HBO's The Last Of Us is only on its second episode, and so far fans are just over the moon about it. The premiere of the first episode brought in 4.7 million viewers, making the new zombie show HBO's second-largest debut. With Neil Druckmann, writing the episodes it seems he's really made a show that everyone can enjoy, while still following the source material closely. The Last Of Us, has set the bar for future video game adaptations, by including more backstories while still being able to naturally incorporate scenes from the game itself.
Creating a video game adaptation isn't easy. Many writers and directors want to stay one hundred percent true to the source material leaving potentially new fans in the dark. The most recent Resident Evil: Welcome To Raccoon City, left fans of the popular video game franchise completely disappointed. Many angry viewers claimed that the show was too faithful of the source material. Leaving those who don't play video games but love horror in the dust, as well as leaving fans of the game wanting a more fleshed-out storyline.
Of course creators can't please everyone, but they can please a majority of their viewers if adaptations are done right. In the beginning of Episode 1 of The Last Of Us, audiences followed Sarah throughout the day. Now, fans of the game would know that this is also how the video game also starts off however, we spend more time with Sarah in the show. Viewers understand she is the caretaker of her dad Joel, and her uncle Tommy, she goes to school, she gets her dad's watch fixed and even hangs out with the lonely neighbors. Now players of the game know what is to come, but now the loss hits way more tragically than it did in the game.
After the first episode aired excited fans quickly took to social media platforms and posted side-by-side gameplay and the scenes from the episode. Many were captivated by how the storyline just naturally led to scenes rather than force an unnecessary scene to make gamers happy. The chaotic car scene was shot for shot in the show just as it was in the game, sparking an internal excitement. Sarah's tragic last breath broke everyone's hearts in the first 35 minutes of the show which was also perfectly preformed by Nico Parker. As for the inhumane FEDRA "safety" zone, fans were pretty pleased that Joel, Tess and Ellie made it out.
It's no doubt that Episode 1 of the horror series got outstanding reviews. There are still skeptics out there about the future of the series from here on out. Of course Game of Thrones fans still haven't fully gotten over the betrayal of the final season (and we never will). Some non-believers are saying that The Last Of Us will just disappoint. Looking at another so-so adaptation that also has a huge fan base, Halo, which premiered on Paramount+, has unfortunately not received the rave reviews as The Last Of Us.
Fans of the beloved video game Halo were excited to hear the news that the game was finally being adapted. However, gamers were upset to find that the show didn't really follow the game, including Master Chief being able to take off his helmet. The biggest critic of Halo comes from its very own game co-creator, who was disappointed in the direction the showrunners took the series. What The Last Of Us has that Halo doesn't, is the video game's co-creator as the writer of the series. The Last of Us video game won many "Best Game" awards in 2013 and 2014, which kind of proves the point "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" just elevate it!
Now that Episode 2 has premiered our cold open leaves us with a harsh truth, there is no hope. Viewers watch as Joel frantically tries to reload his gun without making a sound. Hearts are racing all across the world as Joel finally shoots a runner and the sleeping herd is awakened from its slumber to attack those who threaten their lives. There is this overwhelming feeling of danger that quietly looms in every corner. Not only does The Last Of Us stick to the source material when it comes to characters, locations and of course the specific zombies players come across but also the tension.
The eerie sense of "we aren't alone in here" follows in almost every building Joel, Tess, and Ellie go into. So, whether fans have played the game or not the feeling is about the same, minus the part where players make a mistake, die and rage throw their controller on the ground (not proud of it, but it happens). If fans were to nitpick the show many feel that Tess was taken from audiences too soon. However, she does die in the game so many saw it coming. But just like the writers gave Sarah more background many were hoping that they would do the same for Tess, however it was nice to watch the short bond between Tess and Ellie unfold.
The Last of Us, proves that video game adaptations can be a worldwide phenomenon. It's a love letter to fans of the game in the form of a cinematic epic series. Easter eggs can be found throughout its episodes, but even enticing new fans and making sure that everyone has all the background they need to get excited, while still organically weaving in exact moments from the game. The Last Of Us isn't a little exclusive club, it's an inviting one that excites everyone every week. So who's ready to join our duo next Sunday as they come across some new zombies and characters?