Not every Last of Us fan is sold on episode 2’s big 'kiss'

Anna Torv as Tess in HBO's The Last of Us
(Image credit: Netflix)

The Last of Us has its first controversial change – and it's dividing viewers. Major spoilers for The Last of Us episode 2 follow.

The tail-end of The Last of Us episode 2 featured a deviation from the games that set tongues wagging: Tess, having accepted her fate, being ‘kissed’ by one of the tendril-strewn infected before killing them. In Naughty Dog’s 2013 PlayStation title, she is gunned down by FEDRA soldiers.

"Actually hate how the weird difference in Tess’s death scene overshadows the rest of the episode, they just could’ve left that out I think," one viewer wrote in reaction to the ending moment.

"IT’S SO BAD," one said, while another described it as "very strange and unnecessary." "Totally killed the dramatic vibe for me," a viewer lamented.

"I don’t know how I feel about Tess’s death," another said. "I guess it’s more tragic, but going from her dying fighting (even taking down two soldiers) in the game to her just losing bodily autonomy and being 'kissed' by an infected… idk, unnecessary icky."

Others, though, are coming out fighting in favor of the change to Tess’ death.

"Genuinely do not know why people aren't liking this change. This death affected me way more than the game version. Yeah the kiss was gross af but like....that's the entire point," a fan argued. "It’s so intense, scary and poetic," another said.

Discover the differences between the latest episode and the games in our guide to The Last of Us episode 2 changes. Plus, prepare for when the next episode drops with The Last of Us release schedule

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.

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