The Last of Us - HBO *Spoilers* See warning in post #1

Some really good moments in ep2 like that scientist being straight up about bombing the city. Wheat mentioned again in the first known infection which someone on here copped last week.

Ellie doing the fake zombie thing really made me laugh. She could easily be annoying child character but they have managed to completely avoid that.

Really good episode.

The intro again was top drawer. I really appreciate the level of maturity in the writing here. Frequently in this genre, we see some carelessless or pure stupidity result in the problem escalating; scientists at odds with the government/military personnel, dropping vials of chemicals on the ground etc... The military/security person bringing in the expert, ensuring the expert draws a clean conclusion, has all the necessary answers for her Qs, and is readily willing to accept her expert opinion, even when it's quite startling.

I'm not sure we'll get many more cold opening segments like this ith unrelated characters - I think we'd fall into overlapping timeline territory, especially as it seemingly was kicking off in Jakarta on the same day it hit Texas.

The Hive mind sets things up for some increasing tense stakes later in the series, but I also see potential manipulation from our heroes here too, if they're clever. Clickers were great. That scene was tense.

I read some criticisms about Joel's "passiveness" in the show here compared to the game, but I personally think he's actually very well balanced; there's times he lets decisions pass, but when sh*t hits the fan, he's decisive, acts fast and doesn't suffer nonsense.

It's a very minor criticism, but I find when Ellie's got something to, Bella Ramsay is competent. She's been funny, and assured in line delivery etc. I find when she's not really the focus of a scene, she can look a little idle, like kinda odd facial expressions as if she's not really sure what to be doing. Look, young actress, with seasoned veterans around her, in a big production. Just curious if anyone else has noticed it.

Roll on Ep 3

Regretting that now I'de say.

Ya I would trust HBO more than most to make the right call on something like that.

I watched the first 3 episodes of From based on the recommendation as well. I wont bother with the rest.

Really enjoying this so far. So glad that I resisted replaying part 1 recently as some of the smaller story beats are only coming back to me as I see them.

Just curious though, is it not strange that they haven’t actually announced season 2 yet? Normally HBO are quick to say that they’ve commissioned season 2 (3 even) when a show is a clear success.

Perhaps Druckman doesn’t want to do part 2 in a show?

maybe I’ve missed an update but just think it’s a bit strange.

For a lot of their bigger shows lately, HBO does them every two years. So season 2 of TLOU wouldn't come until 2025. It gives HBO enough time to judge reaction to the first season and decide whether or not to renew. It's almost guaranteed at this point though, it's doing huge numbers for HBO.

Neil Druckmann definitely seems interested in doing TLOU2 in the show though, and hinted in an interview they might do it over two seasons. But nothing is confirmed yet, and they might decide to go in a different direction either. I just wouldn't take the show not being renewed yet as a sign of anything. HBO don't work to the same types of schedules as other US TV channels. They can definitely do things at their own pace.

I'm enjoying the show, as a non-gamer. But, I am wondering if it destined to follow TWD. It's a problem with zombie TV shows, endless misery and brevity, I need cracks of optimism and levity in a show.

I've played the PS3 version of the last of us only. So Decided last week to use the free 2 hour on the Part 1 (PS5 version) to play along. Seriously pondering spending the silly amount to play it again!

Episode 1 ties perfectly into that slot.

I wasn't warming to Bella Ramsey in episode 1, but her performance in this was perfect.

She nails Ellie, the pretending to check into the hotel etc. I think Pedro Pascal being colder, then bakers joel, suits the format. Loved the node to "I cant swim" I was yes go get that pallet Joel!

Only criticism is wasting bullets, no Knives/shivs.

Loving the extra explanation given at the start of both episodes. Jakarta mentioned in Ep1 getting an explanation here. The flour theory confirmed in Ep2 during the Jakarta sequence.

Looking forward to next week.

It seemed to just be down to the fact she doesn't look exactly like the completely fictional character model from the game, and partially her performance as Lyanna Mormont on GOT, where people have trouble realising that just because an actor gives one type of performance in one role, doesn't mean they won't give a different type of performance in a different role (see also "They've cast the dude from Brokeback Mountain as the Joker??!!", "They've cast the sparkly vampire from Twilight as Batman??!!! etc etc).

I'd say if anything, Bella Ramsey is giving a more accurate portrayal as Ellie than Pedro Pascal is of Joel, as Pascal is playing it a lot more reserved and stoic in places than his game counterpart. It's absolutely working and is terrific, but I think his portrayal is the most different compared to Ellie and Tess.

Yeah but people are far too quick to be little b*tches about casting decisions before even seeing a frame of footage. Too many people judge actors based on one or two previous roles while ignoring the fact that the actor will have gone through the process of auditioning, casting, discussions with directors, rehearsals with other actors etc, and have been judged to be the best person for the role.

If Jack Gleeson was cast as the next Superman, I'd definitely think "Wow, that's certainly an interesting choice", but I wouldn't be expecting him to play the role like Joffrey in spandex and a cape. I'd assume that for whatever the directors and producers (as well as casting departments etc) want to do with the film, they've judged Jack Gleeson to be the best for the role out of everyone they considered, at least until I start seeing some sort of footage/trailers. People were very apprehensive about Bella Ramsey when she was announced just because she doesn't look exactly like Ellie and because of her performance in GOT.

Even if Part 2 becomes two seasons of the series, which I think is probable, it’s unlikely that Part 3 would be near ready for release by the time it ends. But the script might be complete, allowing the series to precede the game.