Why The Last of Us fans are angry about Seth after Episode 3

The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 just made a big change from the game with Seth, making him pivotal to Ellie’s journey – and fans aren’t happy.

From the start of the second season, it’s been clear that The Last of Us isn’t shying away from putting its own spin on what happens in Part 2. For example, instead of learning Abby’s backstory halfway through the story, we got everything within the first two episodes.

Episode 3 is significantly different from the game. Ellie and Dina still travel to Seattle to find Abby in the original story, but they follow Tommy. In the series, Tommy stays in Jackson to help with the town’s recovery from the horde attack (also, he has a young child to look after with Maria).

That’s where Seth comes in, who paves the way for Ellie to leave undetected. For some fans, that’s a problem.

The Last of Us Episode 3 annoys fans with Seth change

HBO

In Episode 3, Dina tells Ellie she “knows a guy” who can load them up with ammo, food, and other supplies to help them get to Seattle. Under the cover of darkness, they meet him – and it’s Seth.

He trades Ellie’s gun for a “better” sniper rifle, and even calls her mission to find Abby “our cause” (earlier in the episode, Seth backs Ellie’s proposal to send a group to execute Joel’s killer). As they saddle up, Seth and Ellie shake hands before they leave.

This is a big departure from the game, which only has the scene where he apologises and gives Ellie steak sandwiches. It’s somewhat of a redemption arc for a character mostly remembered for his bigotry, and that’s rubbed viewers the wrong way.

HBO

“Oh y’all know what bothered me so much?? How f**king SETH helped them more than Tommy/Jesse. that homophobic sh*t.. what a joke,” one user tweeted. “Seth of all people standing up for avenging Joel. SETH,” another wrote.

“Why are we making Seth the one to stand up for Joel? He’s a bigot, he shouldn’t be given any fucking redemption. This rubs me wrong ASF,” a third posted. “Not sure how I feel about them giving Seth a redemption arc,” a fourth wrote.

Appearing on The Last of Us podcast, Neil Druckmann said: “[Seth] knows what was done to Joel was wrong and the people who did it must pay, or they will be next. I love that.”

Craig Mazin added: “This happens sometimes in life, where somebody who we think is the opposite of us suddenly becomes a mirror of us. It makes us question those instincts.”

Also, here’s something you should consider: it’s not necessarily a redemption arc for Seth. Yes, he supported Ellie. Yes, he gave them supplies and helped them figure out a route to Seattle. However, The Last of Us is ultimately about the futility of revenge, and his bloodlust almost single-handedly enables Ellie’s need for vengeance.

If you think he’s a “good guy” after Episode 3, think again: just because he helped her, doesn’t mean it was the right thing to do.

Until next week, read why Ellie left coffee beans on Joel’s grave and check out the heartbreaking change to the opening credits you may have missed.

You can also read more about Abby’s fate in The Last of Us games, what you need to know about the WLF, and why Eugene is so important in Season 2.