HBO's dystopian drama series The Last of Us returned for its second season on April 13, introducing a new cast of characters as Ellie and Joel (played by Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal) jump five years into the future following season 1's finale. Among the many new faces introduced—both friendly commune residents and Firefly vengeance seekers—one early standout is Dina, a magnetic survivor played by Isabela Merced.
At the start of the premiere, Dina is Ellie's best friend, a skilled fighter and treasured member of the Jackson commune, and has even won over grumpy Joel. Throughout the episode, it becomes clear that Ellie's more-than-friendly feelings toward Dina are reciprocated. As the pair slow-dance in front of the whole town (including Dina's ex-boyfriend Jesse, played by Beef's Young Mazino), they share a steamy kiss. Though only one episode has been released so far, fans of the video game on which the HBO hit is based know that Dina becomes a major character throughout the rest of the series, serving as Ellie's loving partner and guiding light as the show's plot takes a very dark turn. (Yes, seasons 2 and 3 are set to get even more devastating than season 1.)
