The Last of Us Season 2, Episode 4 Recap: "Day One" — Isaac’s Betrayal, Dina’s Secret & Ellie’s Breaking Point

In the world of The Last of Us, the line between brutality and innocence is not a vast chasm—it's a thin, fragile line. The justification for crossing it depends on when, where, and how you've come to walk that path. Episode 4 of Season 2 dives deep into this theme, particularly through the character of Isaac.

Isaac’s Transformation: From FEDRA Sergeant to WLF Leader

Isaac Dixon, played by Jeffrey Wright, makes his debut in this episode through a flashback sequence set 11 years before the current timeline. We first meet Isaac not as the WLF leader, as Owen mentioned earlier in the season, but as a disillusioned FEDRA sergeant. His colleagues are steeped in violence and corruption, their actions cruel and unquestioned. Isaac's cynical yet resigned attitude towards this brutality is captured in a conversation where he explains why FEDRA calls local citizens “voters” — it’s a mocking reference to their stripped rights. However, Isaac’s willingness to join the WLF when faced with his former comrades’ indiscriminate violence speaks to his personal moral reckoning. After a pivotal moment where he betrays his fellow soldiers, Isaac solidifies his break from his past actions, showing he has crossed that line, and there's no turning back.

Ellie and Dina: Finding Brief Moments of Peace in a Brutal World

Back in the present, we return to Ellie and Dina as they navigate Seattle, hunting down the WLF. Their journey is filled with tension and quiet moments of respite, like the scene in a record store where Ellie plays “Take On Me” by A-ha on a guitar she finds. It’s a poignant moment of peace amidst the chaos, highlighting the contrast between their vulnerability and the harsh world around them. This scene, a nod to the video game, emphasizes the emotional depth of their relationship. Dina’s emotional reaction as she watches Ellie perform reveals how much she cares for her, making it clear that the boundaries they both are about to cross will forever change them.

A Brutal Transition: Isaac’s Torture and the Morality of the Wolves and Scars

The episode quickly shifts from this tender moment to a brutal torture sequence, where Isaac interrogates a Seraphite (or "Scar") prisoner. His disdain for the Seraphites and their beliefs is evident as he mocks their faith, calling their Prophet a “magic fairy in the sky”, yet, the Seraphite’s final words challenge Isaac’s worldview: “Every day, a Wolf leaves you to take the holy mortification to become a Seraphite” Isaac’s response to this philosophical challenge is chilling—he shoots the man in cold blood, showing the depth of his own disillusionment with both sides of the war.

The Seraphites: More Than Just a Threat

Earlier, the Seraphites were portrayed as a peaceful group, trying to escape the violence of the WLF. But in this episode, their barbarity is laid bare. The gruesome discovery of hanging, disemboweled WLF soldiers in a television station signals that the Seraphites are just as capable of brutality as the Wolves. This shift in perception challenges the audience’s understanding of who the true villains are, adding a layer of complexity to the already volatile landscape.

Escaping Death: Ellie and Dina’s Desperate Flight

As Ellie and Dina continue their search, they find themselves cornered in the Seattle underground transit tunnels. A tense, nail-biting sequence unfolds as the two women are pursued by hordes of infected, and in a split-second moment of survival, Ellie sacrifices herself to save Dina by allowing an infected to bite her. This intense scene underscores the emotional stakes between them and serves as the catalyst for Ellie’s eventual confession about her immunity.

Dina’s Pregnancy and the Emotional Fallout

The moment when Dina learns of Ellie’s immunity sets the stage for a raw, emotional confrontation. Ellie’s desperate plea for Dina to understand her actions is met with anger, confusion, and ultimately, a deeper revelation: Dina is pregnant. The shock of this admission transforms their relationship and brings them closer. In the show’s version, Ellie’s reaction to Dina’s pregnancy is markedly different from the game. Instead of anger or frustration, Ellie seems relieved, even hopeful—perhaps because this newfound family dynamic represents a glimpse of happiness amidst the chaos.

A Moment of Clarity: What Lies Ahead for Ellie and Dina?

As Ellie and Dina prepare for what’s next, the episode ends with a feeling of foreboding. The WLF radios crackle, revealing that Nora is at a hospital nearby, and the two women must decide whether to face whatever dangers lie ahead together. Their moment of bliss, however brief, may be shattered when they inevitably confront the brutal choices ahead of them. Both women have crossed lines—Ellie in her fight for survival and Dina in her role as a mother-to-be—and they must now navigate the consequences of those actions.

A World Where Brutality and Innocence Cannot Coexist

This episode of The Last of Us drives home a central theme: in this world, there is no true separation between innocence and brutality. The characters are all forced to grapple with these two extremes, and the choices they make will shape their futures. As Ellie and Dina’s relationship deepens, they must face not only the brutality of the world but the inherent cost of their survival.