Topic: HBO Series:- The Last of Us [spoiler tags approach applies!]

[Snail]

Been thinking about the whole ‘done to death’ post apocalyptic thing, and remembering how much of an impact 28 days later made on me when he woke up in the hospital and was walking the empty streets of London. That film was so simple (low budget), but really striking for it’s time. Haven’t seen it for years, wonder if it’s stood up well.

Watched 28 Days Later for the first time in years fairly recently, I think it was when covid was worse (which would explain my choice of film). I think it’s got better with age, to be honest.

[baltic out here]

Been thinking about the whole ‘done to death’ post apocalyptic thing, and remembering how much of an impact 28 days later made on me when he woke up in the hospital and was walking the empty streets of London. That film was so simple (low budget), but really striking for it’s time. Haven’t seen it for years, wonder if it’s stood up well.

Good shout! Still a great film I think, as well as the higher budget sequel. Yes the genre has been done to death, but so have most genres that have certain tropes. 28 Days was quite original yet still simple.

[Schmarn]

Never played the game or indeed any game since my ZX Spectrum in the 80s. Watched the first episode. Fine so far though the most compelling part was probably the prologue. I’ve always found the collapse of human civilisation more compelling than groups of people struggling to survive in the aftermath - the whole “which is worse, the zombies or the humans!”.

Like many others I have post apocalypse fatigue after suffering the Walking Dead. This offers some interesting arguments around government control and a great lead in Pascal. Will give it a go but not sure that I would say that first episode was extraordinary.

[Andy @ Allerton!]

Been thinking about the whole ‘done to death’ post apocalyptic thing, and remembering how much of an impact 28 days later made on me when he woke up in the hospital and was walking the empty streets of London. That film was so simple (low budget), but really striking for it’s time. Haven’t seen it for years, wonder if it’s stood up well.

Yeah still great

Watched it the other day

[AndyMuller]

People need to realise the whole critical acclaim this is getting is from people who have seen the full show not just the first episode.

[End Product]

Season 2 confirmed from HBO with working title of "Some more of us".

[GreatEx]

No no no, I have it on good authority from my right wing sources that it'll be called The Lgbt of Us.

[Hedley Lamarr]

Episode two even better than the first, they've absolutely nailed this, even down to the colour palette.

[Livbes]

Episode two even better than the first, they've absolutely nailed this, even down to the colour palette.

On it tonight. Can’t wait.

[Bread]

That second episode was wonderful. The world design in particular is incredible.

[GreatEx]

It's a technical marvel, and the little touches like the slightly muffled, directional audio of conversations between the two women when we were looking over Joel's shoulder, were clever. I was a little bored at times, though. I like the idea of an expository scene at the start of each episode, as just watching the two leads trudge around the gorgeous scenery while occasionally stopping to brick a blind zombie, will grow old fast.

[duvva 💅]

10 mins in and Ellie is cracking me up. Bella is incredible

Probably even more tense than the first episode. As others have said it looks amazing and so far I’m enjoying it immensely.

[Schmarn]

Again the best part was the prologue.  In many ways more chilling than actual monsters with artichoke heads.

I like the actors a lot but I’ll want to see some progress beyond creeping around buildings. Haven’t played the game but assume that is coming. Will definitely watch this first series.

[Brian Blessed]

I just came across a comment from the show's creators saying the explanation for how the cordyceps initially spreads in is the first episode, so I've been back and watched certain scenes a couple of times to try to spot the answer. Here's my theory. But I'd recommend you have a go at making a guess yourself before you read mine because I've shared it with a few people already and all have said they really wish they had figured it out themselves.

Spoiler

Tainted flour/yeast. Sarah doesn't make pancakes for her, Joel and Tommy because Joel forgot to buy more mix. When the three of them leave the house, they meet Nana, who is being fed biscuits. Mrs Adler is baking cookies, but Sarah doesn't take any because they're raisin. Joel also forgets to bring a birthday cake home. And he even has the line about the Atkins diet, which is pretty on the nose for 'person not eating grains' even if he was only saying it to avoid the offer of the biscuits that Nana was being fed.

That's five little subtleties that mean nothing individually but surely mean something when combined.

[close]

nailed it.

[Livbes]

Thought it was great. I wish I could binge it though. 

[Garlicbread]

The ending stuff of ep2. I think I prefered it how the game did it I must admit. But still a good episode.

