The Last of Us Season 2: How the Take on Me Song Foreshadows the Demise of Ellie and Dina’s Relationship

The Last of Us season 2 is here, and it has already done the unthinkable- killed off Pedro Pascal’s character, Joel. While that might have shaken any other show’s foundation, the people behind this adaptation have made sure to give viewers something sweet so that they can overcome the grief of losing Joel. This sweet gift is Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Dina’s (Isabela Merced) relationship. 

In episode 4, we saw the best friends officially become lovers as they consummated their relationship. While the game portrays their relationship’s progression differently, the show has at least done an adequate job of keeping all the major points of their relationship intact (albeit changing the sequence of when they happen). 

One of the highlights of episode 4 was Ellie singing Take On Me as Dina looked on. While it is a sweet moment, which is adapted 1:1 from the game, the song actually foreshadows the eventual demise of their tragic relationship. In this article, we will explain why it is so. 

What does the Take On Me song mean for Ellie and Dina?

Officially released in 1985 by the Norwegian band A-ha, Take On Me, is a song that has transcended its time. The lyrics are simple but full of emotions. In short, this song is a plea for love. 

When Ellie sings, “Talking away / I don’t know what I’m to say / I’ll say it anyway…,” she is confessing her feelings for Dina. While she is too shy to outright say it to her, she can’t keep the feelings hidden either. The line, “I’m shy away / I’ll be coming for your love, okay?” further confirms that Ellie is insecure and hesitant but willing to show her feelings. 

The song is a beautiful reflection of Ellie and Dina’s relationship progression from friends to lovers, and its usage in the show when they aren’t yet in a relationship (at this moment in the episode) seems even better. Dina looking at Ellie with eyes full of love also showcases that both of them are on the same page and want to be in a relationship with each other. 

Why does Take On Me Foreshadow the Demise of Ellie and Dina’s Relationship?

In The Last of Us Part 2 game, Ellie leaves the life she and Dina have created with JJ (their son) in pursuit of revenge against Abby. After all, it was Abby who murdered her father figure, Joel, as Ellie lay on the floor, helpless. In the game, Ellie says that she can’t eat or sleep because she still feels guilty for not avenging Joel. 

This propels her to leave a happy life. The lyrics, “Take on me / Take me on / I’ll be gone / In a day or two” in the song shows an uncertain protagonist. Although in that moment she doesn't know it yet, but Ellie eventually leaves Dina. Another line which shows this is, “So needless to say / I’m odds and ends / But I’ll be stumbling away.”

Ellie and Dina’s relationship is a great representation, but in the game, it is depicted as a tragic, doomed romance. When Ellie ultimately returns from her mission, she finds the home empty and Dina gone. While the show can change this outcome, but for now, it hasn’t strayed too far from the source material. 

Where can you Watch The Last of Us Season 2?

The Last of Us season 2 is now streaming on HBO and Max. New episodes air weekly on Sundays. The fifth episode called “Feel Her Love” will premiere on May 11, 2025. If you want to refresh your memory, we have recaps of Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, and Episode 4.

Also Read: The Last of Us Season 2: Who are the Seraphites and why do they hate the WLF?