TV: The Last of Us (HBO)

[Make]

An excellent episode again. I'll give the show credit for being able to create interesting encounters with other survivors. The worry I have with these shows is that they start repeating themselves too much and rely on caricature characters. So far these survivor pockets have seemed credible and interesting in the sense that you want to learn more of them. For me there's also a constant mistrust in my mind where I have my suspicions present all the time when Joel & Ellie meet new people. The show kind of touched that when Maria said beware of the people you trust because they're the only ones who can betray you.

I really like how subtle some of the interactions are between Joel & Ellie. At first you think nothing of particular importance was said but then a couple of minutes later you realize the depth to it.

The whole scene where they reach the University grounds and search the building was tense as hell. I hope they treat Joel's wound with the seriousness it deserves. I'd hate if they go the easy way and just let him miraculously recover by next episode without treatment.

 

[LarKing]

I know the basic storyline of the game but not specifics and I'm glad I don't for the most part. Video games are such a different art/entertainment medium than a tv show. I'm glad this show is focused more on dialogue and themes rather than action. Don't get me wrong, I love a good action show too. But this show has hit me so deep. Every Sunday I am prepared to get emotional with Joel and Ellie. Just a phenomenal job by the directors/writers imo.

 

[HanSolo]

I watched the episode again last night and this might honestly be my favorite of the 6 so far. There's plenty of moving dialogue to really explore the relationships between Joel and Ellie/Joel and Tommy but the subtle physical performances of each of the three actors really elevated all of that as well. Joel and Ellie are markedly more comfortable with each other after 3 months since episode 5 and on top of that, both have visceral physical reactions to what they fear from each other with Ellie fearing that Joel will abandon her and Joel fearing that he will get Ellie killed. With Joel and Tommy there is an initial overflow of elation to be reunited, followed by visible tension of their troubled past, and then resigning into Joel fully letting his vulnerability through and being open about his fears and worries, with Tommy looking on with genuine empathetic concern.

I know it's subtle things that an actor should just get right as a basic element of their job, but all I could think about was how well the performances lended themselves to multiple emotionally charged scenes. Through episode 6 you really feel the love and bond between these characters more than any that have preceded and I thought it was all just excellent. I really don't have a single complaint. I would just echo what @Make said. I think it's reasonable to expect that Joel will survive, but I hope his recovery is plausible. This show would be dragged back severely if Joel was shown to be an aging badass losing his touch only to bounce back right away from a potentially mortal injury like an 80s action movie star.

 

[TheAngryHank]

Ellie just needs to check medicine cabinets for revive kits or get real lucky and find a revive pistol , boom Joel will be good to go.
Kidding aside idk the game but this would be a good time to stretch the story and have Ellie spread her wings toward adulthood and grow relationships with ..say.. Tommy and his crew while Joel is laid up.idk how far we are in game but injuries or abduction could add seasons to the show.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

amazing to see how many people here that never played the game, glad you all get to experience this story. ive been pushing this game on people, well mostly my friends and none of them ever would give it a shot. now they are watching the show, loving it and all sudden wanted to play the game.

hope you all enjoy these last few episodes, Im looking forward to seeing what people think

 

[Bocephus86]

*Snip because I havent quoted a spoiler and I'm worried that I'll open it*

Spoiler: Spoiler

I hope they leave it until the end. My fiance was pissed and basically said she hates this show now. It was like me back when the red wedding happened and I decided I had to read the books. I haven't seen a visceral reaction to TV/Movies like that from her before. She'll flip if they save it to the end.

amazing to see how many people here that never played the game, glad you all get to experience this story. ive been pushing this game on people, well mostly my friends and none of them ever would give it a shot. now they are watching the show, loving it and all sudden wanted to play the game.

hope you all enjoy these last few episodes, Im looking forward to seeing what people think

I think I get this, and the Witcher comparison @HanSolo (I believe, sorry if I have the wrong poster) hit it home from me.

I love the Witcher. I spent at least 100 hours being Geralt when I played TW3. Not to mention TW2 (1 was before I knew the character and I never went back to play it). I felt Geralt in the game, like I was living through him. You had a similar experience with TLOU. No TV/Movie will ever hit like a great game can because of that feeling of being the character (and for the length you are, for me 100+ hours as Geralt is like 10 modern seasons of TV).

