The Last Of Us Episode 5 Will Finally Introduce One Of The Game’s Most Challenging Elements

by

In the original The Last of Us video games, a key aspect was the mystery surrounding how the infection spread. This element has been altered in the HBO series adaptation. Removing airborne spores caused controversy among fans, even though showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin expressed doubts about incorporating them initially because it seemed illogical at the time. However, they recently confirmed at SXSW that spores would be introduced during this season, and based on the trailer for next week’s episode, we can expect this to happen soon.

In the trailer for the next episode, we see Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina (Isabela Merced) persistently pursuing the WLF who attacked them earlier, while the WLF strengthen their group. Moreover, it’s disclosed that the infection can be disseminated by airborne spores originating from decaying bodies of the infected individuals.

In the game, it is shown that the fungus doesn’t stop growing even after an infected person perishes. Instead, it feeds on the deceased’s body to create a fruiting body and discharge spores that can infect humans when inhaled. Characters other than Ellie need gas masks to protect themselves from this. It is also important to mention that Dina discovered Ellie’s unique immunity to the fungus in the game. Last night’s episode featured a scene where Ellie sacrificed herself by letting an infected attack her, allowing Dina to kill it instead.

The rapid expansion of this growth turns the deceased into a fragile and skeletal structure, sticking the remains to various surfaces. Over prolonged periods, the body transforms into a “mold” that can overrun entire structures, posing a threat due to its harmful fungal proliferation. In some instances, it may even camouflage itself within its surroundings, as illustrated above.

New episodes of The Last of Us air Sundays at at 6 PM PT / 9 PM ET on HBO and Max.

Read More

2025-05-05 18:39