The following contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 5, "Endure and Survive," now streaming on HBO Max.
The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 5, "Endure and Survive" continues the series' practice of expanding storylines and exploring the perspectives of supporting characters. This is made possible with the television format as it can move away from the viewpoint of Joel and Ellie in a way the original games can't. Episodes 4 and 5 spend a considerable amount of time with Kathleen -- an original character for the show -- and the tragic brothers Sam and Henry. In doing so, the show foreshadows significant themes that are relevant to The Last of Us Part II, which is likely the main source for the recently renewed Season 2 of the show.
The Last of Us Part II is a brilliant game, though it is highly controversial due to its polarizing storyline and character decisions. However, it's those same bold choices that make the game great, which is why they need to be introduced early in the HBO series. Doing so will prepare the audience to be more receptive to the adaptation than players were to the source game. Kathleen, Sam and Henry not only serve as compelling adversaries and allies to Joel and Ellie, but they also work as harbingers for what is to come later in their story.
Henry's Choices Foreshadow Joel's Most Important Decision
At the end of the first game, Joel makes a very important decision. The consequences of that decision reverberate throughout the sequel, and it's likely the show will adapt this in the finale to set up Season 2. Henry's actions as explored in Episode 5 help to prepare not only Joel, but the audience for that choice. Henry explains to Joel why he's Kathleen's number one target: he betrayed Kathleen's brother Michael to FEDRA, which resulted in his death. Henry is not proud of this choice and feels immense shame for his betrayal because he thinks Michael was a great man with a good cause.
Henry may be ashamed of his actions, but he has no regrets in betraying Michael because that act saved Sam's life. Sam was diagnosed with leukemia and the only medicine available to save his life was held by FEDRA. Henry traded Michael's life for Sam's and believes it was ultimately the right choice. Joel even tells him that it was the right choice in exchange for Sam's life. This reveal and subsequent conversation between Joel and Henry foreshadow the biggest decision Joel will make later in the show, and the events of the upcoming season.
Kathleen Introduces a Major Theme of The Last of Us Part II
Kathleen inherited her role as leader of the resistance in Kansas City after her brother Michael died and led them to victory over their cruel dictators. Victory wasn't enough for Kathleen, though, and it wasn't enough to make her brother's goals a reality. She needs revenge for his death more than she needs his legacy to continue. Kathleen's inclusion in the series is key to setting up the character of Abby Anderson and the themes of The Last of Us Part II. The sequel game's central theme is that revenge can't soothe grief and is ultimately a destructive path rather than a healing one.
Kathleen's resistance army is only in control of the city for a short while because her pursuit of revenge against Henry leaves the city vulnerable to the infected. Kathleen and her lieutenant Perry are aware that there is an underground hoard of infected that pose a serious threat, yet they neglect that problem in favor of revenge. They finally catch up with Henry, but before they can take revenge, they and the entire city become overrun with infected and Henry escapes. Kathleen is so blinded by revenge, it kills her. In Part II, Abby and Ellie both learn that revenge is a fruitless and unsatisfying way to live life, and the television show has already setup this theme.