Jackson, Wyoming, is a ghost of itself. The HBO series “The Last of Us” rolled out its third episode of Season 2 on April 27, 2025, and it’s a gut-wrenching dive into grief and vengeance that doesn’t let up. Titled “Rate Your Pain,” the episode picks up the shattered pieces of last week’s carnage and sets Ellie and Dina on a collision course with fate. Directed by Peter Hoar and written by Craig Mazin, this hour-long chapter leans hard into the emotional wreckage left by Joel’s brutal death, while introducing new threats that make the world feel even bleaker.
The episode opens with Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, back in Jackson, staring at the ruins of the town she once called home. The infected siege from Episode 2 left buildings smoldering and bodies piled high. Ellie’s not just mourning Joel—she’s drowning in it. A key scene has her wandering into Joel’s house, touching his old guitar, the one he promised to teach her to play. It’s quiet, almost too quiet, and Ramsey’s performance carries the weight of a kid who’s lost her anchor. She’s joined by Tommy, Joel’s brother, portrayed by Gabriel Luna. The two share a raw moment, sorting through Joel’s things, their silence louder than words. It’s clear they’re both broken, but Tommy’s got a fire in him—revenge is already brewing.
Meanwhile, the episode cuts to Ellie’s growing bond with Dina, played by Isabela Merced. Dina’s trying to be the glue holding Ellie together, but it’s a tall order. The pair decide to leave Jackson for Seattle, chasing Abby and her crew, the ones who killed Joel. It’s a reckless move, and the show doesn’t shy away from showing it. Before they hit the road, there’s a tense exchange with Maria, Tommy’s wife, who’s leading Jackson’s rebuilding efforts. Rutina Wesley’s Maria is all steel, warning Ellie that vengeance won’t fix what’s broken. Ellie doesn’t listen. She’s already gone, in her head at least.
The journey to Seattle introduces the Washington Liberation Front, or WLF, a militarized group hinted at in earlier episodes. The WLF’s presence is felt through abandoned checkpoints and graffiti-scarred walls, a sign of the war-torn territory Ellie and Dina are stepping into. There’s no direct confrontation yet, but the setup is ominous—think rusted barbed wire and dog tags scattered in the dirt. The episode keeps the violence restrained, focusing more on the psychological toll. One chilling moment has Ellie strapped to a hospital bed in a flashback, reliving Joel’s death. She’s screaming, helpless, as the memory plays out in vivid detail. It’s a stark reminder that trauma doesn’t just fade.
HBO’s official release notes confirm the episode clocks in at exactly 60 minutes and carries a content warning for mild violence. The network also highlighted the return of Ashley Johnson, the original Ellie from the video game, who voices a haunting cover of “Through the Valley” in the credits. It’s a nod to fans, tying the game and show together. Production details reveal the episode was filmed in British Columbia, with Jackson’s snowy streets recreated on a massive outdoor set. The attention to detail—cracked windows, overturned carts—grounds the post-apocalyptic world in a way that feels lived-in, not staged.
By the end, Ellie and Dina are on horseback, Seattle looming. The episode doesn’t rush to action, instead letting the characters’ pain simmer. It’s a slow burn, but it lands hard. The final shot lingers on Ellie’s face, her eyes hollow but determined. She’s not the kid from Season 1 anymore.
New episodes of “The Last of Us” Season 2 air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max. The season runs through May 25, 2025, with seven episodes total.