We’re pretty obsessed with this new blossoming romance
BY AMELIA JONES, IMAGE BY HBO
Unless you’ve been living under a Clicker-infested rock, you’ve probably heard of The Last Of Us. Originally a beloved video game, it found new life as a hit HBO series, blending horror, heartbreak, and humanity in a world ravaged by a fungal apocalypse. Season one had us sobbing into our hoodies. Now, in season two we’re diving deeper – not just into Ellie’s (Bella Ramsey) journey, but into her queerness, relationships, and yes, that kiss.
In the premiere, Ellie shares a kiss with Dina (Isabela Merced) during a community dance in Jackson, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. In the game, the kiss comes much later, but HBO fast-tracked Ellie and Dina’s connection, making it a focal point from the start. This move doesn’t just celebrate queerness, it unapologetically puts it front and centre.
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) quickly praised the moment. One described the kiss as “magical,” while another called them their “favourite couple of the series,” highlighting the beauty of their connection.
Bella Ramsay has teased that the season will dig deeper into Ellie and Dina’s relationship. Gone are the rushed moments from last season – season two gives their connection space to grow. This is a queer love story unfolding in a world that is anything but forgiving, and the show is giving it time to breathe.
Pedro Pascal also shines in this scene. When a local interrupts the kiss with a homophobic slur, Joel steps in – not as a saviour, but as a father figure, showing his growth and evolving bond with Ellie.
For fans of the game, this kiss is a long-awaited adaptation of Ellie’s queerness. For new viewers, it’s an introduction to a key relationship – and a sign that season two isn’t afraid to tackle the personal, even amid an apocalypse.
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