10 Scenes From ‘The Last of Us’ Season 1 That Shocked Everyone

HBO’s ‘The Last of Us’ gripped viewers with its raw tale of survival in a shattered world. Based on the hit video game, the show weaves intense action, deep emotion, and stark visuals into the journey of Joel and Ellie, two survivors tied by loss and hope in a fungal apocalypse.

I was drawn in from the start, caught up in a story that doesn’t flinch from tough choices or brutal truths. These ten scenes from Season 1 stood out for their shocking twists, raw power, and emotional depth, leaving me stunned.

Sarah’s Heartbreaking Death

In the first episode, Joel’s daughter Sarah, played by Nico Parker, meets a tragic end. As infected overrun the streets, Joel carries her to safety, only for a soldier to fire on them, killing Sarah in a devastating moment.

The scene hits hard, shattering the tender bond built between Joel and Sarah. Pedro Pascal’s raw grief as he cradles her made my chest ache, setting a grim tone for the story ahead.

Tess’ Sacrifice Against the Infected

In episode two, Tess, Joel’s tough partner played by Anna Torv, chooses a heroic end. Bitten by a Clicker, she stays behind to ignite a gas-soaked building, holding off a horde of infected to save Joel and Ellie.

The horror of Tess struggling with a failing lighter as an infected forces fungal strands into her mouth chilled me. Her sacrifice’s weight lingered, a stark reminder of the stakes in this world.

The Mycologist’s Grim Warning

Episode two introduces Dr. Pertiwi, a mycologist played by Christine Hakim, who examines an infected body. She calmly declares the fungal outbreak unstoppable, urging the military to bomb the city and everyone in it.

Her steady voice and the slow focus on her resolute face gave me chills. The quiet dread of her words, paired with her simple wish to be with her family, painted a hopeless picture of the collapse.

Nana Addler’s Terrifying Change

In the opening episode, Sarah visits the Addler home, where elderly Nana Addler begins to convulse, overtaken by the Cordyceps infection. Her eerie stillness and sudden spasms hint at the horror to come.

This subtle moment had me tense, knowing Sarah was oblivious to the danger. It’s a chilling setup for the chaos that erupts, making the infection’s threat feel all too real.

The Bloater’s Deadly Rampage in Kansas City

Episode five unleashes a massive Bloater from a pit of infected in Kansas City. It shrugs off bullets and brutally kills Perry, a local leader, showing the raw power of the infected.

I was glued to the chaos as the Bloater charged through gunfire alongside swarming infected. The scene screams danger, making every future fight feel like a brush with death.

Ellie’s Fierce Escape from David

In episode eight, Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, faces David, a leader with dark intentions. Trapped in a burning restaurant, she fights back, brutally killing him in a desperate act of survival.

The scene’s raw darkness, from David’s creepy motives to Ellie’s unleashed fury, left me rattled. Her tearful reunion with Joel, clinging to him in fear, showed her strength and fragility in equal measure.

Sam and Henry’s Tragic Fate

Episode five follows brothers Sam and Henry, played by Keivonn Montreal Woodard and Lamar Johnson. When Sam is infected, Ellie tries to save him with her blood, but he turns, forcing Henry to kill him before ending his own life.

This moment broke me. The brothers’ warmth and hope made their loss hit hard, a cruel reminder that kindness doesn’t survive in this unforgiving world.

Joel’s Hospital Massacre

In the finale, Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, learns the Fireflies will kill Ellie for a cure. He carves a bloody path through the hospital, killing anyone in his way, including Firefly leader Marlene, to save her.

The quiet intensity of Joel’s rampage, backed by a haunting score, gripped me. His choice to save Ellie over a cure left me torn, knowing the heavy cost of his love.

Bill and Frank’s Tender Farewell

Episode three, ‘Long, Long Time,’ centers on Bill and Frank, played by Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett. After years of love in a broken world, they share a final meal and choose to die together peacefully.

This scene’s gentle beauty crushed me. Their choice to leave life on their terms felt both heartbreaking and uplifting, a rare spark of love in a dark world.

Joel’s Emotional Confession to Ellie

In the finale, Joel shares that the scar on his head came from a suicide attempt after losing Sarah. When Ellie says, ‘Time heals all wounds,’ he replies, ‘It wasn’t time that did it,’ crediting her for his healing.

This quiet moment hit harder than any fight. Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey’s subtle acting made it feel raw, sealing their bond as the show’s heart.

Which ‘The Last of Us’ Season 1 scene shook you the most, or did I miss one that got you? Share your thoughts in the comments!