The Last of Us (Season 1)

⭐ 8.5/10

(Originally written by Tim)

I played this game recently, so hard not to watch with that in mind. I was immediately upset when the first 2 episodes started with flashbacks about how the virus began, because who cares. That is the last thing that makes this game interesting, and I found every time the show strayed away from Joel and Ellie to flashbacks I was dragged away from what makes this story special (minus episode 3, which inspired tons of confidence).

Another aspect of the game is that you spend over 20 hours with the characters, so by the end you feel a connection that the story can use to break your heart. By playing Joel's perspective you have to make decisions that feel gross and it elevates the story, because these are end times and you gotta protect the kid. The show does a decent job of this, but its runtime is like 8 hours, so I didn't feel the same connection.

Sounds like I am complaining but this show is great. They fill out the world really well with characters other than Joel and Ellie, and the production value is top notch. Episode 5 was the standout for me, even though there were some continuity quibbles it felt like a peak Game of Thrones episode with a devastating finale. That's a moment where the show surpassed the game for me, because regardless of how good motion capture acting is I will never forget Henry's face in that moment and how devastated it left me feeling. But they also use the game script exactly in that moment, so perfect synergy and the reason this adaptation is compelling.

Sony better release the 2nd game on PC before the next season, otherwise I am borrowing a Playstation from someone.