‘The Last of Us’: Every Easter Egg in Season 2 Episode 2

In general, “The Last of Us” television series stays true to its video game counterparts, particularly focusing on “The Last of Us Part II”. However, the latest episode of Season 2 titled “Through the Valley” introduces some fresh scenes and alters certain pivotal moments from how they unfolded in “Part II”, offering a slightly different perspective.

In our recent “The Last of Us” video analysis, we’re going to delve into every detail of Season 2 Episode 2 and explain all the hidden game references and Naughty Dog nods you might have overlooked. We’ll highlight the significance of the winter storm, examine how the behavior of the infected mirrors real-life fungi and mushrooms, discuss the surprising finale (spoiler alert), and even bring attention to more Easter eggs from the Season Premiere that we didn’t catch the first time. Enjoy!

Watch the full video below:

If you enjoyed the video about Easter eggs in The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 2, don’t forget to explore more content below! You might find a video summarizing key points from Season 1, another focusing on Easter eggs found in Season 2 Episode 1, and one discussing why The Last of Us is an exceptional TV show. For even more content, head over to ScreenCrush’s YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe for future episodes. Keep tuning in every Sunday as new episodes of The Last of Us air on HBO and Max.

Every Marvel Cinematic Universe Movie, Ranked From Worst to Best

35. Eternals

Initially, I wouldn’t have guessed that a Marvel film directed by an Academy Award winner and centered around some of Jack Kirby’s most daring comics would result in the studio’s least compelling production. Regrettably, the movie Eternals never fully coalesced. While it generally adheres to Kirby’s fundamental principles with minor yet irritating alterations – for instance, transforming the malevolent Deviants into faceless creatures lacking objectives or motivations – it does so. The ensemble boasts commendable supporting roles from Kumail Nanjiani and Brian Tyree Henry, but the main characters – Gemma Chan as Sersi and Richard Madden as Ikaris – struggle to convincingly portray their supposed centuries-long romance. Their relationship, spanning 6,000 years, feels more like a first date gone awry. The script occasionally delves into intriguing themes concerning the bonds between superheroes, mythology, and religion, but then abandons them for repetitive action sequences featuring dull monsters. It’s challenging to imagine a more tedious film about immortal alien robots striving to thwart cosmic destruction than this one.

34. The Incredible Hulk

The movie, with its disjointed, awkward, and unattractive feel, gives an impression that Marvel was taken aback when Iron Man became a hit and hastily produced this. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, a character who transforms into a large bony beast, is arguably one of Loki’s most heinous crimes (for more information, click here).

The movie feels rushed and unpolished, giving an impression that Marvel was surprised by Iron Man’s success. Casting Tim Roth as the world’s ultimate soldier, who turns into a big bony monster, might be one of Loki’s worst decisions (for more details, check here).

33. Thor: The Dark World

Instead of nearly having Patty Jenkins’ version of Thor, we ended up with a film that’s rather gloomy and follows a tedious pursuit of a mystical object. The villain in this movie is arguably one of the most uninteresting antagonists in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, if there’s a silver lining, it might be that this film didn’t flop as badly as it could have, which may have encouraged Marvel to take bigger risks and create the vibrant and exciting Thor: Ragnarok we all enjoyed (Read more here.).

32. The Marvels

This Marvel film isn’t the most disastrous one – it surpasses three others in the list, after all – yet it can be described as the most complex and heated. Three highly appealing Marvel characters (Brie Larson’s Captain Marvel, Iman Vellani’s Ms. Marvel, and Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau) are haphazardly assembled to thwart a Kree warlord who is intent on causing havoc for reasons that remain unclear. The actors perform admirably together, but the plot, although thankfully succinct, is chaotic and filled with peculiar decisions that make little sense.

31. Captain America: Brave New World

Incorrect setting, appropriate character. This phrase could apply to several recent Marvel films (like “The Marvels“) but it’s particularly applicable to “Captain America: Brave New World“, which gives Anthony Mackie’s charming Sam Wilson his own movie, only to pair him with a dull villain and a story overflowing with unnecessary references to “The Incredible Hulk.” (Were we all on the edge of our seats waiting for updates on Betty Ross?)

