Ellie’s Kiss, Catherine O’Hara’s Therapist
The Season 2 premiere of HBO’s “The Last of Us” delves into the lives of Joel and Ellie five years after the events of Season 1. Set in the walled settlement of Jackson, Wyoming, overseen by Joel’s brother Tommy and his wife Maria, the premiere showcases Joel and Ellie adjusting to their new normal. Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, helps Maria with construction projects to accommodate the influx of new residents seeking refuge from the fungal apocalypse. Meanwhile, Ellie, portrayed by Bella Ramsey, now a young adult at 19 years old, is honing her combat and marksmanship skills as she patrols the wilderness surrounding Jackson for infected alongside her best friend Dina and Jesse.
The episode reveals that Ellie and Joel have become estranged, with Ellie moving into the garage next to their house and the two barely speaking. Joel’s concern over their fractured relationship leads him to seek therapy with Gail, portrayed by Catherine O’Hara, to navigate his feelings and mend his bond with Ellie.
Co-creator and executive producer Craig Mazin, who also directed the episode, explains that while the five years between seasons have had their share of positive moments, Joel and Ellie find themselves at odds once again. Mazin, along with co-creator Neil Druckmann and star Bella Ramsey, discussed the premiere and the evolution of Ellie and Dina’s relationship, the development of the Jackson set, and the significance of Joel’s therapy session.
The therapy session scene with Joel and Gail explores Joel’s inner turmoil as he grapples with guilt and regret over his past actions. Gail confronts Joel about the death of her husband at his hands and pushes him to reveal the truth about his actions towards Ellie. As Joel struggles to come clean, the tension in the room escalates, culminating in a raw and emotional confession from Joel.
Mazin reveals that the therapy scene was inspired by his initial idea for Season 1, which was eventually cut from the final script. Resurrecting the concept for Season 2 allowed Mazin to delve deeper into Joel’s character and explore the consequences of his choices. The intense and poignant moment between Joel and Gail sets the stage for the emotional journey that lies ahead for the characters in the new season.
As the premiere sets the stage for the events to come, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the gripping tale of survival and redemption in “The Last of Us.”
“The attention to detail in building Jackson was incredible,” Druckmann adds. “It really helped the actors and crew immerse themselves in the world we were creating. It’s important for us to make everything as authentic as possible to help tell the story in the most impactful way.”
The setting of Jackson plays a crucial role in the narrative of the show, as it serves as a backdrop for the characters and their relationships. “Jackson is not just a town, it’s a character in itself,” Mazin explains. “The way it’s portrayed on screen is a reflection of the lives of the people who inhabit it. We wanted to make sure that it felt real and lived-in, so that the audience could connect with the story on a deeper level.”
As the series continues to unfold, viewers can expect more emotional moments, intense action sequences, and unexpected twists and turns. With a talented cast and crew at the helm, “The Last of Us” promises to deliver a thrilling and unforgettable viewing experience. So buckle up, because the journey is just getting started. In a recent interview, Bella Ramsey, who plays Ellie in the upcoming TV adaptation of “The Last of Us,” shared her experience filming a pivotal scene where Ellie and Dina share their first kiss. Reflecting on the moment, Ramsey described it as a surreal experience, likening it to a “little black hole moment.”
The scene takes place towards the end of the episode, as the citizens of Jackson gather at the local church for a New Year’s Eve party. As Ellie and Dina dance together, their chemistry builds to a heartfelt moment where they share their first kiss. Ramsey revealed that the scene closely mirrors the one from the video game, “The Last of Us Part II,” which served as inspiration for the adaptation.
Show creator Craig Mazin expressed his dedication to staying true to the game’s iconic moments, ensuring that key elements were seamlessly integrated into the show. He mentioned a particular shot inside the church that closely resembles the game, capturing Ellie from behind as she dances amidst the warm glow of lights.
Despite not being a gamer, Ramsey immersed herself in the world of “The Last of Us” by watching gameplay walkthroughs on YouTube. This allowed her to connect with Ellie’s complex emotions as she navigates her feelings for Dina amidst the uncertainty of their relationship. Ramsey highlighted Ellie’s internal struggle, as she grapples with her fear of jeopardizing their friendship by acting on her romantic feelings.
The attention to detail in production design, with access to concept art and visual schematics from the game’s developer, Naughty Dog, helped Ramsey embody Ellie’s inner turmoil. The authenticity of the set and costumes allowed her to fully embrace the character’s emotional journey, particularly during the intimate moment shared with Dina.
Ramsey also emphasized the rare sense of camaraderie on set during the scene, noting the joy of filming a lighthearted moment in an otherwise intense and dramatic series. She described the experience of having a group of people coming together to enjoy themselves on the set of “The Last of Us,” creating a memorable and heartwarming atmosphere during filming.
Overall, the recreation of Ellie and Dina’s first kiss in the TV adaptation of “The Last of Us” reflects the dedication to honoring the source material while bringing a fresh perspective to the beloved characters and their evolving relationship. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie captures the essence of the iconic video game character, adding depth and emotion to her journey in the post-apocalyptic world of “The Last of Us.”
