The Last of Us (HBO) TV Show • Page 83

Sometimes I wish I didn't either. When an adaptation is announced for anything that I've loved, the wait is long, the search for tidbits/early info exhausting, and it often drains the final experience, as the consumption ends up seeming so short in comparison (years waiting + hours consuming). I have no way of knowing if these would feel rushed without having expectations, so it could be self imposed lack of enjoyment (and take that with a grain of salt, as I am enjoying this a lot despite posting mainly about the things I don't like).

To counter that, here's some sunshine thoughts:
- The show has looked stunning so far. No cheap CGI, fake sets etc. It's also felt tonally consistent, and not like a ragtag group of special directors.
- No complaints whatsoever about Pedro's portrayal.
- I had no reservations about Bella as Ellie, and despite a few off moments, an overall outstanding job on her part to.
- All things considered, an extremely faithful adaption that displayed a great belief shown in the source material and its ability to transcend from game to TV.
- The giddiness and geeking out over this being mainstream. I know it was a BIG game, but it was still sort of niche, and it's surreal to see it being true water cooler talk and getting references in memes and insta/twitter accounts everywhere.
- The sheer relief that my TLOU tattoo won't be considered stupid on the basis of the show being shitty *phew*.
- As long as next week is good, I'll be left with a strong desire for more and optimism that the show will only get better and better and bigger and bigger.
- Perhaps naughty dog will strike while the iron is out, and announce whatever it is that they have cooking and there will be another game to look forward to (TLOU3 or a new IP).

 

Apparently HBO offered them 12 episodes, they declined and wanted 10, and then ended up combining the first 2 episodes into 1 long one for pacing reasons, so we ended up with 9 total. Part of me is wondering if maybe they should have done 12 but who knows what that version of the show looks like - (Some more breathing room in spots would be nice). Then again, having a fast paced season has been a fun time. Idk maybe i'll never be happy lol

 

I appreciate that they are like “what happens next to David’s group isn’t part of Joel and Ellie’s story and it’s not worth the squeeze to dedicate time to showing their reaction.” It’s a disruption of what we think we want from a story in service of giving us what we really want from a story, IMO.

 

so, as somebody who has played and loves both games, is my (all things considered, incredibly light) criticism entirely unreasonable to you?

edit: for whatever reason the quote isn’t showing up but I am quoting imthesheriff here, not responding to the post above

 

I think it would have been great to watch this show without playing the game, obviously would make it even more enjoyable not knowing what is coming. But I wouldn't say I wish I didn't play the game first because the game is awesome and such a fun experience.

I played some of the game last year but never finished, so I only watched up until where I was on the game and then actually went and finished the rest of the game last month. I had an absolute blast playing the game, and I am having a great time watching the show too. My plan is to play part ii before season 2 comes out.

 

didn’t realize this about them being offered 12. I have found myself actually thinking “I wish we had a Sopranos length 12-13 ep season here” so it’s a bit of a bummer to think they had that opportunity and didn’t take them up on it. but all things considered, there’s no guarantee it would have been inherently better for that additional length than what we’ve gotten. overall I love the show and barely have notes on what they have given us, it’s mostly just a gut feeling like they’ve held back a little bit. it’s far from ruining my experience in any way, and I will always have the games.

 

Part II to me is where doing an adaptation of this story really gets exciting

 

No, this show is just avoiding them all together. In the game, there is quite a good amount of infected. There's a fantastic part where Ellie and David make the fire in the cabin and waves of infected come after you. The two of you work together and fight them all off, he even gives you ammo and such. You follow him around buildings and fight infected inside together as well.

 

I disagree with most of it but moreso helloallehellohelloallo’s post above mine. I don’t think we’re missing out on not having what they’ve wanted added.

 

And that's good. I love that people like/love that an adaption of one of my favorite things ever is good as is or doesn't lack anything that makes it fundamentally flawed.

 

Ellie wouldn't have gotten captured if she were forklift certified and driving one of these bad boys.

 

You think FEDRA would have provided classes. And we all know that Joel is forklift certified

 

Ellie asked me to share the following message from her joke book

I am forklift certified, certified to lift this fork and put spaghetti in my mouth

 

Let's goo, he'll be a fun interview for sure lol

 

Yeah, I'm really enjoying this show. Yes, the pacing is a little fast compared to the game, but they're different mediums for a reason. The fact this is so lean is what is making it so engaging. Almost every shot feels necessary.

I also think they did a good job of making David feel just as evil in this one, and if anything the lack of time compared to the games meant they had to really make it much more obvious that he's a predator. The teacher backstory is also new, and kind of gives him an even darker side.

I'm also really enjoying watching the reaction from non-gamers who are experiencing the story for the first time. Next week is going to be WILD.

 

im going to a concert on Sunday night and sort of debating not going so I don't miss the episode lmao

 

go to the show so then you can read 10 pages of absolute tragic posting and contemplate why you’re reading it

 

you never know when the cordyceps will invade and then you can't go to concerts anymore so go

 

I think as a society we just need to steer clear of wheat based carbs and that way the last of us can never happen

 

lol this nerd

 

But then there would be no beer and I don't know if I can live like that.

 

I think the fermentation would take care of that but better be safe than sorry!!!

 

True! I don’t make it, I just drink it so I forgot about that lol

 

I swear to god sheriff