The Last of Us season 2 episode 4 adds a surprising new layer to a well-known character in the Last of Us universe

The fourth episode of Season 2 of The Last of Us on HBO, "Day One," offers a new perspective on Isaac Dixon, the WLF's perilous leader. The episode weaves in present-day events while exploring Isaac's background to highlight his ethical conflicts, strategic intelligence, and reasons for changing from a Fedra soldier to a revolutionary leader. As they share their battles with insecurity and competitiveness, Ellie and Dina's relationship strengthens.

The Last of Us season 2 episode 4: more details explored

The Last of Us builds on the mythology based on the game by highlighting individuals hitherto seen through narrow lenses. With Jeffery Wright's (Isaac Dixon) past and present front and center, Episode 4 shifts the focus from Ellie's quest for Abby to the bigger power struggle in Seattle. This structural choice reinterprets the narrative canvas and highlights leadership, devotion, and the fallout from surviving the Cordyceps apocalypse.

While patrolling the quarantine area in Seattle, Isaac, a Fedra soldier, makes a notable appearance in a 2018 flashback. When his unit labels regular people "voters," Isaac finally lets his pent-up dissatisfaction show. Betraying his fellow troops, he turns traitor, kills cops, and then joins the rebel organization that would eventually become the WLF. This event exposes a concealed trigger: Isaac's moral revulsion with Fedra's tyranny, not her drive.

Isaac's inner struggle is shown throughout the episode. Concerned about violence, he nonetheless fights for the cause, saves a fellow dissenter, and discusses strategies with early WLF recruits. This character in The Last of Us Part II was shown as cold and unfeeling. These events, however, show how his military drive was shaped by his terrible decisions, hence making him more relatable.

Fast forward to the present, Isaac is in a grim camp full of torture tools, challenging the Scars, who are Seraphites. His cold efficiency, which includes authorizing executions and ordering beatings, exemplifies the unrelenting pragmatism that drove him to power. Comparing the optimist he was previously with the commander, who is now unbothered by anything, cuts to his history reveal the human cost of such reality.

Ellie and Dina are also negotiating the ruins of Seattle, steering clear of militant patrols and infected throngs. Dina's admission of being pregnant and Ellie's proclamation of immunity provide a personal contrast to Isaac's military story. These discoveries highlight issues of hope against hubris.

The most unexpected aspect of episode 4 is how Isaac's basic choice is depicted: he is not a corrupt tyrant but a man torn apart by his conscience. Dramatizing Isaac's departure from Fedra, which involves moral debate and personal danger, the show reimagines him as a tragic figure caught between morals and survival. Showing all facets of his personality makes him more combative and more complicated than the villain type.

A flashback to 2018 reveals Isaac's startling Fedra treachery, which confirms his ideological divide and drives him toward WLF leadership. The episode begins with this scenario. Ellie and Dina's close-knit bond in the present day is enhanced by their desperate struggle to flee from the infected in a subway car.

Ellie's impromptu rendition of "Take On Me" lays bare the characters' frailty and provides a short emotional break among the chaos. Isaac's harsh questioning methods back at camp reveal the WLF's moral decline. Ending on a cliffhanger, the episode's radio message suggests Abby's whereabouts, which seamlessly links both storylines for the confrontation about to play out.

Episode 4 of Season 2 of The Last of Us skillfully combines personal and political narratives to give viewers a greater understanding of Isaac Dixon's transformation and strengthen the Ellie-Dina relationship.

The show lets people sympathize with a once-hidden character by exposing Isaac's moral collapse from within Fedra, hence strengthening thematic questions on violent cycles and the price of leadership. This unanticipated additional layer will surely affect the season finale, given the next confrontation just around the corner.

​

Divya Burman is a journalist at Primetimer 

She has completed her graduation in English Literature, which fuelled her interest in writing. A curious learner, Divya isn't scared to move out of her comfort zone and reviews her work from a critical point of view.

Divya has multiple years of work experience, including at companies like TechWhoop and Vimana. She also worked as a programme facilitator at MyCaptain.

Divya is also fond of research and keeping herself up to date on the latest trends in the world of fashion. In her free time, she indulges in music and reading and loves to watch films.