The Disturbing Kiss: Unraveling the Meaning Behind Tess’s Infection in The Last of Us
In HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us, one scene stands out for its sheer horror and shocking implications: the moment an Infected individual doesn’t attack Tess in a typical, frenzied manner, but instead, kisses her, transmitting the Cordyceps fungus directly into her mouth. This wasn’t a random act of violence, but a chilling demonstration of the evolved nature of the Cordyceps infection and its ability to use hosts as vectors for rapid propagation. The “kiss” serves as a deliberate narrative choice to heighten the grotesque body horror, emphasize the interconnectedness of the Infected via their mycelial network, and underscore the desperate situation facing humanity. This act wasn’t necessarily out of malice but rather a horrifyingly efficient way to spread the infection, exhibiting a form of directed, albeit instinctual, behavior.
Why the Kiss? The Evolution of Cordyceps and its Hosts
To understand the kiss, we need to look at the worldbuilding established by the show. The Cordyceps infection isn’t static. It’s evolving. In both the game and the show, the Infected are not just mindless zombies; they are connected through a vast mycelial network – essentially, a massive fungal internet. This network allows them to communicate, share information, and potentially even coordinate their actions.
The kiss, therefore, is not a glitch in the system, but a potential evolutionary leap. While Runners typically attack with brute force, this particular Infected demonstrated a different strategy, likely driven by a desire to ensure maximum transmission. By forcing direct contact and facilitating the spread of tendrils, the infection could take hold more quickly and effectively. This is a far cry from the purely instinctual behavior seen in the early stages of infection. This scene serves as a grim reminder that the enemy isn’t just numerous but also adapts to survive. You can delve deeper into the nuances of game narrative and design at places like the Games Learning Society.
The Symbolism of Violation
Beyond the practical implications of spreading the infection, the kiss carries heavy symbolic weight. It’s a violation of Tess’s personal space, a grotesque intimacy forced upon her. This intensifies the horror of the scene and underscores the loss of humanity associated with the Cordyceps infection. Tess is not simply being killed; she is being consumed, her body becoming a vessel for the fungus. This is arguably more disturbing than a standard zombie attack because of its deliberate, almost ceremonial, quality. The infected individual is not just attacking; it is performing a ritual of infection.
Narrative Impact and Character Arc
The kiss is a pivotal moment in Tess’s character arc. In the game, her death is arguably less impactful, occurring at the hands of FEDRA soldiers. The show elevates her sacrifice by making her end more horrific and personally significant. It’s a visual representation of the stakes and the horrors that Joel and Ellie are facing on their journey.
Tess’s death isn’t just a plot device; it’s a catalyst. It solidifies Joel’s commitment to protecting Ellie, knowing the extreme measures the Infected are now capable of. It adds a layer of urgency and dread that permeates the rest of the story. The scene is a masterclass in visual storytelling, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and further immersing them in the brutal reality of The Last of Us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Was the “kiss” unique to the show, or did it happen in the game?
The kiss is unique to the HBO adaptation. In the game, Tess is killed by FEDRA soldiers at the State House. The show introduces this new, disturbing method of infection transmission.
2. Why didn’t all the Infected “kiss” people?
The behavior seems to be an evolutionary development. Not all Infected display the same level of adaptation. It’s possible that this method of transmission is specific to certain stages or types of Infected, or it may be a rarer, but highly effective, strategy.
3. Is the mycelial network responsible for the Infected’s behavior?
The mycelial network plays a significant role in the Infected’s coordinated behavior. The network allows the Infected to share information and potentially coordinate attacks, including more complex strategies like the “kiss.”
4. What did the Cordyceps tendrils actually do to Tess?
The Cordyceps tendrils are the means of transmitting the fungal infection directly into Tess’s body. They quickly take root, accelerating the infection process. They effectively bypassed the typical bite wound infection route for direct and rapid inoculation.
5. Did the “kiss” make Tess turn into an Infected faster?
The direct transmission via tendrils likely accelerates the infection process compared to a typical bite. The fungus has a more immediate and direct route to the brain, potentially shortening the time it takes for the host to succumb.
6. Was Tess aware of what was happening during the “kiss”?
Tess was likely aware of the violation, adding to the horror of the moment. She may have been paralyzed by fear or shock, unable to react effectively. The scene is designed to be deeply unsettling, and her lack of resistance heightens the sense of helplessness.
7. How does Ellie’s immunity factor into all this?
Ellie’s immunity is central to the plot. The “kiss” reinforces the stakes of protecting her. If a direct, intimate transmission of the Cordyceps doesn’t affect her, it solidifies her unique and valuable status.
8. Did the show creators explain why they added the “kiss”?
Show creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have spoken about wanting to explore the body horror aspects of the Cordyceps infection in a more visceral and disturbing way. The “kiss” serves as a means to do this, pushing the boundaries of what viewers expect from a zombie apocalypse.
9. Does the kiss make the Cordyceps look more intelligent?
The “kiss” suggests a level of adaptation beyond mindless aggression, implying a primitive form of “intelligence” or strategy within the Cordyceps. It blurs the lines between instinct and deliberate action, making the Infected even more terrifying.
10. How does the kiss reflect themes in the show?
The kiss touches on themes of violation, loss of control, and the breakdown of human connection. It highlights the brutal reality of the Cordyceps outbreak and the desperate measures needed for survival. It really emphasized the level of desperation and horror the world had descended into.
11. Was the actor actually kissed?
No, the scene was created using special effects and careful camera work. The actor was not actually kissed by another person or any sort of prosthetic. Safety protocols are always strictly observed in these kinds of scenes.
12. What is the significance of the mycelial network in the infection process?
The mycelial network is a key element in the Cordyceps infection. It connects the Infected, facilitates communication, and possibly allows for coordinated behavior. This interconnectedness makes the Infected a more formidable threat.
13. Are there other instances of the Infected showing advanced behavior?
While not as explicit as the “kiss,” the Infected’s ability to set traps, coordinate attacks, and exhibit hive-like behavior suggests a degree of advanced cognition and planning within the Cordyceps network.
14. Is there a scientific basis for the Cordyceps behavior in The Last of Us?
While the Cordyceps fungus is real and does infect insects, the scenario presented in The Last of Us, where it infects and controls humans, is fictional. However, the show draws inspiration from the real-world behavior of the fungus, extrapolating it to a human context.
15. How does Tess’s death differ in the game versus the show, and why does it matter?
In the game, Tess dies fighting FEDRA soldiers, sacrificing herself to allow Joel and Ellie to escape. In the show, she is killed by an Infected in a more disturbing and intimate way. This change serves to heighten the horror, underscore the stakes, and deepen the emotional impact of her death, solidifying Joel’s commitment to Ellie’s safety. Exploring the narrative power of video games and their adaptations can be fascinating, and resources like GamesLearningSociety.org offer valuable insights.