No TV show would ever live up for you. I get it.

I've loved it but I wasn't a huge TLOU fan as a gamer. Really enjoyed the game, don't get me wrong. Thought the story was prime for a medium like TV or movies. But I was also all set after my first play through and never felt the need to grab it again. I also never played the second one (but that's more because of life circumstances and needing to be really judicious with my gaming time).

Also last note: I lost the quote I meant to quote but they will definitely add some 'filler'' in between years for upcoming seasons, they have to. There is too much $$$ they can make padding it out. Why blow your wad in two seasons when you get a robust world and 5 years to play with in between the game worlds?

 

[Super Cake]

Spoiler: Spoiler

I hope they leave it until the end. My fiance was pissed and basically said she hates this show now. It was like me back when the red wedding happened and I decided I had to read the books. I haven't seen a visceral reaction to TV/Movies like that from her before. She'll flip if they save it to the end.

I think I get this, and the Witcher comparison @HanSolo (I believe, sorry if I have the wrong poster) hit it home from me.

I love the Witcher. I spent at least 100 hours being Geralt when I played TW3. Not to mention TW2 (1 was before I knew the character and I never went back to play it). I felt Geralt in the game, like I was living through him. You had a similar experience with TLOU. No TV/Movie will ever hit like a great game can because of that feeling of being the character (and for the length you are, for me 100+ hours as Geralt is like 10 modern seasons of TV).

No TV show would ever live up for you. I get it.

I've loved it but I wasn't a huge TLOU fan as a gamer. Really enjoyed the game, don't get me wrong. Thought the story was prime for a medium like TV or movies. But I was also all set after my first play through and never felt the need to grab it again. I also never played the second one (but that's more because of life circumstances and needing to be really judicious with my gaming time).

Also last note: I lost the quote I meant to quote but they will definitely add some 'filler'' in between years for upcoming seasons, they have to. There is too much $$$ they can make padding it out. Why blow your wad in two seasons when you get a robust world and 5 years to play with in between the game worlds?

Spoiler

if she hates the show now becasue of that cliffhanger, what is she going to think when he really does get killed off in season 2? lol. The people i watched with basically forced me to tell them if he is alive or not. I now get the feeling they may not stick with the show after he really is killed off.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

Spoiler: Spoiler

I hope they leave it until the end. My fiance was pissed and basically said she hates this show now. It was like me back when the red wedding happened and I decided I had to read the books. I haven't seen a visceral reaction to TV/Movies like that from her before. She'll flip if they save it to the end.

I think I get this, and the Witcher comparison @HanSolo (I believe, sorry if I have the wrong poster) hit it home from me.

I love the Witcher. I spent at least 100 hours being Geralt when I played TW3. Not to mention TW2 (1 was before I knew the character and I never went back to play it). I felt Geralt in the game, like I was living through him. You had a similar experience with TLOU. No TV/Movie will ever hit like a great game can because of that feeling of being the character (and for the length you are, for me 100+ hours as Geralt is like 10 modern seasons of TV).

No TV show would ever live up for you. I get it.

I've loved it but I wasn't a huge TLOU fan as a gamer. Really enjoyed the game, don't get me wrong. Thought the story was prime for a medium like TV or movies. But I was also all set after my first play through and never felt the need to grab it again. I also never played the second one (but that's more because of life circumstances and needing to be really judicious with my gaming time).

Also last note: I lost the quote I meant to quote but they will definitely add some 'filler'' in between years for upcoming seasons, they have to. There is too much $$$ they can make padding it out. Why blow your wad in two seasons when you get a robust world and 5 years to play with in between the game worlds?

It's so true and it explains so much too when I think about it, I for sure have put in 100 hours into TLOS over the years, still having said that the show is still great. Im really enjoying it just when it came to those line for line moments it felt off. the highlighted part really makes sense.

