This article answers “why is Ellie important in The Last Of Us?” 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 worldwide 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.
Viewers who’ve never played The Last Of Us games are asking why Ellie is important. Of course, anyone who has knows why. And it’s even revealed at the end of episode one.
So, let’s go over why Ellie is important in The Last Of Us…
Why Is Ellie Important In The Last Of Us?
The Last Of Us episode 1 kicked off in 2003. Joel is living a happy suburban life with his daughter Sarah in Austin, Texas.
Unfortunately, Joel, Sarah, and his brother Tommy are caught up in the worst of the outbreak, and the Sarah ends up being killed by a soldier.
Twenty years later and Joel is a smuggler alongside his partner Tess inside the Boston quarantine zone. They have connections inside and outside the zone who find them work.
After the two attempt to retrieve a stolen car battery, they come across the Fireflies and their captive – a girl named Ellie. Before long, they’re coaxed into taking her to the Boston state capitol building in exchange for a car.
But why do the Fireflies want Joel and Tess to smuggle Ellie out of the quarantine zone?
This is why Ellie is important in The Last Of Us: Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps infection. As shown at the end of episode one, she has a bite on her arm that is three weeks old. Yet, she hasn’t turned into an “Infected”.
As shown on a poster inside the quarantine processing facility, full infection can take a maximum of 24 hours. Someone surviving three weeks is unheard of.
The Fireflies want to study Ellie’s immunity to enable the development of a vaccine and/or cure for the Cordyceps infection.
Did you enjoy The Last Of Us episode one? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
