This article explains who Marlene is in The Last of Us on HBO and contains spoilers.
HBO’s The Last Of Us TV series has been years in the making but it is finally here. Despite astronomically high fan expectations and stellar reviews that seemed too good to be true, the first episode was resoundingly well received by viewers. Many are calling it the best video game adaption of all time.
After watching episode one myself, I’m happy to confirm it delivered.
The Last Of Us Part I and Part II are truly spectacular games. What’s more, they’re wrapped up in a cinematic style that’s been crying out for a TV or movie adaption.
The new HBO show takes the best bits from the games and transports them into the medium of TV without missing a beat. What’s more, any changes that have been made only serve to make The Last Of Us work as a TV series. All in all, it is off to a flying start.
The Last Of Us tells the story of Joel and Ellie, two survivors of a pandemic caused by the contagious Cordyceps fungus.
The show picks up twenty years after the onset of the pandemic and the world has been devastated. Millions are dead or have been transformed into zombie-like creatures called “Infected”.
Joel and Ellie must embark on a journey across post-apocalyptic America. However, they must overcome the deadly Infected and merciless killers along the way.
A collection of characters are introduced in episode one from various factions. This includes members of the militia group known as the Fireflies.
One of these is Marlene. Fans of the games will know who Marlene is. But those new to The Last of Us won’t. So, who is Marlene in The Last of Us?
Who is Marlene in The Last of Us?
Before we get into who Marlene is, we should first address the Fireflies. They are a paramilitary organisation at war with FEDRA.
The Fireflies were established to fight against the military throughout the country’s quarantine zones (QZs) where brutal martial law was imposed. While they managed to inspire various uprisings and won small victories against FEDRA, they remain a lesser force and struggle to maintain any sort of control.
Members of the Fireflies wear a firefly pendant, the image of which is widely graffitied throughout QZs. Its slogan -“When you’re lost in the darkness, look for the light” – can also be seen on walls and buildings. That brings us to Marlene…
This is who is Marlene in The Last of Us. Marlene is the leader of the Fireflies. She is portrayed by Merle Dandridge. Marlene is aware of Ellie’s immunity to the Cordyceps brain infection (CBI), which is why she asks Joel and Tess to escort her to the Massachusetts State House to give her to the Fireflies there.
She previously placed Ellie in FEDRA military school to keep her safe, but Ellie escaped. During episode one, the Fireflies have captured Ellie and Marlene informs her that she is immune while warning her not to tell anyone.
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