Summary
HBO’sThe Last of Usimmediately became one of the best gaming adaptations. It came from Chernobyl creator Craig Mazin and had a lot of input from Naughty Dog, as is evident in the authenticity of the show.
The show made a few changes here and there compared to the game, but for the most part, those changes made sense and worked well given the different narrative medium. The strong character moments were all present here without missing a beat. Some episodes hit harder than others, but all of them played an important part in telling this story, which was very well adapted.
9Left Behind
Episode 7
The Left Behind episode had a lot of heart, but it wasn’t the same without the gameplay moments from the titular DLC. In the game, you get to jump between the flashbacks with Riley as well as Ellie fighting infected while scavenging to help a wounded Joel after the events of Colorado, which made it a bit more engaging.
The episode is still emotional and well-acted, and greatly develops Ellie’s character and shows a different side of her. It’s still a very good episode with a lot of charm, but probably the least good of the season.
8Long, Long Time
Episode 3
This episode takes a detour from Joel and Ellie and focuses more on Bill and Frank. In the game, you only meet Bill and read about Frank and his demise through an optional, throw-away note.
But the show completely rewrites their story and endings intoa love story that is really well doneand results in a very touching episode. Although Ellie doesn’t get to meet this version of Bill and skips over that section of the game, it still fits the narrative well enough.
7Please Hold To My Hand
Episode 4
This episode sets up the two-part story that takes place through Episode 5. Joel and Ellie arrive in Kansas City, which replaces the Pittsburgh part from the game. The city feels more lived-in and dangerous, and it gives more context to the people still living there.
We meet Kathleen, a new character who leads a rebel group that took over the quarantine zone. She’s not in the game, but the addition of a new minor antagonist really helps this story arc. The episode is a bit more focused on the setup, but it builds a lot of good tension for what’s coming next.
6Infected
Episode 2
This episode really helped cement the trio of Joel, Tess, and Ellie, even if it’s short-lived, given Tess’ fate. The second episode gets right into the thick of things with the trio moving through Boston.
The show did a great job of showing how dangerous things were, especially with the clickers in that museum scene. It also expanded on the infected from the games, like with the cordyceps network. The pacing is solid, and the action is creepy and intense.
5Look For The Light
Episode 9
The final episode of the season brings everything to a close in a mostly good way. It’s only about 40 minutes long, though, and that makes it feel just a bit rushed. The first ten minutes are spent on a flashback showing Ellie’s mom, which is new and adds something cool, but also takes time away from the main story.
Still, once things move back to the hospital, it’s intense, if not as long as it could be. Joel’s choice to save Ellie instead of letting the Fireflies operate on herplays out just like the game, and it’s still impactful.
4When We Are In Need
Episode 8
The winter chapter from the game is dark, brutal, and very important for Ellie’s growth, and the show nails that same feeling. In this episode, Ellie’s trying to help a recovering Joel while also running into David, who is just as creepy as in the game.
The snowy town looks great, too, although it feels like a two-parter arc like with Episodes 4 and 5 could’ve made it even stronger. But even in one episode, it manages to accomplish a lot, and nails the ending with Joel and Ellie.
3When You’re Lost In The Darkness
Episode 1
The first episode of the season did a great job of making the show and its setting feel like a big deal. It’s the lengthiest, clocking in at around 75 minutes, and it uses that time really well. The first 30 minutes of the episode focus on Joel, Sarah, and Tommy before everything falls apart. That part sticks really close to the game, and Sarah’s fate hits just as hard as the game.
The second half of the episode jumps forward to the quarantine zone, introduces Tess, Ellie, and Marlene, andsets the post-apocalyptic settingand story in motion without ever feeling rushed.
2Kin
Episode 6
This episode takes place in Jackson, where Joel finds Tommy again. In the game, they meet at a hydro dam in Wyoming, but changing it to Jackson here actually makes a lot more sense. It lets us see the community earlier before its proper introduction in The Last of Us Part 2.
Joel and Tommy’s scenes are really strong here. Joel starts showing a lot of vulnerabilities, and Tommy gets more to do and say than in the game. The character work is top-tier, and the tension between all the characters is well conveyed.
1Endure And Survive
Episode 5
This is the second part of the Kansas City storyline, and it’s the best episode of the season. Joel and Ellie stick with Henry and Sam as they try to escape the city, and the bond that forms between them feels really natural. Sam is younger in the show and also deaf, which adds another layer to his character and makes his scenes even more emotional. The action sequence of the episode involving the Bloaters and other infected is the best of the entire season.
And then comes the ending, which is also just as good as the game’s. Joel and Ellie don’t say much after, but you can feel how much it changes them. This episode was just the perfect mix of action and storytelling.
