The Last Of Us episode 5 theory makes the final scene way sadder

A fan theory for The Last of Us episode five of the HBO TV series makes its final scene even sadder than we thought.

Episode five, Endure and Survive was arguably the most heart-breaking episode of this HBO adaptation yet. One could argue that episode three, Long, Long Time would shed more of a tear. However, I think we can agree that both episodes were equally as heartbreaking in their own way.

Now, before we continue, please be advised that we are about to go into spoiler territory for The Last of Us: Part 1 as well as episode five of the HBO TV series. So, you have been warned.

Episode five was a recreation of The Suburbs chapter of Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us video game. In all, it was a very faithful adaptation. There were subtle deviances, such as Sam being deaf and his and Ellie’s conversion before he turned.

However, with Sam being deaf in the TV series, a factor that wasn't a thing in the video game, a fan has theorised when Sam may have taken a certain action before he turned into a Cordyceps zombie.

As reported by GamesRadar, Reddit user CrashRiot discusses why, prior to him turning, Sam was facing away from Ellie when he was sitting on the edge of the bed. The Reddit user believes that the reason why Sam was facing away from Ellie, was because he knew Ellie would be in danger when the fungus virus takesover.

What’s more, knowing that he’s deaf, CrashRiot believes that Sam would not hear Ellie during the night, thus instinctively attacking her on sight while she sleeps in the bed next to him.

It’s worth keeping in mind that this particular theory hasn't been confirmed by either of the co-producers, Neil Druckmann or Craig Mazin. However, it’s hard to argue that it doesn't make total sense.

The Last of Us TV series airs every Sunday on HBO Max in the US and every Monday on Sky Atlantic in the UK.