgetisaqueen. In her short time on-screen, Tess endeared herself to fans who had seen her die in the games as well as first-time watchers. "The saddest thing is Anna Torv made me love Tess even more and now I don't know what to do, I hate it here," tweeted @evilswan1. Fans @farah_byun and @HimanshSingla_ were among many who were inconsolable.
Her final moments are horrific as she self-immolates to destroy the Infected. But it's also a noble effort. She makes Joel promise to take care of Ellie now that they have proof she is immune. After a life of hard decisions, her final choice is to do something that matters.