Contains spoilers for this episode.
After Tess’s death, Joel and Ellie head toward Bill’s home outside Boston. The story returns to 2003, when Bill hides from the military evacuation of his town. Alone, he builds defenses, restores electricity and stocks his house with supplies. Years later, Frank falls into one of his traps. Bill reluctantly lets the uninfected stranger shower and eat, intending to send him away afterward. A song at the piano brings them closer, and Frank stays. Their relationship includes arguments over Frank’s plans to renovate the town and make friends, as well as shared meals, gardening and an eventual trading arrangement with Joel and Tess.
Bill survives a raider attack, but years later Frank develops an unnamed illness that leaves him dependent on care. Frank chooses a final day together: new clothes, wedding rings and dinner before Bill helps him die. Bill prepares Frank’s drugged wine and reveals that he has also taken a fatal dose. They retire to their bedroom together. When Joel and Ellie arrive, they find the meal still on the table and a letter leaving Joel the supplies. Bill’s instruction to protect Tess confronts Joel with her recent death. He takes the truck for the journey west, while Ellie secretly takes a handgun.