Making a show from scratch is a tough task, but making a show based on a video game is a whole different type of tough. Being able to portray the visions of video game creators and directors and having it resemble the videogame nearly spot on seems extremely difficult, but creator of The Last of Us Neil Druckman proved that with enough hard work, it is possible to pull off.

The Last of Us Is a third-person action-adventure horror video game made in 2013. The game is based on a post-apocalyptic disaster due to spoiled crops that destroyed the entire world and half of humanity. The game has won many awards including Game of the Year, Best Design, and Best Narrative. The game was so captivating that writer and creative director Neil Druckmann and writer Craig Mazin teamed up along with a very talented team of writers to turn the game into an exciting multi-episode series. Although there are technically 2 games, the first season will be based only on the first game. The first episode came out on Jan 15 on HBO Max, and I’m here to give some insight on how I feel about the pilot episode.

Before I get into anything I’m going to explain some major characters in the first episode.

Joel Miller– Played by Pedro Pascal (known for his role in The Mandalorian, as the Mandalorian, along with other movies and shows like WW84 and GOT)

one of the main protagonists. A very strong emotional character whose importance in the plot is very necessary as he is a father, a fighter, and an outlet for needs.

Sarah Miller- Joel’s daughter, played by Nico Parker.

Tess- Joel’s partner in crime (in the early stages of the show) and maybe lover (I really can’t tell to this day,) played by Anna Torv. He is a  smuggler and hardened survivor in a post-pandemic world.

Ellie-Played by Bella Ramsey known for her role as Lyanna Mormont in Game of Thrones. Her role in the plot is equally if not bigger than Joel’s. The two are an unbreakable bond and work together to get through any obstacles.

Fireflies-Not a person but a group. The Fireflies are going to be a big part in this show and it was already shown in the first episode what they can do. 

Tommy-Played by Gabriel Luna. In the early stages, his character means nothing because he quite literally has no screen time after the incident (I cannot spoil) as he disappears. but he’s still alive, somewhere out there.

Marlene-Played by Merle Dandridge. The presumed Firefly leader.

The show opens up with a pre-credit scene of a broadcasted interview in the 60’s. The interview was not in the game but it was the perfect nudge at the near future and what was to happen. The interview basically confirmed and hinted at the possibility of cordyceps fungus actually being able to happen, only if the world got warmer–which it did. I love the fact that they decide to add this piece to the story as it sets the viewer up for a general idea of what’s to come, a truly amazing addition to an already amazing video game.

One thing that was all the talk before the show came out, was the casting. So many TLOU fans were upset at who was cast for certain roles which I kind of understand. It is important to get a good actor and a good actor that looks like the character. 

One character who has one of the biggest roles in the game, Ellie, is a gritty determined young girl who fights alongside another huge main character, Joel. People were very upset at the director’s casting Bella Ramsey. People were angered and laughing not with, but at her being cast as Ellie. Some of the reasons include: her face looks nothing like Ellie’s ( for reference look up Ellie Tlou and Bella Ramsey on google) which I’m not mad at, but that is not a valid reason to hate the casting. People have even gone as far as make jokes about her looks, showing clips of  her talking then transitioning to a pamphlet about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, implying that she has it. I dont really appreciate the jokes at all and I feel like people are overlooking everything. Another thing I’m not going to  get into because it’s ignorant is the changing of Sarah’s character in the show. In the game she’s a little white girl, and in the show she’s interracial. In my opinion, if you’re mad at that change you need help.

Actor Pedro Pascal did not get the same treatment as Bella Ramsey, But some still thought the casting for his character Joel could’ve been a lot better. I see where everyone is coming from with all the comparison issues, but settle down, please. The actors were chosen in audition, and they just so happen to be the best fit for those two characters.

The similarities between the scenes in the show and the game are so spot on. There’s one scene in the game where Joel and Tess meet Ellie for the first time, Ellie attacks Joel and drops her knife while seeing Jolene is hurt. In the show the exact same thing happens, she attacks Joel, drops her knife and asks Jolene if she is okay. The ability I have to explain what I’m talking about is very limited, but I know the fans who get it, get it.

The little things in this show really clearly reflect the dedication of the directors and writers behind this project. Even through the backlash before the first episode they still showed why they’re the ones who have the jobs they have. The show is truly amazing already and I can’t wait to see what’s to come.

If you’re interested in watching this show, a new episode drops every Sunday at 7 p.m. on HBO Max.