Why Did Clicker Kiss Tess?
In the popular HBO series The Last of Us, Tess, a character played by Anna Torv, meets an untimely demise when a clicker, an infected human, kisses her on the lips. The scene is shocking and left many viewers wondering why the clicker would engage in such a bizarre and dangerous behavior. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this unusual and disturbing act.
An Infected’s Last Action
The clicker that kisses Tess is a unique exception to the typical behavior of infected humans in the game. In the game and the show, infected humans are depicted as violent and hostile, attacking anyone who is not infected. However, in this particular scene, the clicker seems to be acting strangely, as it approaches Tess calmly and willingly kisses her.
Explanation from the Creators
In an interview, Craig Mazin, one of the creators of The Last of Us, revealed that the decision to make the clicker kiss Tess was a deliberate choice made to create a sense of unease and discomfort among the viewers. Mazin explained that the scene is meant to be "disturbing and violative" and that it represents the clicker’s desire to infect Tess and further spread the cordyceps fungus.
Unlikely Romance
Some viewers have speculated that the kiss between Tess and the clicker may be a reference to the theme of infection and the blurring of lines between life and death. In this interpretation, the kiss represents a brief moment of intimacy and human connection between two beings who are otherwise completely alienated and disconnected from each other. This reading adds a layer of complexity to the scene, suggesting that even in the darkest and most terrifying moments, there is always a possibility for human connection.
Tess’s Trauma
Tess, as a character, is already deeply traumatized and struggling to cope with her past. Her relationship with Joel, another main character, is complicated and may be seen as a result of her trauma. Some viewers have interpreted the scene as a manifestation of Tess’s inner turmoil and psychological distress. In this context, the kiss may symbolize Tess’s desire for connection and intimacy, even if it is with a being that is fundamentally harmful and deadly.
Possible Interpretations
Here are some possible interpretations of the scene:
- Desire for Connection: Tess, as a character, is desperate for human connection and intimacy. The clicker’s kiss represents her desire for closeness with another being, even if it is with someone who is infected and deadly.
- Trauma: The kiss may be a manifestation of Tess’s psychological trauma and her desire to escape her painful past. The clicker’s infective kiss represents a destructive and harmful force that cannot be resisted.
- Infection and Spread: The kiss may be a representation of the spread of the cordyceps fungus and the blurring of lines between life and death. The clicker’s kiss represents the corrupting influence of the virus and the way it seeks to infect and destroy human life.
Conclusion
The scene in which a clicker kisses Tess in The Last of Us is a powerful and disturbing image that has left many viewers wondering about the motivations and intentions behind the clicker’s actions. While it is impossible to know the exact reasons why the creators chose to depict this scene, it is clear that it is meant to evoke a sense of unease and discomfort among the audience. The scene may also be interpreted as a metaphor for the themes of trauma, infection, and human connection, adding depth and complexity to the narrative of The Last of Us.