In the highly anticipated third episode of The Last of Us season 2, viewers witness Ellie and Dina embark on a significant journey from Jackson, Wyoming to Seattle, Washington.
The episode begins three months after the harrowing events that led to Joel’s death, as Ellie struggles to cope with her loss.
After being injured by Manny, a member of Abby’s group, Ellie finally gets released from the hospital and sets her sights on seeking revenge against Abby.
However, the council in Jackson votes against sending a rescue team to Seattle, a decision that does not deter Ellie from her mission.
By the end of the episode, Ellie and Dina decide to leave Jackson, setting off towards Seattle in a quest fueled by vengeance.
Despite the high stakes, the show compresses this journey into a brief montage, which leads many viewers to believe it was a relatively quick and simple trip for the two characters.
In reality, the distance between Jackson and Seattle measures approximately 860 miles, making their journey far from easy in a post-apocalyptic world.
Jackson is located more toward the center of the United States, while Seattle lies closer to the Pacific coast, adding significant complexity to Ellie and Dina’s trek.
Ellie’s impulsive nature is a defining characteristic, which is why having Dina by her side proves beneficial during their challenging journey.
Dina’s pragmatic approach shines through as she organizes essential supplies for their adventure, bringing along medical supplies and clothing in addition to weapons, which are Ellie’s primary concern.
While initially driven by rage, it is Dina’s foresight that ensures they are somewhat prepared for the unpredictable road ahead.
The episode’s montage emphasizes the duo’s travels but implies a much quicker timeline than reality would suggest.
The depiction shows Ellie and Dina only spending one night on the journey before reaching a highway sign indicating they are just nine miles from Seattle, which could mislead viewers regarding the actual duration of their trip.
According to Google Maps, the standard travel time from Jackson to Seattle is around 13 hours by car, three days by bike, and about 13 days on foot.
Although Google Maps does not account for travel time on horseback, it can be inferred that the journey taken by Ellie and Dina would take somewhere between the biking and walking estimates, making it a daunting endeavor.
This significant discrepancy between the narrative and reality raises questions about the show’s representation of their expedition.
Tommy, supportive of Ellie’s desire for revenge, finds himself limited in his ability to assist after the council’s decision not to send help.
Though he may play an important role as the season progresses, the timeline indicates it will take considerable time for him to reunite with Ellie and Dina now that they have reached Seattle.
As the show continues, viewers may look forward to seeing how Ellie and Dina navigate the challenges that await them in Seattle, especially after such an ambitious journey.
The dynamics between the characters, combined with the harsh realities of their world, will likely continue to unravel as their story unfolds in the coming episodes.
The long-distance trek adds a layer of complexity to their relationship and development in a world filled with danger and uncertainty.
image source from：https://screenrant.com/how-far-jackson-to-seattle-travel-in-the-last-of-us/
