Why The Last of Us Season 2 Changed Dina’s Role in Joel’s Death Scene

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Craig Mazin, showrunner of The Last of Us, and star Bella Ramsey discussed an essential alteration in a crucial scene between the TV series and its source material. In a heart-wrenching turn of events during The Last of Us season 2, Joel (Pedro Pascal) meets a tragic end when Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) mercilessly takes his life as an act of vengeance. Unlike in the game where Tommy (Gabriel Luna), Joel’s brother, is present for his demise, on the show, Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) close friend and romantic interest, Dina (Isabela Merced), witnesses Joel’s passing instead.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Mazin and Ramsey discuss the choice to modify a crucial scene in The Last of Us, where the alteration aims to strengthen the bond between Ellie and Dina, while also showcasing that even Dina is affected by Joel’s loss.

As a dedicated moviegoer, I must emphasize that Dina’s affection for Joel was undeniably profound. By placing Dina in such a pivotal role in the murder scene, we are drawn closer to her emotional journey. The fact that she chose to stand by Ellie’s side through every challenge they faced from then on, was as much about her grief as it was about their friendship.

In various ways, characters such as Dina, Abby, and possibly others are found in situations where they seem stuck or unable to move forward. This mirrors a common aspect of human vulnerability – when wounds occur, they disrupt our lives, sometimes making it difficult to progress beyond them. If we struggle to pause our own advancement along a simple hallway, what hope might there be for us to overcome such deeper, more significant obstacles?

Ramsey notes that Ellie harbors some “bitterness” towards Dina and the circumstances, as she wasn’t with Joel on his final day, while Dina was. Before the story unfolds in The Last of Us season 2, there’s tension between Joel and Ellie, which escalates when Joel stands up for Ellie and Dina against a homophobic remark in episode 1, leading to an argument. The following day, it’s Dina who accompanies Joel on patrol, leaving Ellie behind.

Dina and Ellie have developed a complex bond due to shared trauma, yet there’s a tinge of resentment present. It seems there was a strong feeling of jealousy as well. Dina had the opportunity to be with him, spend the last day with him, which has led to a deep sense of guilt and regret in Ellie. This subtle sentiment was noticeable when they first discussed the incident later on.

What This Means For Dina In The Last Of Us Season 2

Dina Will Continue To Take On A Bigger Role In The Season

In “The Last of Us,” it strategically positions Dina as an essential element of the narrative by being present during Joel’s final moments instead of his brother. The story introduces Dina as both Ellie’s closest friend and romantic interest, culminating in a shared kiss that sets off a series of events leading to Dina standing by Joel as he takes his last breath. In this adaptation, Dina is more closely connected to Joel than in the original game, sharing significant moments together. Essentially, Dina becomes an integral part of the relationship between Ellie and Joel, contributing to a distinctive triad dynamic among the three characters.

Dina’s experience of being forcibly restrained by Abby and her team during Joel’s murder leaves her with a strong desire for vengeance against the group. Not only has she suffered a personal attack, but she’s also witnessed the death of a man who held a paternal role in her life. Her deep attachment to Joel makes it likely that she will join Ellie in their quest for retribution against Abby and the W.L.F. The audience can empathize with Dina as they virtually share her anguish during the brutal attack on Joel.

Our Take On Dina Replacing Tommy In Joel’s Death Scene

The Decision Makes Dina More Compelling

Switching Tommy with Dina in the storyline proved beneficial for season 2 of “The Last of Us,” as it bolsters a more powerful narrative arc. By deepening the connection between Dina and Joel, it provides an additional driving force behind Dina’s actions. This choice not only strengthens the bond between Dina, Joel, and Ellie but also draws the audience into Dina’s story. The pivotal moment of her character development, marked by a significant death, offers us a deeper insight into who she is, as we witness its effects on her personally.

Ellie and Dina’s relationship may grow even stronger after Ellie sees Joel die, as they now share a deep bond born out of their shared grief over Joel. This shared trauma could serve as the basis for a profound connection between them, as they will likely need to rely on each other for emotional support during the next season of “The Last of Us,” since Joel is no longer with them.

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2025-04-21 20:28