While The Last of Us may be most notable for its dystopian world and epic action, it is also known for its deep character explorations and the touching, tender moments in amongst the mayhem.
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One of these came in season 2 episode 4, when Ellie and Dina admitted their full feelings for one another and had sex for the first time - a scene that Dina star Isabela Merced has revealed was meticulously thought out.
Speaking with Variety, Merced said of the preparation for the scene: "We worked a lot with an intimacy coordinator. Her name was Kathy [Kadler], and she was really great. She made us feel really comfortable, but also we had already worked together for more than half the season at that point. Ellie and I were really comfortable too.
"I think what we wanted to make sure was that more than anything there was some sort of consent in the scene, because they’re obviously both in very vulnerable positions. So we were very detailed about that scene."
Bella Ramsey as Ellie and Isabela Merced as Dina in The Last of Us season 2. HBO
Merced continued: "We all had ideas, right? Because we wanted it to be sexy. We wanted it to be emotional and charged, but also smart and show their relationship and how it’s going to change now that this barrier has been broken.
"Specifically, I wanted Dina to be the one to unzip her own pants, take Ellie’s hand and actively guide it down her body.
"Because even though Ellie is technically the one who’s on top, I think it’s showing they both have agency in this decision to take it to the next step. And I think it was beautiful. And I think, yeah, we made some really wise decisions there."
Speaking with RadioTimes.com earlier this year, Ellie star Bella Ramsey revealed that they didn't have a chemistry test with Merced, and instead were told, "'Here you go, spend the rest of the year together and like each other," as they were with Pedro Pascal for season 1.
Ramsey explained: "We were very much just, like, thrown into it, and yeah, relied on each other heavily throughout the whole thing, as you always do with someone that you're working with that closely."
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