 

[John Price]

Craig and company discuss differences between the game and TV show and how they were able to amplify emotion in the series (in the game you can play as ellie or Joel but you'd never actually see their face because of the camera angle)

After every episode I just listen to the ringer prestige podcast as well as the official hbo podcast. Lot of good insight and breakdowns which I would highly recommend

 

[zombie kopitar]

I agree, probably the best episode yet. Felt like 2 episodes with how much they packed in (yet made it transitionless)

I played the game during the initial covid lockdown, so like may 2020ish, but I have a tendancy to only get about 3 hours into a game and then stop if i am not feeling it 100%, and honestly I just got stuck on some zombie mele and couldn't bother enough to beat it, the story and visuals captivated tf out of me though. But i will probably re-visit the game now waiting for new episodes. If there was a leak out there of the whole season, i would be watching the shit out of it, just saying. My favorite show since Stranger Things, but obviously the depth and writing is on another level, while lacking the sheer 'fun' of Stranger Things

 

[Bocephus86]

It's so true and it explains so much too when I think about it, I for sure have put in 100 hours into TLOS over the years, still having said that the show is still great. Im really enjoying it just when it came to those line for line moments it felt off. the highlighted part really makes sense.

Hey, at least you got this.

Imagine me hearing all the hype about Cavill & his dork-i-tude then ending up with Netflix's Witcher... I stuck all the way into the last episode of season 2 and just never even watched the finale. That'll tell you something...

But I'm glad it made sense to you like it did for me when I read that Witcher comparison.

Edit: And I'll add the only good parts of the Witcher TV series seems to have come from Cavill. Imagine if he didn't even have that pull...

 

[Arthur Morgan]

Hey, at least you got this.

Imagine me hearing all the hype about Cavill & his dork-i-tude then ending up with Netflix's Witcher... I stuck all the way into the last episode of season 2 and just never even watched the finale. That'll tell you something...

But I'm glad it made sense to you like it did for me when I read that Witcher comparison.

Edit: And I'll add the only good parts of the Witcher TV series seems to have come from Cavill. Imagine if he didn't even have that pull...

not gnna lie I had a hard time getting into Netflix Witcher. Ive tried like 3 times and I just dont like it. you are right, what they gave us on HBO is really good. could have been so much worse. not saying that its bad at all lol

 

[HanSolo]

Spoiler: Spoiler

I hope they leave it until the end. My fiance was pissed and basically said she hates this show now. It was like me back when the red wedding happened and I decided I had to read the books. I haven't seen a visceral reaction to TV/Movies like that from her before. She'll flip if they save it to the end.

I think I get this, and the Witcher comparison @HanSolo (I believe, sorry if I have the wrong poster) hit it home from me.

I love the Witcher. I spent at least 100 hours being Geralt when I played TW3. Not to mention TW2 (1 was before I knew the character and I never went back to play it). I felt Geralt in the game, like I was living through him. You had a similar experience with TLOU. No TV/Movie will ever hit like a great game can because of that feeling of being the character (and for the length you are, for me 100+ hours as Geralt is like 10 modern seasons of TV).

No TV show would ever live up for you. I get it.

I've loved it but I wasn't a huge TLOU fan as a gamer. Really enjoyed the game, don't get me wrong. Thought the story was prime for a medium like TV or movies. But I was also all set after my first play through and never felt the need to grab it again. I also never played the second one (but that's more because of life circumstances and needing to be really judicious with my gaming time).

Also last note: I lost the quote I meant to quote but they will definitely add some 'filler'' in between years for upcoming seasons, they have to. There is too much $$$ they can make padding it out. Why blow your wad in two seasons when you get a robust world and 5 years to play with in between the game worlds?

You're not the only one to talk about this but I'm intrigued on where they go from season 1. Because Game of Thrones had that issue of losing out on source material due to GRRM taking too long but they have a solid backbone to work with from Fire and Blood for House of the Dragon. Here they have this gap between games 1 and 2 where a lot could happen (and just for fun I know I've talked about how I had TLOU 1's ending spoiled for me. You couldn't go anywhere on the internet where games are discussed without having the big spoiler of TLOU 2 get spoiled so unfortunately I know that too) and Druckmann is heavily involved with this show. So conceivably, he could pen multiple stories to fill in that gap. But then again, a lot of people heavily criticized the story of TLOU2 so I don't know how much I trust that TLOU1 wasn't just lightning in a bottle.

Knowing what I know about the big moments from both games, I do hope they fill in that time with some strong stories.

Spoiler

I really don't want Pascal's Joel to be more or less one and done. I mean, there's something to having the impact of Joel's story resonate stronger with an abrupt death, and maybe this really is just Ellie's story, but I'm really loving the character.

