Why Seth’s Redemption Arc in The Last of Us Season 2 Is a Huge Change from the Game
The controversial character’s storyline gets a major update in the latest episode of The Last of Us, marking yet another major difference with the original game. We’re breaking down why this time the show’s change of Seth’s role is for the better after all.
The Last of Us ’ new sophomore season has so far introduced a bunch of new details and plot twists that never even made it into the original video game, including a significant character update for one of the recurring Jackson citizens.
The new installment introduced Robert John Burke’s Seth in the first episode, seeing him insult Dina and Ellie with a homophobic slang word after the two share a kiss at the New Year’s dance.
However, the third episode, which delves into the aftermath of Joel’s brutal death, brings Seth back for two major scenes, making him a much better counterpart to his game version.
Seth’s Expanded Role in The Last of Us TV Series, Explained
In the second season’s episode 3, the character first appears during a meeting where the citizens are to decide whether they have to pursue Abby’s gang after its members killed Joel.
When Ellie suggests the only right decision would be to bring them to justice despite all the dangers it might pose to the community, Seth is the only one to publicly support her, stating that Joel was one of their people and Abby would be back for more victims at any moment, which isn’t what Jackson needs after a devastating attack by the infected.
.jpg)
Eventually, the council doesn’t approve the suggestion, leaving Ellie and Dina no other choice but to continue their revenge on their own.
Before leaving town, however, they encounter Seth at the gates, who offers Ellie his rifle and admits that he would go with her if it weren’t for his lingering wound.
Even though Seth doesn’t have much to help Ellie and Dina with, his offer of his own gun is what gives the two better chances to survive out there in Seattle.
Why Is Seth’s Arc Different in the HBO Show?
The latest episode’s both scenes are yet another addition from The Last of Us creators that was never featured in the game itself, where Seth’s role ends with him calling Ellie out at the New Year’s dance and getting into a brief fight with Joel.
The reason for such a big change might be that the show is likely making a new attempt to stay away from the game’s negative view of the world swirling with the infection and people’s desire to survive even if it means taking someone else’s life.
HBO’s The Last of Us sticks to the idea that redemption might be a rare, but still important thing in the post-apocalyptic world, and this is where Seth’s renewed character arc comes as the best example of that, proving that there’s still some place for sympathy and realization of one’s own mistakes in the almost destroyed human community.
When Is The Last of Us Next Episode Being Released?
The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 will be released on Max on May 4. The following three episodes will be dropped on the platform every Sunday until May 25.
