The Last Of Us Season 2: Episode 2 (Through The Valley) 8 Ups & 1 Down
8. Up - A Good Change
Yes, audiences missed out on Dina and Ellie getting high and taking their relationship to the next level among Eugene's plants, but what putting Dina with Joel did do, was free up Tommy to stay in Jackson for the attack of the Infected.
More on the attack itself later in this article; this entry is about Gabriel Luna and Tommy. Only a supporting character throughout the show up until now, 'Through the Valley' gave the character license to step into the driver's seat like never before.
Surprisingly, given the Earth-shattering events that took place in this episode away from Jackson, Tommy stole the show. He stepped up as a leader in Jackson, he organised the defences, and ran the show when the big moment came.
It's a testament to The Last of Us that a character who enjoyed barely any screen time in season one when compared to some of the others can step into such a vital role just two episodes into the second season. There will be more to come from Tommy as the weeks go on, and this performance has just sent excitement for that through the roof.