Even in this horrifying scenario, there's room for humanity.
- One of Lee's first onscreen acts is checking up on Jessie, a total stranger, during a riot after she gets struck in the face with a police baton. She doesn't even hesitate while doing so; she simply spots Jessie getting hurt and immediately goes over to see if she's okay, and gives Jessie a press jacket even though she's obviously just an amateur photographer. During their later encounter at the hotel lobby, despite Lee being exhausted and having just come from a conversation with her friends that had ended badly, she still takes the time to listen to Jessie and give her some advice.
- During their conversation at the hotel lobby in New York, Joel makes it very clear that he does not care one bit that Sammy works for a rival news outlet than him and Lee, telling him that if he can come along with them to Washington if he wants to.
- Jessie's encounter with the looters at the gas station obviously rattles her, and when Lee tries to dispense some Tough Love in response, both Sammy and Joel tell her to back off and come to Jessie's defense after seeing how shaken up she is by the experience.
- Joel and Jessie's conversation in the back of the car during the first night of the trip. When she expresses doubt that she'll be able to fall asleep, he offers to stay up with her in order to keep her company. Though she refuses, he still tells her that she can wake him up anytime because it's not easy being scared alone. Jessie is clearly appreciative of this and it's the first time she truly bonds with another member of the group.
- While documenting the skirmish between the militiamen and the loyalist forces, Jessie sticks by Joel's side and he even keeps his hand on her shoulder the entire time. This makes sense when one recalls that Joel was the one who decided to let Jessie tag along with the rest of the group — he probably feels some sense of responsibility for her.
- Lee, Joel, and Jessie goofing off at the clothing store they decide to step into, with Jessie convincing Lee to try on a dress and taking a picture of it, followed by Lee and Jessie lightly teasing Joel over a hat he's chosen to try on. It serves as a much-needed Breather Episode for the trio and just about the only time they can let their guard down and pretend that the war isn't going on.
- The refugee camp full of people just trying to find a moment of respite — moms playing with their babies, friends playing cards, couples cuddling together. It's one of the few bright spots in a mostly dark and oppressive film.
