The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 4 just introduced Isaac, the commander of the Washington Liberation Front – and the show has an opportunity to improve the game in one way.
Isaac was name-dropped in the first episode of The Last of Us’ second season, but we didn’t meet the WLF leader until Episode 4’s opening flashback. He is a no-bullsh*t type of guy; he worked for FEDRA, but he hated their treatment of “voters”, so he joined the Wolves at the expense of his men.
Don’t be fooled, though: he is not a compassionate man. Later in the episode, he tortures a nude Scar – aka a Seraphite – with a Mauviel copper pan and demands to know where they’re attacking next, and he refuses to take any responsibility for breaking the truce… even though, in Episode 3, it seemed like the WLF instigated fresh conflict.
It remains to be seen how much we’ll see of Isaac in Season 2 (if I was betting, I’d bank on him being a larger part of Season 3). However, if you want to spoil it for yourself, this is what happens to him – and you’ll understand why it should change. Game spoilers to follow…
Does Isaac die in The Last of Us?
Yes, Isaac dies in The Last of Us Part 2.
While it’s unclear if the show will directly adapt Isaac’s arc and the WLF’s war with the Seraphites, we know the truce has already been broken and he wants to know where the Seraphites are planning to attack next.
In the game, Isaac tells Abby and Manny that he believes the Wolves will inevitably lose against the Scars, and there’s only one way to beat them: by destroying their home and killing them all.
Let’s just say… Isaac’s initial plans don’t go to plan, leaving him to launch the invasion of the Seraphites’ island (which is actually a suburb separated from the city by years of flooding) himself.
When he arrives, as WLF troops set fire to the Seraphites homes and cull the island’s population, Isaac finds Abby protecting one of the Scars (no spoilers… you’ll find this stuff out later). Isaac gives her one last chance to help the WLF, but she refuses. Before he can kill her… someone shoots him from behind, and a later radio broadcast reveals that Isaac died from the gunshot wound.
Why The Last of Us should change Isaac’s death
HBOThe problem isn’t that Isaac dies, nor is it an issue that he’s shot in the back by… that person. But the way it happens and the amount of time given to such a big moment is a bit disappointing. He’s a major adversary, and he’s effectively killed off-screen.
Ellie may never meet Isaac, but he is the head honcho of the biggest faction beyond the Fireflies in The Last of Us – and he’s extremely merciless. He’s more integral to Abby’s arc, which makes his death even more frustrating.
It’s not that the game needed to revel in the bloodshed – as the game constantly illustrates, the cycle of violence and revenge is futile – but it doesn’t sufficiently mark a moment of its magnitude.
Don’t just take my word for it. On The Last of Us Part 2 subreddit, one user wrote: “He is played by Jeffrey freakin’ Wright. The guy is an outstanding actor with an even more outstanding voice. I was really hoping for a proper showdown or a setup for future installments.”
“But it’s shocking and subverts expectations! Therefore it must be good,” another wrote, sarcastically, referencing Joel’s death at the hands of Abby.
“For what he was built up to be, through the world-building, he lacked the screen time to truly shine. Jeffrey Wright did an amazing job though,” a third commented. “His name kept popping up everywhere, radio broadcasts, WLF guys, then you meet him and he’s intimidating. Dies like a nothing character in the next scene he’s in,” a fourth added.
For more coverage, find out if Abby dies in The Last of Us game and check out our breakdowns on when The Last of Us takes place and the show’s soundtrack.
You can also find out why Ellie left coffee beans on Joel’s grave and what happens to Shimmer in the game.
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