Just like that, The Last of Us is done for another year. How did we go about adapting one of the most controversial stories in video games in the past decade?
Yesterday’s episode of The Last of Us saw the conclusion to season two; we saw relationships break down, a blinding quest for revenge, and horrific consequences on both sides. If you’ve not yet seen the dramatic conclusion to the second season of The Last of Us then turn away now and go home to watch it, why did you even click into this article silly billy.
SPOILERS – SPOILERS – SPOILERS
Oh boy, man this episode just made me apocalyptically angry at Ellie, and it was well time we saw this from her. Bella Ramsey portrayed the rage and unfulfilled need for vengeance that Ellie has for Joel’s killers I think better than her game counterpart. We see the consequences of her actions a lot more and the friendships she’s willing to break in order to get her revenge. In this episode, Ellie gets as close as she is ever going to get to claim her vengeance on Abby but is talked into leaving before things get worse. But sadly, it’s already too late. Her relationship with Dina is now rocked by her knowing the truth (something that didn’t happen in game but is an addition I enjoy, to show the shades of grey the entire story has), Dina also getting shot in the leg, but ultimately the highest price was paid by Jesse. The one who came just to help and the right thing was the one who got unfairly shot in the head.
On that topic, Young Mazino was easily the stand-out performance from this episode. His playing opposite to Ellie and being the voice of reason as Ellie fell into the pit was beautifully needed. But this episode mostly fell on the shoulders of Bella Ramsey to carry, her rage felt real and her pursuit of Abby was hard to watch.
Ultimately though, this episode did show my biggest worry of this season coming to light. Its pacing felt incredibly rushed to get us to the end of Seattle Day 3 in the theatre with Abby. The episode could’ve benefitted from a bit more time to flesh out the goings on around the world, whilst I know a lot of that will be covered in season 3, a bit more at the right time in this episode could’ve helped. They seemed to have tried to show a little bit of where Ellie capsized and found her way on the island to be hung, but ultimately this scene left me massively confused to its conclusion. It felt very much like a sudden last-second insert to pad the run time, hopefully, season 3 can give some more weight to this scene as I feel if it were removed nothing in this episode would change nor will it affect anything that happens in season 3.
I’m sure this final episode will likely enrage its viewers. Between those who wish Ellie to stop ruining her and other people’s lives with the quest for blood, and those who want revenge themselves will be let down that not only does Abby still live at the end of this season but she kills Jesse and we’re left with a cliff hanger that shows we’re going to be spending a lot more time with her next season.
The Last of Us season 2 is one of the most controversial video game storylines, and HBO’s choosing to not just tackle it but embrace it in full force was always going to be just as divisive. Season 2, mostly, I’d say was a success in capturing the same emotions people had playing the game. Whilst I think the show could’ve really benefitted from an extra few episodes to let events breathe and add more weight to actions and dialogue season 2 is a good adaptation of its source material.
Its soundtrack from Gustavo Santaolalla is still one of the best the genre has ever seen, the camera and light crew brought their a-game to nearly every scene (except Joel’s death, not sure what happened there guys), and its cast all gave nuanced performances. Arguably at times, I found myself wishing for stronger direction but when it flew it soared, episode 6 in particular was a great example of how good direction allowed an episode to be more than just its script.
Overall, Episode 7 of The Last of Us represents my feelings on the last season as a whole perfectly. It makes a lot of small changes some are for the best and some for the worst, it falls just short of its potential a wavering pace and a rushed final act, but when it mattered most it always knew how to bring it back to its core themes and emotions. Whilst I still don’t think it’s won me over into watching the show over playing the game when wanting to experience the story again, if this is your only introduction into the world of The Last Of Us, it’s a pretty good time.