30. Doctor Strange

Visually stunning as it may be, Doctor Strange still struggles to shake off the impression that it’s essentially Iron Man 2 with a sprinkle of magic. The smart ending involving Dormammu is certainly a plus, but the quirky cape of Strange leaves something to be desired. (For further reading, click here.)

29. Iron Man 2

Surprisingly better than anticipated, yet falling short of exceptional. Sam Rockwell’s dancing skills can conceal many imperfections, but not all. Trimming 15 minutes of preamble from Avengers could potentially result in a more engaging piece. (Read the full article here.)

28. Ant-Man

The film “Ant-Man” isn’t bad, but it feels like a scaled-down version of the larger Edgar Wright movie we could have had. Despite this, Michael Peña’s character Luis stands out as one of the most remarkable non-superpowered characters in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. (You can read more about it here.)

Ant-Man is okay, but it seems like a smaller version of what could have been an Edgar Wright movie. However, Michael Peña’s character Luis is one of the best non-superpowered characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. (For further details, check out this article.)

27. Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In the upcoming clash between Ant-Man and Kang the Conqueror, even Kang himself, played by Jonathan Majors, considers Scott Lang as being beyond his depth. This seemingly lopsided battle can be seen as a reflection of the movie itself: The humble, low-stakes universe of the Ant-Man series, known for its witty humor and lovable characters, fails to measure up against the grand multiversal spectacle of Marvel Phase 5 on the big screen. As a Marvel blockbuster, it’s satisfactory. However, as a sequel to the Ant-Man franchise, it falls short of expectations. Unfortunately, if you were looking forward to Michael Peña’s character Luis in this installment, you might be disappointed since he doesn’t appear at all.

26. Ant-Man and the Wasp

The movie “Ant-Man and the Wasp” shines brightest when it emphasizes its compactness, featuring hilarious banter between Paul Rudd and his fellow actors, Michael Peña’s heartfelt soliloquies, and a intimate family drama centered around a broken family striving to mend their bonds. (You can read more about it here.)

25. Captain Marvel

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Brie Larson’s character Carol Danvers is arguably the most potent hero; however, her movie seemed to miss some emotional depth. Yet, it remains engaging due to standout performances by two exceptional actors: Ben Mendelsohn as the cunning Skrull Talos, and Samuel L. Jackson, along with his remarkably realistic de-aging visual effects, portraying a younger Nick Fury. (For more details, check out this link.)

24. Black Widow

2021 saw Scarlett Johansson’s long-awaited solo outing from the Avengers, but instead of taking center stage, she primarily served as a straight character opposite her quick-witted Russian superhero team, featuring David Harbour as the self-centered Red Guardian and Florence Pugh as the scene-stealing Yelena. Consequently, Black Widow might not have been the fitting farewell the character deserved. However, it remains another strong Marvel production, boasting some impressive action sequences, and an intriguing villain in Taskmaster, who can copy the combat skills of anyone he faces.

23. Thor: Love and Thunder

Viewing Taika Waititi’s second “Thor” film can be likened to observing a magician performing the same trick twice consecutively. The first time was truly mind-blowing. The second time, while still impressive, lacks the initial shock value. Christian Bale delivers a chilling performance as Gorr the God-Butcher, yet his intense and deeply emotional portrayal of a villain seems somewhat incongruous with Chris Hemsworth’s Thor and his constant humor. “Love and Thunder” retains all the components of Waititi’s “Thor: Ragnarok,” but they don’t quite blend together as harmoniously as before.

22. Deadpool & Wolverine

In this film, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman’s camaraderie is everything you’d expect. Their unexpected appearances will leave you stunned. However, the plot seems to push the limits of how much backstory a movie can have while still remaining confusing. (One might wonder if a character needs more than two tragic pasts!) If you can manage to ignore what’s happening on screen for even a moment, you’ll find it passable. Jackman and Reynolds certainly deliver as Deadpool and Wolverine reluctantly team up to protect the Fox X-Men universe. You may wish, though, that the writers (including Reynolds himself) had been more consistent in their storytelling.

