The Last of Us: Things you should know before you watch
Many people, not just gamers, will make The Last of Us an appointment on Sunday nights to watch the new HBO series. The series, which stars Pedro Pascal as Joel, a survivor of the cordyceps fungal pandemic that has ravaged the world, is a strong contender for the best show of 2023. Because of the importance of his mission, Joel must safely transport Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across the country, but this is no easy feat. The positive reception to the show is, however, all but guaranteed. At this point, I’d put money on it being not only one of the best HBO Max shows but one of the most popular television programs of 2023 overall.
The Last of Us, a film based on the first in a series of acclaimed video games with the same name, has been met with a great deal of anticipation and excitement. However, this isn’t a straightforward issue by any means. After watching the first four episodes for my review of The Last of Us, I decided to provide a spoiler-free breakdown of the plot so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to watch the show when it becomes available online.
It all begins now. The series premiere of #TheLastOfUs is streaming now on @HBOMax. pic.twitter.com/RmgbL9V27A
— The Last of Us (@TheLastofUsHBO) January 16, 2023
Distress, zombie-like infected people, and tribalism all play key roles in The Last of Us
Joel, the protagonist of “The Last of Us,” is a man whose past will likely always haunt him. Early on in the show, we are treated to a montage of memories that have a profound impact on how we feel about the characters. When a fungal pandemic rapidly dismantles society, his life is ruined. The world is littered with dangers once we fast-forward to the year 2023 (hey, that year sounds familiar) in The Last of Us. The infected populace, which comes in many forms and often strikes without warning, is just one of these dangers.
Like other zombie properties like The Walking Dead, The Last of Us focuses on interpersonal conflicts that lead to anarchy. There are three groups you need to watch out for. The federal government is represented by FEDRA, a resistance movement by the Fireflies, and a third, unnamed group based in Kansas City that uses brutal tactics is located there as well. The Last of Us examines what it’s like to exist on the fringes during trying times, like Joel, who doesn’t really fit into any of these groups.
Do not start with The Last of Us game
Taking on the role of The Last of Us While I’ve been anticipating the TV show’s adaptation for quite some time, that doesn’t mean you should dive into the game right away. Since I think you’ll enjoy The Last of Us more if you don’t know anything about it beforehand, I’m not going to reveal any plot details in this explanation. It’s not uncommon for audiences to prefer reading the source material to watching the adaptation. Furthermore, I will be completely forthright about The Last of Us: the game is too time-consuming to complete before watching the series. Furthermore, the game’s ending is the type of thing you’ll want to experience without spoilers, and it’s something I’ve been told will not be changed, at least not by anyone who is familiar with the series.
Casting-wise, The Last of Us has an outstanding ensemble
As mentioned up top, Pedro Pascal headlines the cast of The Last of Us as Joel, a man who is primarily trying to find his brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), a former soldier who has gone missing in the pandemic-ravaged wasteland. Pascal does an excellent job in this role, effectively adopting the voice (if not the beard) of the video game character originally voiced by Troy Baker. After removing his Mandalorian helmet, Pascal’s facial expressions reveal a depth of feeling previously unrevealed. Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, is a 14-year-old orphan whose upbringing in this dystopian future has irrevocably distorted her outlook on life. Ellie, who is prone to irrational outbursts, must be dealing with a lot on a daily basis.
However, she is the precious cargo that Joel must transport, as she may hold the key to saving humanity. Anna Torv (Fringe) completely transforms into Tess, a survivor in love with Joel. To the show, she contributes a sardonic sense of humor and unfiltered candor. And as much as I’d like to gush over Nick Offerman’s (Parks and Recreation) and Murray Bartlett’s (The White Lotus) performances as lone survivalists, I’d rather their story not be spoiled. Melanie Lynskey (Yellowjackets) and Storm Reid (Euphoria) have also joined the cast, and their previous work suggests they will fit in well with the rest of the cast.
The Last of Us is an original experience
To show my appreciation and kindness as a fellow nerd, I offer the following: My fellow nerds, if you enjoyed The Last of Us, you’re in for a change. Those of us who are versed in legends and histories often get a bad rap for our insistence that adaptations remain faithful to the original works. Final Chapter The show is set in a different year, it doesn’t use spores to infect humans, and it alters the game’s underdeveloped character arc. The alterations, usually improvements, start right away with a brand-new scene and what I would call an extended introduction. Both of these developments are beneficial. The Last of Us has been adapted into a better show by HBO, and it’s better for the audience because of it. I owe a debt of gratitude to Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, the show’s co-creators, for the improved storytelling.
In addition to being a fantastic video game, “The Last of Us” is also a fantastic television program
The Last of Us on HBO is so good that I no longer consider it a “video game show,” which is the highest compliment I can give it. Any work that fits into that box or definition should raise an immediate red flag, signaling to viewers that their expectations are likely unrealistically high. I have no doubt that people who have never seen any of the episodes of “The Last of Us” will come to think highly of the show. The show presents itself as having a scope beyond its actual episodes, and it has the hallmarks of a fantastic HBO drama. Those who aren’t gamers can enjoy The Last of Us without worrying that they’re witnessing a lesser form of art because of a lack of insider gaming references. They will merely be amused. in particular, by episode 1’s use of classic horror conventions.