Why Did Tess Kiss? Understanding the Fungal Horror in The Last of Us
The shocking scene of Tess succumbing to the Cordyceps infection through a horrific “kiss” has been a major point of discussion among fans of HBO’s The Last of Us. It’s a moment that’s both deeply disturbing and thematically rich, going beyond simple shock value. To put it simply, Tess did not kiss. She allowed an infected runner to transfer the fungal infection via tendrils by opening her mouth to it. This act, far from being a consensual kiss, was a grotesque method of transmission, and it wasn’t born from affection but rather a chilling consequence of the infection’s biology. The infected individual was not expressing any form of emotion, it was merely seeking to spread the Cordyceps fungus.
The Mechanics of Infection: More Than Just a Bite
The showrunners, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, have clarified that the infected don’t engage in violence unless they are prevented from spreading the disease. This explains the apparent passivity of the runner as it approached Tess. It wasn’t a kiss in the traditional sense but a way for the fungus to move from one host to another, bypassing the bite. This “kiss” highlights the Cordyceps’s horrifying efficiency. Unlike in the game, where Tess dies fending off FEDRA soldiers, the TV series showcases the invasive nature of the infection with gut-wrenching clarity. The tendrils emerging from the infected’s mouth directly into Tess’s emphasize the deeply violating and disturbing nature of the infection process.
Understanding the Fungal Kiss
The fungal “kiss” is a critical moment not just for Tess but for understanding the nature of the infected in The Last of Us. It demonstrates that the Cordyceps is not merely a virus that turns people into monsters but a complex parasitic organism with a specific means of propagation. The tendrils are a horrifying manifestation of this, allowing the fungus to bypass the need for a direct bite. This method of transmission is depicted as incredibly intimate and intrusive, heightening the horror. By using this approach, the creators amplified the visual and psychological trauma experienced by both the characters and the viewers.
The Metaphorical Implications
While the primary function of the “kiss” was to illustrate the spread of infection, it also carried significant metaphorical weight. Some fans have interpreted it as a distorted reflection of intimacy, suggesting a dark parallel to the goodbye kiss Tess never received from Joel. The fact that the infected ‘kiss’ was not an act of hatred but rather an instinctual move to spread the infection makes the scene even more haunting, as it takes away agency of the infected. This perspective adds another layer to the grim reality faced by the characters in The Last of Us. The series uses the “kiss” as a symbol of the insidious nature of the infection, turning something so human into something utterly monstrous.
Tess’s Agency and Sacrifice
Tess’s decision to allow the infected to spread the fungus is not an act of passive acceptance but rather a deliberate choice. Having been bitten earlier, Tess recognizes her imminent fate and understands that she is already infected. This knowledge empowers her to use her final moments to ensure Joel and Ellie’s escape. Her willingness to expose herself to the infection in such a horrifying manner was an act of ultimate sacrifice, designed to buy them time and to convince Joel that Ellie was truly immune. This single scene is crucial in emphasizing Tess’s strong will and her dedication to the mission.
Tess’s Character Arc
Tess’s character, portrayed by actress Anna Torv, was not just about survival but also about making hard choices. The scene with the “kiss” and her subsequent sacrifice serves as a powerful end to her arc, transforming her from a hardened smuggler to a martyr who believed in the cause she had been fighting for. By showing the visual horror of her infection and her deliberate choice, the creators highlighted that being infected does not automatically turn someone into a mindless monster.
The Impact on Viewers
The “kiss” scene was deliberately designed to be disturbing and violative. The graphic visual and the implied physical and emotional violation left a strong impression on viewers, sparking discussions about the boundaries of horror and its role in storytelling. It was a conscious choice by the creators to make it difficult to watch, ensuring the full weight of the Cordyceps’ horror was felt by the audience. It was an effective way of driving home the stakes and the brutality of the world they inhabit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was Tess infected before the “kiss”?
Yes, Tess was bitten earlier in the episode when the group was attacked by Clickers. She hid the bite but eventually revealed it to Joel and Ellie.
2. Why didn’t Tess fight back when the infected approached?
Tess, already aware that she was infected, allowed the infected to spread the fungus through the “kiss” because it was a more efficient and less violent way for the fungus to spread.
3. What is the significance of the tendrils?
The tendrils are how the Cordyceps fungus directly infects a new host. They carry the fungal matter and facilitate the rapid spread of the infection.
4. Did the infected feel any emotion when it kissed Tess?
No, the infected are not capable of feeling emotions. They act solely on instinct to spread the Cordyceps fungus. This “kiss” was purely a method of transmission, not an act of affection or malice.
5. Why is the kiss considered so disturbing?
The “kiss” is disturbing because it is an intimate and violating act that exposes the invasive nature of the infection. The tendrils emerging from the infected’s mouth add a grotesque and horrifying element to it.
6. How does this scene differ from the game?
In the game, Tess does not get infected by a “kiss” scene. Instead, she sacrifices herself against FEDRA soldiers to give Joel and Ellie time to escape.
7. What does the fungal kiss symbolize?
The fungal kiss symbolizes the horrifying efficiency of the Cordyceps infection and the breakdown of human connection and intimacy. It also works metaphorically as a twisted goodbye from Tess.
8. How did Ellie know Tess was infected?
Ellie noticed Tess’s bite on her shoulder, which she had received earlier fighting off an infected.
9. Is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps?
Yes, Ellie is immune. This immunity is central to the plot of The Last of Us. She was born with it, due to her mother being bitten while giving birth.
10. Can Ellie infect others?
No, there is no indication that Ellie can infect others. Her immunity is unique and does not make her a carrier.
11. How did Joel avoid infection?
The show suggests that Joel might have avoided infection due to the food he consumed, possibly avoiding contaminated products that spread the Cordyceps. However, this is not a full explanation of how someone avoids infection.
12. Is there a cure for the Cordyceps?
Throughout the series and games, a definitive cure for the Cordyceps infection has not been found.
13. What was Tess’s relationship with Joel?
Tess and Joel were both partners and implied to be romantic partners. The show gives hints that their relationship was more than professional.
14. What is the difference in Tess’s appearance from the game to the show?
Tess’s appearance was significantly changed for the show to enhance her realism and emotional impact, taking advantage of next-gen animation and live-action casting.
15. Was Tess’s death necessary?
Yes, Tess’s death is a critical turning point in the story. Her sacrifice motivates Joel to protect Ellie and her unique immunity, and her death showcases the brutal nature of the world.
By addressing these questions, it becomes clearer that the “kiss” scene involving Tess is not just a moment of horror but also a complex narrative element with deep thematic and symbolic meaning. It is this depth that has made The Last of Us such a compelling and resonant story.