“The Last of Us” has an outbreak of success
What was once streaming on video game platforms like Twitch is now streaming on HBO as a worldwide adapted hit, “The Last of Us,” has infected everyone who’s seen it with a guaranteed obsession. Starring Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, the story follows the pair as they travel across the country to find a cure, thanks to Ellie’s immunity, for the zombie-apocalypse world they live in. The journey is perilous as they come across “the infected,” raiders, F.E.D.R.A. (The Federal Disaster Response Agency) and other unimaginable fates.
Characterwise, both Pascal and Ramsey have the audiences in the palm of their hands. Pascal, the fandom agrees, was perfectly cast as Joel Miller. Those who have played or seen play-throughs of the video game were fully aware of the life-altering trauma that Joel goes through in the prologue of the apocalypse, yet no one could anticipate just how deeply Pascal would make fans relive their heartbreak. Off-screen, Pascal is a jubilant, charming character, which makes his portrayal of Joel all the more jarring. While people have had mixed opinions on Ramsey, they are mostly invalid as they’re solely based on how alike she looks to the 3D animated girl she represents. Ramsey is an absolute powerhouse of an actor who is sure to be Hollywood’s next rising star, if she isn’t already.
The show is crafted perfectly to be for long-time fans as well as new audiences. There is an action sequence in the first episode that is nearly shot for shot in comparison to the game. If anything, the scene feels improved with higher stakes in the series. But of course, there are elements very different from the beloved game. Die-hard fans should remember that not everything can remain identical in its television form, and if it was, it would be quite boring to see the same journey scene for scene.
Both critically acclaimed and loved by all who watch, “The Last of Us” is thankfully set up for a second season, surely reflecting the game’s sequel. Viewers should mentally prepare for even more bittersweet moments, gore, heartbreak and screaming at their TV on account of what’s in store for Joel and Ellie.
