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In the latest episode of The Last of Us Season 2, pivotal references were made to a crucial faction from the game: the Washington Liberation Front, commonly known as the WLF. This group holds significant relevance for the character Abby, whose narrative begins to intertwine with the faction’s storyline.
The inaugural season established a grim reality of survival, effectively showcasing how humans can pose a more substantial threat than the infected. Individuals like Kathleen, the ruthless leader of the ‘Hunters,’ and David, a cannibalistic antagonist, alongside the Fireflies, illustrated the depths of human depravity.
As Season 2 begins, viewers quickly meet Abby and her squad, evoking a sense of urgency and menace. Abby’s singular aim: to track down Joel and exact her revenge in a deliberate, torturous manner.
In the second episode, Abby’s thirst for vengeance is palpable, but the episode also sheds light on her affiliations with the WLF. Spoiler alert: insights drawn from the game will be discussed.
Understanding the WLF
The Washington Liberation Front (WLF) serves as a paramilitary group operating out of Seattle.
In the narrative of the game, the WLF was established following the catastrophic Cordyceps outbreak. Discontent grew among Seattle’s residents in response to the oppressive and often violent tactics employed by FEDRA, leading to public executions and widespread food scarcity.
The movement was spearheaded by two citizens, Emma and Jason Patterson, who rallied individuals to oppose FEDRA’s tyranny, thus creating the WLF. Members of this faction came to be identified as “Wolves.” The conflict between the WLF and FEDRA resulted in significant bloodshed, notably during events like the Thursday Market massacre, which swayed public sentiment toward supporting the WLF.
After a series of confrontations, FEDRA ultimately withdrew their forces from Seattle. However, this exit was not peaceful; the WLF retaliated against any lingering military personnel, asserting dominance over the cityscape.
Leadership of the WLF
At the helm of the WLF is Isaac Dixon (yet to make an appearance in the HBO adaptation, but portrayed by Jeremy Wright in the game). His past is marked by a life under FEDRA’s rule, which transitioned into his pivotal role within the WLF.
Initially a member of the resistance, Isaac rose to prominence following the military’s dismantling of the WLF leadership. His leadership was characterized by an escalation of conflict against FEDRA, positioning him as a prominent enemy to the regime, ultimately branded as Seattle’s top insurgent.
With FEDRA’s departure, Isaac found himself at the forefront of power within Seattle, though tensions with other groups remained unresolved.
The Morality of the WLF
In the context of The Last of Us Part 2, the WLF are typically perceived as antagonists, particularly in light of their direct conflict with Ellie and other characters. However, their motivations and self-perception complicate this view. They may perceive themselves as a critical force against the oppressive backdrop of the pandemic, akin to the Fireflies and other paramilitary groups.
While the WLF maintain a protective stance over their outposts and communities, they also engage in violent confrontations that often exceed necessary force. From the perspective of those who oppose them, the WLF can appear to be ruthlessly aggressive and overly territorial.
Despite their controversial methods, the WLF cultivates a strong sense of loyalty among its members—a community dedicated to safeguarding their own at considerable cost.
Stay tuned for the upcoming episode of The Last of Us Season 2 to see how these narratives evolve. In the meantime, explore our analysis of the series’ time setting, its soundtrack, and the distinctions between the HBO series and the original game.
Delve into character explorations, including Dina’s role within the games, and understand Eugene’s significance as the season progresses.
Source
www.dexerto.com