We’re only two episodes into HBO’s The Last of Us and it has already broken our hearts more than once. Last week, viewers were shocked by Sarah’s death. And this week, Tess met her tragic end. But how did Tess die in The Last of Us and how did her death compare to The Last of Us game?
Firstly, let’s take a look at Tess’ background and what we know about her. Tess’ full name in the video game is Theresa Servopoulos. While this isn’t stated in the TV show, it’s safe to assume this version of the character’s name is the same.
She grew up in Detroit, Michigan prior to the outbreak. Ellie and Joel briefly discuss this in episode two. Once Cordyceps had ravaged the planet, Tess went to Boston to the quarantine zone located there. This is where she met Joel.
Tess and Joel forged an alliance and became smuggling partners. Because of their ‘criminal’ trade operation, they regularly came into contact with the Fireflies. The pair’s previous dealings with them are heavily alluded to in the show and video game.
The relationship between Joel and Tess differs slightly between the two versions of the story. In the game, while the pair show affection for each other, it seems they are not romantically involved.
In the show, they live together and a romantic relationship is implied.
Little else is known about Tess prior to the events of the game and TV show. However, her close bond with Joel is clear, as is their reputation as ruthless and effective smugglers.
If you’ve watched the second episode of The Last of Us, you will know it marked the end of Tess’ journey. But how did Tess die in The Last of Us?
How Did Tess Die In The Last of Us?
Joel and Tess were tasked by Marlene with escorting Ellie to the Fireflies at the State House. In return, Marlene promised to give them valuable supplies.
Tess, Joel, and Ellie set off. They escape the quarantine zone and eventually have to pass through a museum to reach the State House. While it initially appears abandoned, the trio discover two dangerous Clickers inside.
A fight ensues which ends with the Clickers dead and an immune Ellie bitten. As they approach the State House, Tess begins acting differently, appearing frustrated and upset.
They eventually reach the State House and discover the Fireflies based there are dead. Tess then makes a shocking revelation to Joel and Ellie.
This is how Tess died in The Last of Us. While she appeared to escape the fight with the Clickers unscathed, Tess was actually bitten. Realising her fate, she convinced Joel to take Ellie to Bill and Frank. Before long, Infected began storming the building. Tess used gasoline and grenades to create a huge explosion to prevent them from chasing Joel and Ellie, sacrificing herself in the process.
When Ellie refused to leave Tess behind, Joel dragged her away. They successfully escaped the State House and witnessed the explosion from a distance.
Tess’ death in the The Last of Us TV show is very similar to her death in the game. However, there is one key difference.
In the game, Tess doesn’t cause an explosion and is instead killed while fighting off pursuing soldiers. She kills two of them before she is shot.
While the scenes aren’t entirely identical, they are functionally the same with an infected Tess sacrificing herself so Joel and Ellie can escape the State House.
What did you think of Tess’ death in The Last of Us? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
