The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2 just name-dropped a major group from the games, and they have a big connection to Abby: the WLF.
If the first season of The Last of Us proved anything, it was man’s inhumanity to man. In other words, infected aren’t the gravest threat to those forced to survive in the wasteland; Kathleen and her ‘Hunters’, David the cannibal, and even the Fireflies.
In the first episode of Season 2, a clear and present danger emerged quickly: Abby, Owen, and her group of grieving ex-Fireflies. She has one goal: finding Joel and killing him “slowly.”
She gets her revenge in Episode 2, but we also learn an important fact about who she fights for: the WLF. Spoilers from the game to follow…
What is the WLF?
The WLF is the Washington Liberation Front, a paramilitary organization based in Seattle.
In the game, the group was formed in the wake of the Cordyceps outbreak, with the remaining residents of Seattle growing resentful of FEDRA’s overzealous and incompetent rule over the city (there were public executions, food shortages, and loads of other problems).
So, two citizens – Emma and Jason Patterson – recruited people to build an anti-FEDRA resistance known as the WLF, and its members were known as “Wolves.” Animosity between FEDRA and the WLF resulted in dire bloodshed (including the Thursday Market massacre), leading to increased support for the WLF.
Eventually, FEDRA ordered its troops to evacuate Seattle – but the WLF didn’t simply allow them to leave. Those who were caught were slaughtered, and months later, the WLF effectively controlled the city.
Who runs the Washington Liberation Front?
The WLF is led by a man called Isaac Dixon (who hasn’t appeared in The Last of Us TV show yet, but he’ll be played by Jeremy Wright, reprising his role from the game).
In the game, all we know is that Isaac lived in Seattle under FEDRA, and he eventually became one of the first members of the WLF. After the group’s leaders were taken out by the military, he rose to become the commander of the rebellion – and he didn’t hesitate to get to work, escalating the WLF’s attacks and violence against FEDRA soldiers.
FEDRA’s commander declared him the number one wanted terrorist in Seattle. It didn’t matter, because FEDRA pulled out of the city soon after, leaving Isaac in control of Seattle (apart from the Scars… but you don’t need to know about them yet).
Are the WLF villains?
In The Last of Us Part 2, the WLF are considered villains, mainly because they are obstacles for Ellie. But it isn’t as black and white as that, and you could argue the WLF believe themselves to be a necessary force, much like the Fireflies and every other paramilitary outfit in the wake of the pandemic.
For example, the WLF defends their outposts against other factions – that’s completely fair. However, their patrols have a habit of engaging in open (and unnecessarily violent) combat.
To those who face them, the WLF are disproportionately aggressive, overly territorial thugs. But within the WLF, it’s a group that’s all about loyalty – they want to protect their own at all costs.
Find out when The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3 drops, and until next week, check out our breakdown on when The Last of Us takes place, the show’s soundtrack, and the differences between HBO’s series and the game.
You can also read about Dina’s fate in the games and find out why Eugene is so important in Season 2.
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