The Last Of Us Star Unpacks Dina's Motives After Shocking Reveal: "Nothing Would Really Stop Her"

Warning: SPOILERS ahead for The Last of Us season 2, episode 4!

The Last of Us star Isabela Merced has unpacked Dina's motives after a shocking reveal in season 2, episode 4, confirming what's driving her forward. The Last of Us season 2, episode 4 saw Dina (Merced) reveal to Ellie (Bella Ramsey) that she's pregnant with Jesse's (Young Mazino) child. At the end of the episode, upon learning they'll need to enter a dangerous part of Seattle, Ellie asks her if she wants to turn back. However, she refuses, her pregnancy not stopping her from helping in her girlfriend's quest for revenge.

Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, though, Merced hinted that Dina has motivations beyond just helping Ellie, motives that will be revealed in The Last of Us season 2, episode 5. The actor also explained how her own mother was an inspiration for the way she portrayed the young survivor, while also explaining the importance of her "level headed" and logical characterization going forward. Check out what Merced had to say below:

Up until this point, everyone was under the impression that Dina was doing this for Ellie and Joel. But in the next episode, you’re going to learn that Dina has her own personal reasons, as well. Once that motive is revealed, her decision makes more sense to me. At lot of times, I was looking towards my mom for this role. Knowing her, if she were able to somehow secure the safety of others and herself and her baby — nothing would really stop her. She would get even if she weren’t able to guarantee [that she would survive]. Whenever I would question an action or decision, I would be like, “How would [my mom] go about it?” Because I find her to be a very level headed individual, whereas I’m just super impulsive. I’m more Ellie-leaning. Also, there’s the way Dina is able to take charge, the way she’s able to assess situations with logic and emotion; she’s super balanced with that.

What Merced's Statement Says About Dina In The Last Of Us Season 2

Her Decisions Are Motivated By More Than Joel's Death

It was already hinted that Dina's quest for revenge is being driven by more than just Joel's (Pedro Pascal) death. She recognized the WLF patch in season 2, episode 2, with the following episode revealing she knows about who they are. However, the depth of her past with the group has only been touched upon briefly in one scene, with other characters in The Last of Us season 2 taking the spotlight for the remainder. The upcoming episode has a chance to rectify this by revealing more about the deeper meaning behind her decision to help Ellie.

Since the pair are heading into a conflict-heavy zone of Seattle, they'll be in more danger than ever before as they continue searching for Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). Given the area will pose a major threat to both Dina and her baby, the episode is gearing up to reveal just how important her reasons for accompanying Ellie really are. With only three episodes of The Last of Us remaining, the show's exploration of her motives is probably going to help define the remaining few episodes, while offering a new perspective on the pair's vengeance.

Our Take On Dina's Motivations In The Last Of Us Season 2

How Will Her Deeper Reasoning Impact The Mission?

Since Dina's full past knowledge of the WLF has yet to be revealed, the exact motivators for her quest for revenge are likely just as drastic as Ellie's own. It's even possible whatever gets revealed could lead into The Last of Us season 3, with the series already renewed for more episodes. Another option is for the show to fully reveal her ties to the organization while also giving her mission a satisfying conclusion, justifying her decision to traverse into danger despite being pregnant.

New episodes of The Last of Us season 2 air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.