Kim Tembo is a supporting character in the first season of HBO's The Last of Us.[1] She is a survivor in a post-apocalyptic America that had been ravaged by the Cordyceps brain infection. She is affiliated with Marlene and the Fireflies in the Boston quarantine zone.[2]
Biography[]
Background[]
Prior to 2023, Kim grew discontent with living under FEDRA and the military's rule in the quarantine zones, deciding to join Marlene and the Fireflies. She hoped to find a cure for the Cordyceps brain infection with the group.
Over the years, she grew in rank, becoming the leader of a cell unit in the Boston quarantine zone, where she orchestrated attacks on military convoys and checkpoints in the summer of 2023. She is also tasked with monitoring Ellie and keeping her safe.[2]
Events of HBO's The Last of Us[]
By the summer of 2023, Kim's attitude towards her cause is strained. Under orders from Marlene, she had ordered several attacks across Boston, leading to four of their members dying. Angered, she confronts Marlene in their briefing room, angered Marlene is withholding information about the girl Ellie. Marlene has Kim's deputies dismissed and reveals that Ellie is genetically immune to Cordyceps, and Kim pledges to do what she can to help.
The next day, the smuggler Robert arrives to trade Kim and Marlene a car battery. However, it is revealed to a be a fake, leading Kim's unit to attack Robert's group, ending with only Kim and Marlene left alive. Marlene is left with a wound to her abdomen and Kim's right ear is severed by a bullet. While Kim helps Marlene back up, fellow smugglers Joel Miller and Tess break into the hideout to find Robert. Upon hearing Marlene offer to have Joel transport Ellie to the Fireflies rendezvous at the State House, Kim challenges her, insisting on moving the girl herself, but Marlene points out that she is in no condition for such a task. Kim reluctantly allows Joel and Tess to leave with Ellie.[2]
Appearance[]
Kim has short hair, wears a white short-sleeved shirt, dark pants, and boots, and keeps a loaded Colt pistol on her person. After a shootout with Robert's crew, the exterior of her right ear is mangled by a bullet, permanently compromising her hearing.[2]
Personality[]
Kim is headstrong, demonstrating a willingness to challenge Marlene when she feels it to be necessary. She also has a strong commitment to the Fireflies' cause and is idealistic.[2]
Relationships[]
Marlene[]
Kim serves under Marlene's leadership and is loyal towards her. However, her loyalty can be strained, notably expressing doubt when Marlene kept withholding information about Ellie towards her. Once Marlene told her about Ellie's immunity, Kim's loyalty was fully restored.[2]
Behind the scenes[]
- Kim is portrayed by Zambian-Canadian actress Natasha Mumba. Rumors of the character initially spread after the actress added a credit for "Kim Tembo" to her Instagram bio.[1]
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Byrd, Matthew (November 3, 2021). "The Last of Us HBO Series: Who is Kim Tembo?". Den of Geek. Retrieved January 13, 2023.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 HBO's The Last of Us episode 1: "When You're Lost in the Darkness"
