The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5 Ending Explained: Ellie’s Thirst for Vengeance, Joel’s Flashback, & Airborne Spores

The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 ending has left viewers shaken. The episode has brought about a shocking and violent turn for Ellie as her thirst for revenge escalates, leaving fans with lingering questions about her state of mind and the fate of key characters. As Ellie and Dina continue their search for Abby and the WLF in Seattle, the episode offers powerful moments of intense action, emotional depth, and a chilling new element—airborne spores. 

Let’s dive into the ending of The Last of Us season two, episode five and break down the significant events that took place.

Why does Ellie Beat Nora to Death in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 5?

In the heart of the episode, Ellie confronts Nora, one of Abby's friends, in the dark, spore-infested basement of Lakehill Hospital. After Ellie demands to know Abby’s whereabouts, Nora refuses to give up the information, even as she becomes infected by the spores. Ellie, driven by grief and rage over Joel’s death, tortures Nora with a pipe, desperately seeking answers. 

It isn't shown whether Nora has died or not, but we know from the game that Nora dies. The brutality of Ellie's actions, plus the spores, are a death sentence for her. This violent act underlines Ellie’s increasing descent into dark vengeance. The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 ending makes it clear that Ellie’s need for revenge is consuming her, regardless of the consequences.

Does Ellie know what Joel did at the Hospital in Season 1?

During her confrontation with Nora, Ellie is confronted with the truth about Joel’s actions at the Firefly hospital—his massacre of everyone, including Abby's father, the only person capable of creating a cure for the Cordyceps virus. Nora asks, “Don’t you know what he did?” Ellie’s response is chilling: “I don’t care.” This line holds significant weight and opens up several interpretations. 

Could Ellie be aware of the truth about Joel’s lie and have chosen to forgive him? Or is she truly unaware of the gravity of Joel’s actions? This exchange raises the stakes for Ellie’s character, as her journey is deeply intertwined with Joel's decisions, and the truth could either tear her apart or strengthen her resolve.

The Last of Us Season 2 has Finally Introduced Spores

One of the most iconic features of The Last of Us video games is the airborne spores that can infect people without them being bitten. In this episode, spores make their long-awaited debut in the HBO series. Found in the lower levels of Lakehill Hospital—ground zero for Seattle’s Cordyceps outbreak—the spores add an extra layer of danger to the environment. 

Ellie, being immune, is unaffected by the spores, while Nora is doomed, as she starts showing signs of infection. This change marks a shift from the earlier season, where spores were absent due to practical concerns about visibility and the actors having to always be in masks. But now the show has embraced them to heighten the tension.

Why Jesse & Tommy have come to Seattle (& How it's Different from the game)

As Ellie and Dina are overwhelmed by a horde of Stalkers, Jesse arrives just in time to save them. He reveals that he and Tommy left Jackson to track down Ellie and Dina after they disappeared. This subplot differs from the Last of Us Part II game, where Tommy leaves Jackson alone and Ellie and Dina later go to find him. 

The show’s decision to bring Jesse into the picture earlier provides a fresh take on the storyline and gives the characters more time to develop their relationships and tensions. With the group reunited for now, their future remains uncertain, especially as Ellie dives deeper into her quest for revenge.

Where are Dina & Jesse After the Seraphite Chase?

After the intense Seraphite chase, Ellie, Dina, and Jesse are separated. Dina is wounded by an arrow, and Ellie, ever determined, decides to distract their pursuers to buy Jesse time to get Dina to safety. She tells Jesse she will meet him at the theater, but with their fate left ambiguous, viewers are left wondering if they’ll make it out alive. Their next destination is clear, but the dangers ahead for the group remain high, especially with Ellie continuing her perilous journey alone.

When does Episode 5's Ending Flashback Scene with Joel take Place?

The episode ends with a poignant flashback featuring Joel and Ellie in Jackson, after the events of The Last of Us season one. In this flashback, Joel greets Ellie with “Hey kiddo," letting viewers enjoy a brief moment of warmth between the two before their inevitable fallout. This scene, likely set early in the gap between seasons one and two, hints at the emotional rift that would later define their relationship. 

Despite the flashback scene, Joel remains dead, and Pedro Pascal’s return is purely as a memory. This emotional moment (which will be further explored in the next episode) reminds fans of the deep bond between Ellie and Joel, providing insight into the emotional impact of his death on Ellie.

What Happened to Leon and the Other Wolves in Stairwell B2?

The introduction of airborne spores is also tied to the fate of Leon and his team, who are sealed off in the basement after being infected by the spores. This ties into the series' darker elements, showing that the threat of infection now goes beyond bites, adding a new layer of danger for our characters. The show’s embrace of this mechanic introduces a fresh challenge for the survivors and keeps the Last of Us season 2 episode 5 ending tense and suspenseful.

The ending of The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 marks a pivotal point in Ellie’s journey. As she grows increasingly ruthless in her pursuit of Abby, the episode raises significant questions about her past with Joel, her emotional state, and the road ahead. With new threats introduced, including airborne spores and the growing tension between the characters, episode 5 sets the stage for even more intense and dramatic moments in the episodes to come.

Where can you Stream The Last of Us Season 2?

The Last of Us season 2 is now streaming on HBO and Max, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays. The sixth episode will premiere on May 18, 2025.

If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, & Episode 4.

You can also check out the making of episode five below.

Episode six preview is also here. Watch it below.