It has been quite some time since a television adaptation of Naughty Dog's The Last of Us was first announced. Dating back to 2020, the series was purported by Neil Druckmann (a writer and director of the games as well as the upcoming HBO series) to be one of the most authentic video game adaptations yet. Based on the footage that was shown in a recent HBO Max trailer, it looks like Druckmann is going to be true to his word.

While the teaser in question showcases only about 20 seconds of The Last of Us television show, what was shown is more than enough to get fans excited for its release. People can hear Joel and Ellie's iconic exchange in the Jackson ranch house, while footage of various adapted scenes plays in the background. Pedro Pascal's Joel and Bella Ramsey's Ellie are the most standout characters, but viewers can also catch glimpses of Nico Parker's Sarah and Nick Offerman's Bill. Having a large cast of actors who can bring Naughty Dog's game to life is good and all, but the television series should not forget to emphasize the moments Joel and Ellie spend alone together.

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An Unlikely Buddy Journey

Joel and Ellie standing next to one another in the Last of Us: Part 1

At its core, the first The Last of Us is a tale about two people: Joel and Ellie. Brought together by strange circumstances, the two must work together to survive as they cross a post-apocalyptic America. While the two initially dislike each other, the time Joel and Ellie spend together causes them to learn more about each other and in turn themselves. By making Ellie a complete unknown to Joel at the start of the narrative, Naughty Dog is able to build their relationship in a realistic way. The two barely speak to each other and avoid eye contact throughout their initial journey to the Capitol Building. But as Joel and Ellie go through both life-threatening and somber experiences, they eventually warm up and learn to trust each other.

A Not-So-Lonely Journey

This doesn't mean that Joel and Ellie don't meet anyone along their journey. In fact, they meet quite the cast of characters; some of whom are reflections of themselves. Bill and Frank were two former associates who went their separate ways. Bill is bitter and keeps to himself throughout most of his interactions with Joel and Ellie, but upon finding Frank's dead body, he briefly becomes remorseful that he wasn't able to help his former partner.

Henry and Sam are two brothers who are looking to join the Fireflies. Henry is overprotective of his younger brother; much like Joel is with Ellie. Sam is obedient to Henry but wishes his brother would have more faith in him (something Joel and Ellie are slowly starting to build with each other). Henry eventually commits suicide after killing an Infected Sam, likely out of guilt for letting his brother turn and being forced into such a difficult decision.

These people, while in many ways different from Joel and Ellie, show the two how other partnerships work in the post-apocalyptic world. Some relationships turn bitter (like Bill and Frank) while others are too dependent on each other to a fault (like Henry was with Sam). There are more characters that Joel and Ellie run into on their journey, and the ones who aren't initially trying to kill them usually impart something the two can learn from.

Time To Breathe

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While there are big set pieces and scenes with multiple characters in The Last of Us that push the story forward, one cannot disregard the importance of the smaller, more intimate moments in the narrative. The scenes where Joel and Ellie just talk as they travel are just as important as any new discovery the two make because they give the characters more depth. Ellie seeing actual fireflies for the first time and Joel explaining how the world worked pre-apocalypse helps paint a picture that these are two people who have experienced very different things.

In order for The Last of Us HBO series to be successful, it has to include moments like these. Whether it be for the duo to take a breather or figure out what just happened, The Last of Us thrives just as much in these small moments of humanity as it does in its more brutal and terrifying scenes. Doing so will allow the audience to get a better grasp of who Joel and Ellie are as well as their growing relationship with each other.

The Last Of Us will premiere next year on HBO.

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