Tess does die in The Last of Us HBO series. So far, the show has been very similar to the source material. However, her death did differ when compared to how she died in the game. Despite some clues from the show’s credits that made it seem like she would stick with Joel and Ellie longer than expected, Tess sacrificed herself so the duo could get away from a horde of infected.
How does Tess die in The Last of Us HBO series, and how is it different in the game?
Tess was given a kiss of death from an infected during the final moments of The Last of Us Episode 2 on HBO. After being bitten, she stood her ground when a swarm of infected gathered at her location, allowing both Joel and Ellie the opportunity to flee. Before she succumbs to the Cordyceps infection, she is able to get flame from her lighter, and blow up all of the infected who have arrived, killing herself in the process.
In the game, Joel, Ellie, and Tess make it to the capitol building in Boston only to find a FEDRA patrol killed the Fireflies they were supposed to meet. Tess reveals that she’s been bitten and sacrifices herself so Ellie and Joel can make a break for it.
According to IMDB, Anna Torv, who plays Tess, was credited for the first five episodes in the show. That gave some fans false hope that the character would be sticking around for much longer than she did in the game. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem to be the case, although if flashbacks are included in the HBO series, she could pop up here and there.
Tess’ death was just one of a number of differences those who have played The Last of Us game noticed during the second episode of the HBO series. It was, however, likely the one that will stick with viewers for the longest, who will be hoping for some let-up from the tragedy when Episode 3 is released.