21. Captain America: The Winter Soldier

A revised version of the text could be:

In a twist on “Iron Man 2”, it’s even worse than you may recall, but still offers some decent entertainment. The promotion heavily emphasized the conspiracy thriller aspect, yet Anthony Mackie’s character, Falcon, is an excellent enhancement to the series, and Chris Evans delivers another solid performance as Captain America. However, it’s puzzling that Nick Fury, a renowned spy, was clueless about the fact that everyone in SHIELD except for him and his two companions were utterly corrupt. Come on, Fury! Widen your perspective. (You can read more [here](link)).

20. Avengers: Infinity War

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that this movie is grand in its scale and aspirations, and the ending will undoubtedly linger in memories. However, despite its impressive action sequences and witty remarks, it seems to lack something essential for me. If your taste leans towards high-octane Marvel films with humorous quips, then you might find this film satisfying. But if you prefer these movies for their well-developed characters, emotional bonds, and quieter moments amidst the battles, then this may not resonate as deeply with you. (Read more here.)

19. Iron Man 3

The film was quite enjoyable, but its quality was somewhat diminished by the Marvel Cinematic Universe context. The movie reached its climax when Tony Stark decided to give up his Iron Man persona and ride off into the sunset. However, it seems that he went on to star in at least six more films after this. Despite Guy Pearce’s underwhelming performance as Killian, Robert Downey Jr.’s exchanges with a clever child were top-notch. (You can read more about it here.)

18. Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Initially speaking: The climactic scene, featuring dragons and beasts clashing within a thick gray fog, is a chaotic CGI disaster. However, prior to this, Shang-Chi could very well be Marvel’s finest action film, boasting numerous intense and intricate fight sequences. (The one on the San Francisco bus is particularly enjoyable.) Simu Liu heads up an impressively deep Marvel cast, with Tony Leung and Michelle Yeoh delivering rich supporting acts, while Ben Kingsley and Awkwafina consistently provide comic relief. (Kingsley as the former Mandarin Trevor Slattery may not have been the most beloved Marvel villain initially, but Marvel has cleverly transformed him into a delightful side character.)

17. Thor

In my opinion, I recently came across an astounding, universe-traversing tale, primarily unfolding in the humblest corner of New Mexico – a place as small as a speck in the grand scheme of things. Compared to other Marvel movies, Thor had its fair share of challenges, but what truly stood out was the exceptional casting and captivating performances that managed to overshadow any structural or script issues, a trait that later became synonymous with Marvel productions. (You can read more about it here.)

16. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

In the task of crafting “Wakanda Forever,” director Ryan Coogler confronted an immensely tough predicament. Apart from creating a sequel that matched the brilliance of the initial “Black Panther,” he had to accomplish this feat without Chadwick Boseman, our captivating lead, who tragically passed away during the summer of 2020, just as filming was set to commence. The film shines most when it seamlessly weaves Coogler and the cast’s feelings of grief over Boseman into the narrative of Wakanda grappling with the loss of its monarch. Regrettably, the remainder of the movie can be a bit disorganized; a jumble of intriguing concepts, an excess of characters, and a somewhat unclear adversary, the underwater ruler Namor.

15. Captain America: Civil War

The plot lacks credibility from the very start, and the entire film seems to be leading up to the epic showdown between Tony Stark and Steve Rogers at the airport. However, let me tell you: Wow, that airport battle is incredibly thrilling! (Continue reading here.)

14. Spider-Man: No Way Home

In Jon Watts’ third Spider-Man movie, we find a level of quality similar to Sam Raimi’s third Spider-Man film. Both share a common trait – they’re packed with numerous villains. However, on the bright side, this film does an exceptional job of portraying Peter Parker as a character, someone who may stumble but always perseveres in his quest to make things right the next time. Additionally, it introduces the multiverse into the MCU movies in a significant and grand manner, making it a notable step forward in the saga’s progression.

13. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

After a 15-year absence, director Sam Raimi re-entered the Marvel universe with this thrilling, offbeat journey concerning a struggle for the survival of the multiverse. Much like his previous Spider-Man films, Raimi managed to incorporate his unique style and visuals – including humor with a twist, maniacal zombies, and shocking surprises – into the usual Marvel template. (For more details, check out this article here.)

12. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Despite some criticisms about its departure from the original Avengers and the complexities of Wanda and Pietro’s storyline, I find the climactic scene in Sokovia where the Avengers unite to save every life simply captivating – a quintessential Marvel moment. (Read more .)

11. Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2

The movie is excessively long and features an abundance (at least four!) of post-credits scenes. However, it’s hard not to appreciate the audacity of turning Marvel’s lighthearted franchise into a sequel with a somber ending. It’s the only Marvel film that has made me cry, yet it still manages to include jokes about alien deity phallic symbols. In my opinion, this unique blend makes for an excellent movie experience (Read more here).

Or, if you prefer a more conversational tone:

The movie is really long and there are way too many post-credit scenes, but it takes some real guts to take Marvel’s funniest franchise and make a sequel that ends on a sad note. It’s the only Marvel movie that makes me cry, and it even has jokes about god-like aliens’ private parts! In my book, that’s a fantastic combo (Read more here).

10. Thor: Ragnarok

I just really like when Jeff Goldblum plays a space god who DJs his own parties. (Read more here.)

9. Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the second Spidey movie from Marvel, starring Tom Holland as the astounding Spider-Man, the film is slightly less impressive than the first yet still offers a blend of romance, action, humor, and emotion. The phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” may not be spoken, but “Far From Home” explores this concept just as deeply as any other Spiderman film. Peter Parker, portrayed by Holland, finds himself caught between his longing for romance with MJ, played by the witty Zendaya, and his obligations from Nick Fury, delivered by a somewhat aggravated Samuel L. Jackson, to defeat a group of destructive elemental beings.

8. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

James Gunn skillfully concludes his Guardians trilogy with a movie that offers the perfect Marvel blend: Thrilling action sequences, quirky sci-fi visuals, and heartfelt characters we grow deeply attached to. (By the time Vol. 3 rolls around, Rocket Raccoon transforms from a secondary Marvel character into one of their most intriguing and emotionally complex heroes.) After a series of less impressive films, Gunn makes it seem effortless. It’s too bad he’s moving on to manage DC.

7. Avengers: Endgame

Significantly surpassing “Infinity War” and arguably the second finest Avengers film yet, this movie is jam-packed with massive action sequences, hearty laughs, and a record-breaking number of Easter eggs across any cinematic universe. (For further details, click here.)

6. Spider-Man: Homecoming

Among the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s movies that are hard to resist rewatching, this one boasts captivating characters, thrilling Spider-Man scenes, and an unexpected street vendor requesting a flip from Spider-Man, which he graciously performs. Aren’t you hooked?!? (For more details, check it out [here].)

5. Guardians of the Galaxy

At the halfway mark of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), the initial “Guardians” film played a significant role in making Marvel more relaxed and showcasing that their brand could draw audiences to lesser-known properties. Before James Gunn came along, the Guardians were virtually unknown, but he turned them into a massive hit. And let me settle this once and for all: Rocket is undeniably the best of the Guardians. So just accept it as truth. (For more details, check out the link provided.)

4. Captain America: The First Avenger

While the plot could use a bit more development (as it seems an entire war is condensed into a montage), Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America in this film stands out as a remarkable adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This character, often criticized for being too bland or outdated, was transformed into a captivating, charismatic individual with deep human qualities. This Marvel movie is perfect when you need a boost of inspiration. (Additional insights can be found here.)

3. Black Panther

In contrast to many Marvel films that strive for expansive ties with the cosmos, “Black Panther” demonstrates the merit of a more isolated strategy. The closing scenes of the film suggest Wakanda’s opening to the world and characters’ potential involvement in other productions as a joyous resolution. However, if this means future installments will be spread thin and heavily reliant on guest appearances, it might not be such a positive outcome. (Read more here.)

2. The Avengers

Despite the events of “Infinity War”, the original “Avengers” movie continues to be an astonishing marvel. Each character is skillfully balanced, the script remains concise, and the epic Battle of New York at its conclusion is undeniably one of the most thrilling action sequences of this century. (Read more here.)

1. Iron Man

The original film remains unsurpassed to this day. Reflecting on it now, it’s clear that being free from commitments to a larger universe contributed to its excellence. The scenes where Robert Downey Jr.’s character, Tony Stark, tests his armor and subsequently takes flight for the first time, portray the excitement of superpowers more effectively than any movie, whether by Marvel Studios or another studio, has done so far. (Read more here.)

2025-04-21 16:57