With The Last of Us HBO finally airing for fans and newcomers, there are multiple things to look forward to in the upcoming episodes. The first episode contained a plethora of sequences from the early stages of the original game made by Naughty Dog, and more notably an expansion on the relationship between Joel and his daughter Sarah. So far, the series has provided a few changes and tweaks in comparison to its source materials, including some never before seen sequences.
While Neil Druckmann confirmed that the TV series will not tell more stories that have not yet been adapted in the games, fans will be anticipating each weekly episode to see what material has been maintained or changed.
5 First Sequence
Standing as one of the most impactful additions to the story is the inclusion of a TV broadcast that delves deeper into the lore. This takes place in 1968 many years before the year of the outbreak, which has been changed to 2003 for the series, rather than 2013. This scene is incredibly unsettling and sets the tone for what is to come, as the presenters take a deep dive into the possibilities and potential of an apocalypse occurring.
Not only does this do a great job of preparing viewers for the event of the outbreak unfolding, but it also opens up the door to a 'what if' scenario, considering the fact that the cordyceps fungus is a real thing. The original game has an abrupt opening to Joel and Sarah just before the horrific events take place, whereas this time around, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann have created a gripping scene that eclipses the original game's first scene.
4 Joel & Sarah Dynamic
In the video game, players will be aware that there is very little time spent between Joel and Sarah that can be seen. Once Joel leaves to get Tommy out of jail which is a new fact within the TV series that wasn't in the game, Sarah is left confused as to where her father is. In this instance, viewers can witness the greater bond and dynamic between father and daughter, further fleshing out Sarah as a character. While the interactions between the pair on the couch from the source material are very much still present, the extended scenes stand as a necessary implementation.
Given the eventual tragedy that hits with Joel losing Sarah in an emotional gut-wrenching scene, the added scenes between the pair serve far may have served far more impactful for viewers who have not played the video game.
3 Buildup To Outbreak
One of the more surprising aspects done in a far better fashion than the original game is the gradual buildup towards the chaos during the outbreak. Viewers get to see the world through the eyes of Sarah, going to school, dropping by stores, and meeting neighbors as well as usual activities in their lives. During these moments, many subtle indications are given that imply something is afoot and there is potential danger ahead.
This continuously builds up after every minute and reaches a terrifying point when Sarah visits a neighbor, and unbeknown to her the elderly woman in the wheelchair appears to begin turning as she shakes in an inhumane manner. From this point onwards, the episode excels far beyond the video game, as with every new hint and implication of danger, the result is always right around the corner and is deadly for many.
2 Chaos During Escape Attempt
Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann were able to provide subversion of expectation in an impressive manner for those familiar with the story. Originally, Joel, Tommy, and Sarah are forced to escape on foot after being by another car which ultimately led to the tragic death of Sarah after journeying through the town. In the TV series, the group is very nearly hit by an oncoming vehicle, but instead, an airplane slams straight into the street killing multiple people at once.
While this is similar to what occurs in the game, the effects are far more impactful as the sense of panic and fear is evoked by each character. The desperation among all other citizens including the main characters is clear to see during this scene, and it all adds to the weight of the tragedy on screen.
1 Transition To Older Joel
Considering the loss of Sarah and the unexplainable amount of pain Joel must have mustered in the 20 years afterward, it would explain why Joel appears to be less emotional here. After the time skip in the game, players are met with an interaction between Joel and Tess, but in this case, Joel is cremating those who were infected. Despite it being a child, Joel does this in a manner that suggests a lack of care or delicacy, and this points towards the broken man he is.
Since the original does not dwell much further on the effect Sarah's loss had on Joel, from this scene it appears as though the TV series will draw a greater focus on this and how it affects Joel and his actions toward supporting characters.
The Last of Us series is now available on HBO Max.