Who are Henry and Sam in 'The Last Of Us'? A look at characters who play important role in HBO series

Henry and Sam are two new characters who are introduced in 'The Last of Us' Episode 4's dramatic cliffhanger
UPDATED FEB 10, 2023
Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard in 'The Last of Us' (IMDb)
Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard in 'The Last of Us' (IMDb)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Henry and Sam, two characters who will be crucial moving forward, were introduced to the core cast of 'The Last of Us' Episode 4's cliffhanger. After tragically learning of Bill and Frank's deaths, Joel and Ellie headed west to Wyoming in 'The Last of Us' Episode 4, picking up where Episode 3 left off. They pass through Kansas City on their route there, but because the highway around the city is closed, they must pass through the center of the city.

Two new survivors, Sam and Henry will undoubtedly earn a spot alongside the other characters who have come and gone. This leads us to the main question, who are the characters, Sam and Henry, and why are they important to 'The Last of Us?

RELATED ARTICLES

'The Last of Us' Episode 4: Who are the Hunters? All you need to know about show’s mystical and deadly twist

How long is 'The Last of Us' Episode 5 'Endure and Survive'?

Who are Sam and Henry in 'The Last of Us'?

Sam, 15, and Henry, 25, two brothers are taken from the 2013 video game. Sam and Henry were raised in the quarantine zone around Hartford in the video game until the military decided to abandon it, at which point they both had to fend for themselves. Later, they joined a group of survivors and remained with them until one day, when the group was ambushed by the alleged "hunters" while exploring and plundering through Pittsburgh.

Former Pittsburgh Quarantine Zone inhabitants who were frustrated with being ruled by the military and the Fireflies formed a faction known as the Hunters, which took over all forms of authority. Sam and Henry had to hide from the evil and hostile tourists however they could, up until they ran into Joel and Ellie. Both pairings assisted one another in leaving the city and avoiding the hunters.

Why are Sam and Henry important in 'The Last of Us'?

What Henry and Sam's introduction in the final moments of 'The Last of Us' episode 4 truly signifies is that it sets up Episode 5 and the continuation of the characters' journeys. For example, Henry and Sam significantly influence Ellie's personality, and through them, the Hunters. This can result in 'The Last of Us' Episode 5 being action-packed. The Bloater's underground presence was hinted at in 'The Last of Us' Episode 4, and Episode 5's promise of Joel, Ellie, Henry, and Sam working together to fight the Hunters suggests that this chapter of the tale will end explosively.

Why is Kathleen so obsessed with finding Henry?

Melanie Lynskey in 'The Last of Us' (IMDb)
Melanie Lynskey in 'The Last of Us' (IMDb)

Henry barely makes a brief personal appearance in 'The Last of Us' Episode 4's final scene, but his influence permeates the entirety of the episode as a result of Kathleen's desperate search for him. The Hunters' leader, Kathleen, is questioning a doctor in order to identify a certain group of people. The doctor Kathleen is questioning claims that he never told FEDRA anything about her brother, but Kathleen argues that Henry did and that she is aware he is still in the city. Kathleen also confesses that FEDRA beat her brother to death. This indicates that Henry is likely to be blamed for betraying her brother to FEDRA, which led to his death.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘The White Lotus’ gears up for Season 4 in a glamorous European hotspot, boasting one of its most star-packed ensembles yet.
1 hour ago
'Chicago Fire', 'Chicago P.D.' and 'Chicago Med' converged on a rare 'One Chicago' crossover special episode and here's when it will return.
4 hours ago
‘Chicago PD’ Season 13 is taking a brief programming pause, with the Windy City team set to return soon for a major, high-stakes episode.
4 hours ago
Netflix’s ‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 gets its premiere date as senior year at KISS brings big confessions and even bigger surprises
5 hours ago
Despite new episodes being scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 'Rehab Addict' has been canceled
5 hours ago
Season 2 of ‘Cross’ dives into a dark, Epstein-like conspiracy as a mysterious new character threatens to upend everything.
7 hours ago
Revisiting five of James Van Der Beek’s most memorable films that defined his career and left a lasting impact on audiences.
7 hours ago
Returning to the screen after 16 years, 'Scrubs Revival' will see J.D. and Turk scrub in together again.
8 hours ago
BookTok’s beloved ‘The Boys of Tommen’ is headed to Prime Video but fans will need patience
8 hours ago
'Vladimir' follows a professor whose world changes after her obsession with her charismatic colleague
1 day ago