The Last of Us on HBO/Max

[Wings246]

That's the primary problem with developing a TV show from a video game.  Storylines in video games are the ornaments; the gameplay itself is the Christmas tree.  While the story is important and keeps the players invested, ultimately, the actions (killing, shooting, hunting, escaping, etc.) are the centerpieces of the game.  So, logically, the storylines need to provide justifications for the actions.  Violence and vengeance offer the perfect reasons for killing, shooting, hunting, and escaping when the gamers are playing from the main characters' perspectives.  For those who don't know, you play as Joel in Part 1 of the game and you play as Ellie and Abby in Part 2 of the game.  So in a sense, you can see and understand each character's viewpoint in doing what they have to do.  In other words, as a gamer, you immerse yourself in their experiences.

Now, the fact that the writers and producers are so gung ho about being faithful to the entire plot of the game is brewing trouble.  As a TV viewer, you cannot indulge in the first-person experience as a gamer (as described above).  You are a third-person observer of the events.  There is a sense of detachment and the intensity of the emotional response is much diminished.  I feel the writers and producers are having a tough time reconciling the distinction.  I suppose the whole TV series will continue to spiral down unless they can find some magical ways to salvage what's left.

[jackcali]

On 6/1/2025 at 3:18 PM, Wings246 said:

In addition to the heartwarming father-daughter relationship and the ethical dilemma, there were cheeky fun times and terrifying, anxiety inducing moments in S1.  It was a good mix/balance. 

I disagree.  I thought Bella Ramsey was the weak link through all of S1.  It was good as zombie shows go (and the HBO/Max production values are always a plus), but the father-daughter relationship was carried entirely by Pedro Pascal, who might as well have performed opposite a wood block.  And now to focus the story on Ellie and not pair Ramsey with an actor with Pascal's chops leaves the spaces between the zombie interactions nothing but filler.  The game may be interesting to watch, but this show isn't.  

[d.anders]

Am I the only one? I was a bit surprised that S2 had only 7 episodes. I kept checking for Ep 8, and it never came. WTF? 

[Wings246]

S1 = 9 episodes; S2 = 7 episodes

[SirBillybob]

Speaking of wood blocks, Lady Jane Grey’s mixed reaction upon cancellation of Becoming Elizabeth following its first season. Immune? Not immune?

Edited July 1 by SirBillybob

[d.anders]

1 hour ago, Wings246 said:

S1 = 9 episodes; S2 = 7 episodes

It appears you're correct. No chance for the creators to redeem themselves. S2 sucked.

[Wings246]

And just yesterday, one of the co-creators of the show, the original video game developer, quit before S3 production -- surprise, surprise, surprise!  I bet he gets too many hate mails and death threats from the video game community???  Now, everything rests on Craig Mazin.  It is a shame because I LOVE his Chernobyl.