It is the end of the world: the dreaded zombie apocalypse has finally arrived. But how did it come to be? A virus? Disease? No- a fungus.
Similar to the infection of zombies, HBO’s “The Last of Us” is rapidly spreading. Quickly after its debut on January 15, 2023, it has become one of the most popular and beloved shows this year. Its viewer count increases with every episode- 29 million viewers per episode- beating other incredibly successful HBO shows such as “House of the Dragon,” “Euphoria,” and “The White Lotus.”
Based on the video game created by Naughty Dog, “The Last of Us” takes place in a world where a zombie apocalypse has occurred due to a mutated strain of the fungus Cordyceps. Viewers follow the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal), a hardened, serious middle-aged man, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenage girl who happens to be immune to infection. Together, they navigate their way through a post-apocalyptic world, and attempt not to get killed in the process.
In order to make the show as realistic as possible, “The Last of Us” does a great job of making the zombies and scary scenes as intense as possible. The zombies in this show are terrifying, much thanks to the skills of the makeup department. Additionally, the sound effects and music in every scene with the zombies adds even more suspense, which successfully engages the audience and creates a real sense of danger.
Despite the show’s fear factor, its primary focus is world building and story-telling. Many loveable (and unlovable) characters are introduced every episode, each with their own significance to the plot. This allows the viewer to connect with certain characters and root for them throughout their journey. The directors are well aware of this, however, so be warned that you may end many episodes in tears.
The show has been widely praised by die-hard fans of the video game due to its similarity to the source material. Even though casual viewers may not catch some of the show’s easter eggs and references, it is still an entertaining watch for everybody. Currently it is rated 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, demonstrating the immersive experience that the show has to offer.
Unlike many other shows based off of video games, “The Last of Us” stays relatively true to the original story, with some scenes even shot with the same angles as in the game. However, the directors also take many creative liberties to make the show its own. For example, episode 3, “Long, Long Time,” creates a beautiful love story between two characters who, in the original video game, are briefly mentioned. This inclusion hit the hearts of millions around the world, and became one of the most beloved episodes in the series.
The show is about a zombie apocalypse, but the show focuses on the human element of it all, including themes of love, personal relationships, loss, trust, bonding and more. Fans of “The Walking Dead,” “Chrenobyl,” and other similar tv shows will certainly find enjoyment in watching “The Last of Us.” And to all viewers, expect to scream, laugh, and cry while watching this truly special tv show.