 

[HanSolo]

not gnna lie I had a hard time getting into Netflix Witcher. Ive tried like 3 times and I just dont like it. you are right, what they gave us on HBO is really good. could have been so much worse. not saying that its bad at all lol

I watched that will full blown cope honestly. There's some good elements to it and I wouldn't call it bad, but it struck me like it was handled by a team who didn't know how to handle the scope of the story. Geralt, Yennefer and Siri were enjoyable to watch but everything and everyone else around them were pretty meh. I fixated on the good stuff for a while but as time passed all that meh weighed too heavily to the point that even if they kept Cavill on I wouldn't be very excited for a third season.

 

[GKJ]

I wouldn't know never seen the animated version.

I originally thought this was going to be almost identical to the game and honestly its not far off, they have done a really good job. just feels little rushed in the line delivery.
as an example

the show's great but do you see what I mean by the delivery of the scenes just feel little rushed?
the shows good and Im enjoying it but hard not to compare a little when the scenes are so damn close

Nobody notices this unless they want to.

 

[Arthur Morgan]

Nobody notices this unless they want to.

I dunno I think alot of people noticed its rushed abit or just a higher tempo like HanSolo said above. keep in mind this is like a 25hour game compressed into 9 episodes. they are doing a really good job still but the lines that are word for word from the game, feels little rushed compared to the main source

still wouldn't mind a little more infected. even if they dont fight them, just sneaking by and the tense moments of it would have been fine, I mean the overall story doesnt really need alot of infected but be nice to see them a little more often

 

[GKJ]

I dunno I think alot of people noticed its rushed abit or just a higher tempo like HanSolo said above. keep in mind this is like a 25hour game compressed into 9 episodes. they are doing a really good job still but the lines that are word for word from the game, feels little rushed compared to the main source

still wouldn't mind a little more infected. even if they dont fight them, just sneaking by and the tense moments of it would have been fine, I mean the overall story doesnt really need alot of infected but be nice to see them a little more often

Nobody is noticing this or cares about it. It’s free ice cream day and you’re complaining there’s too many flavors.

 

[Dubi Doo]

****Spoiler****

When Ellie lays her head on Joel's back while riding the horse toward the end of the episode- that's love, man. That's an "I love you man" gesture.

My son does that with me. He's only three, so big difference in age- but sometimes we'll have a cute moment where we're like 'Dude! I f***ing love you!'- and he'll rest his head on my shoulder for a second or I'll rest my head on his head. It's adorable.

I don't recall if they showed Joel's face when Ellie rested her head on his shoulder but given the fact he lost his daughter- I'm sure that gesture made him feel like a million bucks. He's probably longed for that feeling.

Those little moments just kick me in the nuts. Here you have a girl who has grown up in a completely shit world. All those little things we took for granted as kids and our kids take for granted- are just HUGE deals for her. The thought of airplanes just blew her mind. Then you have Joel, who has dealt with a ton of loss and remorse for actions he's done to survive, and you have two characters trying to protect themselves from being hurt by pushing people away, but they're getting closer and those little moments really captivate the progress they've made together.

I mean- I felt deep emotions just from her resting her head on his shoulder. It's such a small act, but that girl has felt like a 'tool to save humanity' rather than 'a girl who is loved by someone' for so long. Now she has a father figure who is starting to show those little acts of love. It's really cool.

 

[PSfan]

Nobody is noticing this or cares about it. It’s free ice cream day and you’re complaining there’s too many flavors.

Nobody? as someone who hasn't played the game but has a good knack at spoiling plots for shows and movies thanks to youtube, I definitely noticed. I think a better example would have been the "sticky magazine" scene, but I think that scene has bigger issues then just being rushed, speaking as someone who really enjoyed game version of Ellie's "goodbye dude" scene.

 

[GKJ]

Nobody? as someone who hasn't played the game but has a good knack at spoiling plots for shows and movies thanks to youtube, I definitely noticed. I think a better example would have been the "sticky magazine" scene, but I think that scene has bigger issues then just being rushed, speaking as someone who really enjoyed game version of Ellie's "goodbye dude" scene.

Like I said, if anyone is noticing stuff like that, it’s only because they want to find things to go online and either complain about or act like some kind of refined critic. This is a TV show. It’s made for TV. The video game was made to be for video game consoles. They are not the same actors, it is not the same director, but all are professionals, and they’re going to act and direct in the way that is best for their interpretation of the material and characters.

