The Last Of Us Season 1 Episode 2 Review

WARNING! SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

Pedro Pascal, Anna Torv, Bella Ramsey #TheLastOfUs

As a die-hard fan of the franchise, I couldn't wait to return to The Last of Us, this time in the form of a live-action adaptation. And the show did not disappoint. The episode provided a gripping and compelling look into the game's world, from the opening scene set in 2003 in Jakarta to the brutal and violent action scenes.

Bella Ramsey's performance as Ellie was one of the episode's standouts. Her portrayal of the character perfectly captures Ellie's strong and resourceful nature. Watching her navigate the horrors of the world outside the QZ walls was a joy. Ramsey's comedic timing and sense of hope in a despondent world provide a much-needed counterpoint to the darkness around her. Ellie and Joel's chemistry, as played by Pedro Pascal, was also impressive. They both had tough exteriors but revealed moments of trust and affection for one another.

The Last of Us' set design is one of the series' strong points, and this episode was no exception. The natural reclamation of man-made structures and areas is beautifully depicted. As the fungus takes over every aspect of the environment, the viewer is constantly reminded that these once-bustling cities no longer belong to humanity. The mass gathering of an infected colony seen from above is one of the most striking images, accompanied by Tess' chilling explanation of how they operate as one organism.

The Clicker, a terrifying breed of infected that uses echolocation to navigate, is also introduced in this episode. The Clicker's chattering voice is usually the last thing most people hear before being killed. They are a terrifying sight to behold, with their deformed fungal heads standing out against their mostly human body. The group's first encounter with a Clicker occurs in a museum, adding to the eerie and eerie atmosphere. The Clickers stalk the museum floor like Jurassic Park's velociraptors, launching surprise attacks when they are alerted. Close-ups of the Clicker are masterfully done in this scene, building tension to a boiling point before a brutal and violent confrontation.

This episode's sound design is also noteworthy, with distant screams, clicking noises, and even the sound of a frog hopping on a piano key contributing to the tension and unease. The score is used sparingly throughout the episode, mostly in high-tension moments, but it shines when game guitar plucks are used to soundtrack the devastating final moments.

One aspect of the episode that should not go unnoticed is the effort put in by the series producers to recreate scenes from the game in the live-action adaptation. The attention to detail and the care taken to stay faithful to the source material are evident in every frame. From the character's costumes and weapons to the set design and creature effects, it is clear that the producers deeply understand and appreciate the game. The series is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team behind it, and it is truly a pleasure to watch. Their effort in recreating these iconic scenes in the game has made this episode even more enjoyable to watch, and the series will be a great success.

Tess appears in a powerful and memorable scene at the end of the episode. The audience, Joel, and Ellie, saddened by her death, will undoubtedly miss her presence. Both Anna Torv and Pedro Pascal deliver outstanding performances in this episode. 

And while this episode may not have the same impact as in the game, it is unquestionably more terrifying. The fungus's disturbing and grotesque spread serves as a reminder of the deadly nature of the infected.

One scene that particularly stood out for me was Anna Torv's portrayal of Tess as an infected approaches her for a "kiss." The emotion and vulnerability she brought to the scene were awe-inspiring. Her kiss with the infected was a shocking and disturbing moment that left a lasting impact on me. It was a powerful display of the desperation and sacrifice that the characters in the show are willing to make to survive. It also served as a reminder of the deadly nature of the infected. The scene was so intense that I decided not to eat mushrooms for at least a year. It was that disturbing. The level of realism and believability in the scene was a testament to the skill and talent of the cast and crew. 

This episode of The Last of Us is a must-see for franchise fans. From the performances of the talented cast to the attention to detail in the set design, the episode offers a thrilling and immersive experience. The live-action adaptation has captured the essence of the game terrifyingly and realistically. The episode leaves you wanting more, and I eagerly look forward to the next episode.