Spoilers The Last of Us (HBO 2023-)

[Huntn]

Three episodes in, a thumbs up, recommend based on a caveat, you like Post Apocalyptic thrillers, in this case a fungus that infects humans and hijacks their brains. Their primary intent becomes to infect others, spread the fungus.

My wife says “just another Walking Dead”. She did not like TWD. That may be kind of true but these stories, besides the primary threat is all about what people do in response and to each other. Episode 3 was an outstanding story arc about 2 people who find each other.

The idea of traveling from Boston to Wyoming seems quite the challenge under the circumstances 20 years after the world wide breakout, which is where this story is set, with flashbacks.

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[Apple fanboy]

Three episodes in, a thumbs up, recommend based on a caveat, you like Post Apocalyptic thrillers, in this case a fungus that infects humans and hijacks their brains. Their primary intent becomes to infect others, spread the fungus.

My wife says “just another Walking Dead”. She did not like TWD. That may be kind of true but these stories, besides the primary threat is all about what people do in response and to each other. Episode 3 was an outstanding story arc about 2 people who find each other.

The idea of traveling from Boston to Wyoming seems quite the challenge under the circumstances 20 years after the world wide breakout, which is where this story is set, with flashbacks.

View attachment 2182165​

I enjoyed the show. There are obviously a lot of similarities with the walking dead, but I feel it’s a bit different.
But I liked that show as well.

Been renewed for a second season as well.

 

[dmr727]

My wife and I enjoyed it a lot, although we both felt the ending was sort of abrupt. "Wait, that's it?"

But I thought the strength and chemistry of the two actors playing Ellie and Joel carried the show, and what set it apart from Walking Dead was being able to watch that relationship grow into something you cared about. The whole Post Apocalyptic monster stuff took a back seat, which is part of why my wife liked this and never got into Walking Dead.

 

[Huntn]

My wife and I enjoyed it a lot, although we both felt the ending was sort of abrupt. "Wait, that's it?"

But I thought the strength and chemistry of the two actors playing Ellie and Joel carried the show, and what set it apart from Walking Dead was being able to watch that relationship grow into something you cared about. The whole Post Apocalyptic monster stuff took a back seat, which is part of why my wife liked this and never got into Walking Dead.

Even in the The Walking Dead, although the zombies played a prominent part, they were more like a background setting to the main plot of humans surving and the choices made to survive. A favorite term is survival morality…

 

[Huntn]

Finished the season, big thumbs up.

Yes, it felt very much like The Walking Dead, but I watched the 7 seasons of that before I got Negan fatigue. This story as a journey has a different tempo. I found all the flashback stories to be interesting.

I’ve not played the game, but the philosophical choice at the end is a thought provoker. I think most would see one choice as logical and pragmatic and the other choice as emotional and selfish, but which one could you better live with? I’m not expecting an answer without spoiler tags.

Spoiler: Major Plot

If the person with immunity was given the choice to save humanity or not, and wanted to, at the expense of their own life, as the person who loved them, this would be more difficult to resist the loved one’s desire to sacrifice themselves. But again, no choice was given. Elle was lied to for the greater good, and based on love, Joel took exception to that believing the cure was not worth it.

 

[Lioness~]

Pascal likes to father odd lost children.
Nice to see more of the guy while waiting for the continuation of Mandalorian.

I like it.

 

[rhett7660]

Finished the season, big thumbs up.

Yes, it felt very much like The Walking Dead, but I watched the 7 seasons of that before I got Negan fatigue. This story as a journey has a different tempo. I found all the flashback stories to be interesting.

I’ve not played the game, but the philosophical choice at the end is a thought provoker. I think most would see one choice as logical and pragmatic and the other choice as emotional and selfish, but which one could you better live with? I’m not expecting an answer without spoiler tags.

Spoiler: Major Plot

If the person with immunity was given the choice to save humanity or not, and wanted to, at the expense of their own life, as the person who loved them, this would be more difficult to resist the loved one’s desire to sacrifice themselves. But again, no choice was given. Elle was lied to for the greater good, and based on love, Joel took exception to that believing the cure was not worth it.

If you have ever read the TWD comics, Negan plays a part, but nothing near what he did in the show. If they would have stuck to the books, I hate to say that, but the series is one of the best series I have ever read when it comes to this format. It is along the lines of GOT, in that, don't get to attached to a character, because there is a good chance they will die. But, but you get attached because the story telling is so freaking good. In the books, Rick even gets it. Granted not till the end, but not the very end.

Sorry, back to the show. We loved it and can't wait to see for the second season. Since we knew nothing about the game, we started watching "Screencrush" on Youtube after the episodes. The person does a really good job of filling the in the "holes" if you will about the game and how it relates to the show. Highly recommend.

Also, here is a teaser poster for season two... I will let you read about the significance of the hammer and hand here:

https://nerdist.com/article/the-las...eases-abby-anderson-from-game-neil-druckmann/

 

[TheIntruder]

I don't watch teasers, but there is one out promoting S2, which will debut some time in April.

