The Last of Us Episode 2 | TV Show Breakdown
Today's podcast continues our breakdown of The Last of Us on HBO with episode two! We discussed what we liked, what had changed from the game, and other details that caught our attention while watching the episode. Episode 2 gives context on the origins of infection, Joel and Tess confront what Ellie could mean for the future of humanity. While Tess is filled with Hope, Joel remains mission-focused not willing to feel anything. But with the events at the end of the episode, Joel must make a choice to take on the responsibility or give up.
Episode Summary:
Two days before the outbreak, in Jakarta, a mycologist learns of the oncoming pandemic and advises the government to bomb the city to prevent it from spreading. In the present, Ellie explains to Joel and Tess that she is being transported west in hopes of being used to find a cure. Discovering that the path to the State House is swarmed with infected, they cut through a museum, where they are attacked by blind infected known as "clickers"; Ellie is bitten. They arrive at the State House but find the Fireflies dead. Tess reveals she was bitten, while Ellie's bite begins to heal, proving her immunity. Joel shoots an infected, which alerts the swarm to their location. Tess convinces him to escape with Ellie while she stays behind, blowing up the building and killing herself with the horde. This episode was directed by Neil Druckmann and written by Craig Mazin. The series stars Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie.
Show Notes:
(00:00) Recap Episode 1
(01:50) Opening to Episode 2
(03:32) A Prequel Series Could Work
(06:34) Change to the Infection
For an interesting piece on the Wood Wide Web go to this New Yorker piece.
(09:45) Ellie Waking Up
(12:21) The Creators Love the Source
(15:11) Changing your expectations between mediums
(18:26) Hotel Scene
(22:46) Joel Doesn't Want to Be Left With Ellie
(23:53) Tess has Hope
(26:28) The Museum and the Clickers
(35:24) Somebody Got Bit
(40:53) Juxtaposition of Beauty
(43:47) Waking up the Horde
(48:59) Closing Scene
(53:55) Outro
