Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Last of Us Part II.The scene between Ellie and Maria in season 1 of HBOs The Last of Us has set up season 2 to explore their aunt-niece relationship in even more depth than the game. After season 1 told the story of the first game from beginning to end, The Last of Us season 2 will start to tackle the enormous nonlinear narrative of The Last of Us Part II. Following on from the ending of the original game, the sequel sees Joel and Ellie moving into Jackson and settling into a somewhat normal civilian life after their treacherous journey across the country.

After a four-year time jump, its established that during their time in Jackson, Ellie has grown closer to Joels younger brother Tommy and his wife Maria as a surrogate aunt and uncle. Ellies relationship with Maria is conveyed in a couple of key scenes in the game,...