 

[PSfan]

Like I said, if anyone is noticing stuff like that, it’s only because they want to find things to go online and either complain about or act like some kind of refined critic. This is a TV show. It’s made for TV. The video game was made to be for video game consoles. They are not the same actors, it is not the same director, but all are professionals, and they’re going to act and direct in the way that is best for their interpretation of the material and characters.

No, what you said was "Nobody is noticing this or cares about it." which is a far cry from Nobody who has only watched the show is gonna notice or care unless some jerk like you tells them about it. Which is my ruff translation of your last post.

I'm well aware there will be differences between what is shown in the game vs tv translations. Arthur Morgan pointing out that one media did it better is a valid point, you claiming he is doing so only for the sake of complaining isn't.

 

[GKJ]

No, what you said was "Nobody is noticing this or cares about it." which is a far cry from Nobody who has only watched the show is gonna notice or care unless some jerk like you tells them about it. Which is my ruff translation of your last post.

I'm well aware there will be differences between what is shown in the game vs tv translations. Arthur Morgan pointing out that one media did it better is a valid point, you claiming he is doing so only for the sake of complaining isn't.

It’s not invalid to compare medias. I’ve seen the video game myself, don’t know it to a degree where I can find the clip on YouTube to make such a mundane, minute, and inconsequential detail to critique, though. The show by and large has followed nearly every single detail (with the exception of Bill, which is why we’re up to 32 pages), down to the detail of both the show and game having an incorrect interstate sign. This is assuredly just finding things to analyze because both the game and show are *too* alike, and we have to find ways to convince ourselves that it hasn’t exceeded expectations because people are disappointed that it has.

I’m a Flyers fan, so I know it when I see it. Quite frankly, it’s not healthy.

 

[TheAngryHank]

I dunno I think alot of people noticed its rushed abit or just a higher tempo like HanSolo said above. keep in mind this is like a 25hour game compressed into 9 episodes. they are doing a really good job still but the lines that are word for word from the game, feels little rushed compared to the main source

still wouldn't mind a little more infected. even if they dont fight them, just sneaking by and the tense moments of it would have been fine, I mean the overall story doesnt really need alot of infected but be nice to see them a little more often

Agreed with your last point , I'm already invested in Joel and Ellie so tense moments keep me on the edge of me seat even if I know the outcome especially if done correctly like it has so far. Part of that is being selfish as I want more episodes and season 1 is almost dead. I'm not talking John Wick level of action but avoiding the infected or a rogue pack of humans. Honestly Joel and Ellie have been so good id watch them butter toast for an hour.

 

[TheAngryHank]

****Spoiler****

When Ellie lays her head on Joel's back while riding the horse toward the end of the episode- that's love, man. That's an "I love you man" gesture.

My son does that with me. He's only three, so big difference in age- but sometimes we'll have a cute moment where we're like 'Dude! I f***ing love you!'- and he'll rest his head on my shoulder for a second or I'll rest my head on his head. It's adorable.

I don't recall if they showed Joel's face when Ellie rested her head on his shoulder but given the fact he lost his daughter- I'm sure that gesture made him feel like a million bucks. He's probably longed for that feeling.

Those little moments just kick me in the nuts. Here you have a girl who has grown up in a completely shit world. All those little things we took for granted as kids and our kids take for granted- are just HUGE deals for her. The thought of airplanes just blew her mind. Then you have Joel, who has dealt with a ton of loss and remorse for actions he's done to survive, and you have two characters trying to protect themselves from being hurt by pushing people away, but they're getting closer and those little moments really captivate the progress they've made together.

I mean- I felt deep emotions just from her resting her head on his shoulder. It's such a small act, but that girl has felt like a 'tool to save humanity' rather than 'a girl who is loved by someone' for so long. Now she has a father figure who is starting to show those little acts of love. It's really cool.

When he told Ellie to go with tommy. you know he was fighting to get those words out as in it was the LAST thing he really wanted.. This show hits on those levels. The Target practice part was good in a differen't way " You dick"

 

[PSfan]

It’s not invalid to compare medias.

Glad you admitted that, now go apologize to Arthur Morgan for criticizing him for comparing the game and the show, and then we can move on...

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