Between this and Andor, April should kick off a few months of good TV.

 

[rhett7660]

I don't watch teasers, but there is one out promoting S2, which will debut some time in April.

Between this and Andor, April should kick off a few months of good TV.

These two shows are what I am waiting for! Can't wait.

 

[wonderings]

I enjoyed the first season, and the game was universally loved for the story telling in that, which is why the show did so well because they stuck tightly to the games story, no rewriting trying to change characters and events. The 2nd game was super divisive and not sure how the show is going to handle that. If they change something they are going to piss off one side of the fans while making the other side happy. If they leave it alone and stick to the story they already know they have a large pissed off fanbase who may not watch it. I am going into this show more out of curiosity then anticipation.

 

[TheIntruder]

It's official -- the second, seven-episode season debuts April 13th.

 

[Huntn]

It's official -- the second, seven-episode season debuts April 13th.

Another series to put on my Max watch list.

 

[Flamingdeathbolts]

Season 2 is out!!!

I watched the complete Season 1 in December. Enjoyed it a lot. Overall I like how the focus has been more on the story and not jump zombie scares like typical horror movies.

 

[wonderings]

Watched the first Episode on Friday. They have jumped a head in time a fair bit so I think there is going to be some flash back stuff to explain some of what is going on. Nothing remarkable about the episode in my view, other then disliking Ellie more and her attitude which I guess is supposed to be something people actually admire, not following the rules, blazing your own path and following your heart. I wonder what the response will be when "the deed" is done. For those who have played the game or followed the outrage from fans when the game was released you will know what is coming.

 

[mnsportsgeek]

Ope. Turns out the gamers who were sure the story sucked and that the show watchers would validate them will have to find their validation elsewhere.

 

[wonderings]

Ope. Turns out the gamers who were sure the story sucked and that the show watchers would validate them will have to find their validation elsewhere.

Really not sure why the episode has such a high rating. Quality is good, performances as expected but nothing that really draws me further into the story other then the ending of the episode. I do wonder how it will pan out for the series which from what a friend told me is being spread out over 2 seasons for the second game. The audience is probably wider for the show as it reaches a ton of non gamers. Either way will be interesting to compare. The first season followed incredibly close to the first game.

 

[Lioness~]

The kid has grown up, and Pascal has aged, ok.
Just checked Ep.1
Hope the kid will do some crazy stuff, so Pascal gets out of retirement depression, or whatever.
She doesn't need his protection, it seems now.
Wonder what ’fun’ they will deliver 😉

 

[rhett7660]

Season 2 episode 2... Oh my...

 

[vinegarshots]

so Pascal gets out of retirement depression, or whatever.

🫠🤫

 

[wonderings]

The kid has grown up, and Pascal has aged, ok.
Just checked Ep.1
Hope the kid will do some crazy stuff, so Pascal gets out of retirement depression, or whatever.
She doesn't need his protection, it seems now.
Wonder what ’fun’ they will deliver 😉

Has she really grown up? Looks like she has not aged a day save for the tattoo they gave her, which may be to help her look older.

I am sure Joel will get out of his depression very very soon

 

[Lioness~]

I am sure Joel will get out of his depression very very soon

I dearly hope so too - I really like the guy. He's the best dad to his 'foundlings' - both in this serie and in the Mandalorian.
Too long before the movie - they have to make it worth the wait.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu: Directed by Jon Favreau. With Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver, Jonny Coyne. Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure.

www.imdb.com

 

[vinegarshots]

I dearly hope so too - I really like the guy. He's the best dad to his 'foundlings' - both in this serie and in the Mandalorian.
Too long before the movie - they have to make it worth the wait.

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026) | Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu: Directed by Jon Favreau. With Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, Sigourney Weaver, Jonny Coyne. Once a lone bounty hunter, Mandalorian Din Djarin and his apprentice Grogu embark on an exciting new Star Wars adventure.

www.imdb.com

Joel really seemed like he had a weight lifted off his shoulders at the end of S2E2. Pretty carefree now, it seems. 🫡

 

[TheIntruder]

I haven't played the game, and don't follow it, but apparently, the happenings in the second episode of the TV series made some waves in the gaming realm as well.

But I guess it occurred sooner on TV than in the game. With Pascal being such a hot property right now, at least he doesn't have to worry about being spread too thin (he also has a stand-in for the Mando, and doesn't have to be on set much of the time).

 

[Lioness~]

eps.2
Dang, I was waiting for Grogu comming to Daddy's rescue.
Ops, wrong serie.
I'm sure Pascal is busy enough, and needs the peace of this 😉

 

[Flamingdeathbolts]

It’s fascinating from reading people’s comments online and reflecting on the TV series there is for sure more connection to Joel. I mean Pascal is great so how couldn’t you. But I played the games first and there the connection was stronger with Ellie, which I felt we didn’t quite get in season one of the series. She is such a cool character to play with in the game and a lot of action revolved with her.

I love this show though. They do a great job with the zombies. Can’t wait till episode 3.