[GreatEx]

I hope Joel loses that semi automatic soon. Far too much ammo being used so far, resources are supposed to be scarce in this world.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Bullets and pills.

[Brian Blessed]

I hope Joel loses that semi automatic soon. Far too much ammo being used so far, resources are supposed to be scarce in this world.

he’s is America. No shortage of guns or ammo.

[Garlicbread]

I hope Joel loses that semi automatic soon. Far too much ammo being used so far, resources are supposed to be scarce in this world.

Where's the molotovs and sticky bombs???

[kopite321]

Episode three has BAFTA-winning performances and is being raved about by critics. However, there is a high probability of pushback from more Conservative audience members.

[WhereAngelsPlay]

Fuck'em.

[Sangria]

Episode three has BAFTA-winning performances and is being raved about by critics. However, there is a high probability of pushback from more Conservative audience members.

Does Joel emote about how all this was caused by Brexit?

[GreatEx]

Where's the molotovs and sticky bombs???

He hasn't found the instruction manuals yet, plus as Angels said, he needs to consume some serious opioids to unlock his weapon crafting essence.

[Nobby Reserve]

Episode three has BAFTA-winning performances and is being raved about by critics. However, there is a high probability of pushback from more Conservative audience members.

Even better! 


It's a really intense watch. The atmosphere & tension created by the direction & acting is superb.

[El Lobo]

Where's the molotovs and sticky bombs???

More interested in upgraded baseball bats to be honest

[kopite321]

Very impressive viewing figures for episode 2

https://pressroom.warnermedia.com/us/media-release/last-us-episode-2-audience-22-largest-jump-ever-hbo-original-drama-series?language_content_entity=en

[Barefoot Doctor]

I'd be into each episode starting with a standalone flashback from pre-outbreak. Really helps with world building I think.

[Bread]

Episode three has BAFTA-winning performances and is being raved about by critics. However, there is a high probability of pushback from more Conservative audience members.

Homophobes not happy about Bill and Frank's relationship, I presume?

[kopite321]

Yes.

[AndyMuller]

Homophobes not happy about Bill and Frank's relationship, I presume?

Nah I think it will be about something else, possibly involving a flashback 

[kopite321]

Arrrr the Mall. Maybe.

[Nobby Reserve]

Arrrr the Mall. Maybe.

Trump gets eaten in a mall and everyone pauses their running away to cheer?

[The G in Gerrard]

Very promising first episode.

[Buck Pete]

The opening episode kind of reminded me of "A Quiet Place II"

A clammy nervousness.  Everyone knows something isn't quite right, as the tension builds.

Even my missus liked it too, which is a bonus.  Will catch-up with E2 tonight.

[The G in Gerrard]

The opening episode kind of reminded me of "A Quiet Place II"

A clammy nervousness.  Everyone knows something isn't quite right, as the tension builds.

Even my missus liked it too, which is a bonus.  Will catch-up with E2 tonight.

Exact same for me. Mrs got a little upset before they do the time jump

[Bread]

Just announced that HBO have renewed The Last of Us for a second season.

Unsurprising, but a very, very fast renewal. Looking forward to seeing who they cast as Abby.

[Lee1-6Liv]

The first episode is on youtube free to watch.

[spartan2785]

Just announced that HBO have renewed The Last of Us for a second season.

Unsurprising, but a very, very fast renewal. Looking forward to seeing who they cast as Abby.

There are a lot of ways they could do the second season, personally I might even be interested in seeing them completely flip the script and show what happened in

Spoiler

Seattle with the Seraphites

[close]

before the events of Last of Us 2 I think that story could lead to some really interesting material that the writers could flex their creative muscle in since there is some canon but a lot more leeway.  They could also spend a lot more time on what happened to Abby before the events of TLoU 2. 

Season 1 pretty much needs to follow TLoU, but with the time skip and a bigger cast of characters, you could fill out the second season with a lot more background and possibly extend it into a 3rd and 4th season if it makes sense.

[blacksun]

Just announced that HBO have renewed The Last of Us for a second season.

Unsurprising, but a very, very fast renewal. Looking forward to seeing who they cast as Abby.

Wasn't there some talk that she has already been cast and may even appear in this season, which would make sense as in the second game we see flashbacks to her backstory on the sidelines of the first one.