If integrated within another episode, 15-20 minutes of this would've been just fine for character background purposes. And my episode rating of 6 is in no way influenced by the same sex relationship angle. I actually gave ep. 3 a 10 rating, in spite of all the homophobic hatred it received from other commentators. Ep. 3 acting, lines, mood was just beautiful, high level cinema, this was just overextended dull context which wasn't really that necessary within the number of minutes it received. There wasn't really much tension (we all expected and then saw the clicker), nor was the acting anywhere near ep.3.
238 Reviews
Who, or what, gets Left Behind?
GregTheStopSign9528 February 2023
If you've played the game, you KNOW what's coming just by the episode title. If you haven't played it, then you might have an idea of what's coming thanks to little mentions here and there in previous episodes. Either way, the episode delivers on all fronts as far as I'm concerned.
Storm Reid is SO well cast as Riley (even though she looks nothing like Riley from the game) and really embodies that character so well. Bella Ramsey, again, absolutely kills it as Ellie. Especially with this being an ever-so-slightly younger Ellie age-wise but a lot less world-weary than the Ellie we see with Joel. Speaking of Joel, Pedro gives so much more than one might expect given he's got about 3 minutes of screen time and maybe half a dozen lines. All 3 of them give brilliantly nuanced performances. Just more examples of why both Pedro and Bella deserve ALL the acting awards when it's that time of the year again.
Storm Reid is SO well cast as Riley (even though she looks nothing like Riley from the game) and really embodies that character so well. Bella Ramsey, again, absolutely kills it as Ellie. Especially with this being an ever-so-slightly younger Ellie age-wise but a lot less world-weary than the Ellie we see with Joel. Speaking of Joel, Pedro gives so much more than one might expect given he's got about 3 minutes of screen time and maybe half a dozen lines. All 3 of them give brilliantly nuanced performances. Just more examples of why both Pedro and Bella deserve ALL the acting awards when it's that time of the year again.
The episode wasn't a waste of time, here is why:
pavlomir1 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
We really wish for an action packed experience, but this was an important episode. Without the story of Ellie won't be complete.
We know that she got kidnapped by the Fireflies, how it happen was a mystery. We also know she wasn't alone when she got bitten and she refuse to talk about it.
It fits right on place knowing how and why. It also showed Ellie as a creature of emotions and someone that can love and care about another person, mixed with Joel's events we know she won't left him no matter what.
The last of Us have a lot of "filler" episodes, I personally didn't like the previous one where Joel meets his brother in somewhat a communist community, even so it doesn't look as bad.
The Joel later injury is too dramatic, no important organs are affected. Risk of infection, but that will be ignored for the sake of the show's progress.
There is a lot of weak moments in the show, but only the beautiful moments get slapped as bad. The taste of the viewers nowadays is only violence and sex.
We know that she got kidnapped by the Fireflies, how it happen was a mystery. We also know she wasn't alone when she got bitten and she refuse to talk about it.
It fits right on place knowing how and why. It also showed Ellie as a creature of emotions and someone that can love and care about another person, mixed with Joel's events we know she won't left him no matter what.
The last of Us have a lot of "filler" episodes, I personally didn't like the previous one where Joel meets his brother in somewhat a communist community, even so it doesn't look as bad.
The Joel later injury is too dramatic, no important organs are affected. Risk of infection, but that will be ignored for the sake of the show's progress.
There is a lot of weak moments in the show, but only the beautiful moments get slapped as bad. The taste of the viewers nowadays is only violence and sex.
To the "Filler Episode" folks
kaygravelle5 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I've just finished a rewatch of the series and the events of 1x07 are referenced by Ellie in every single episode. This was clearly a massive moment in her short life and is shaping her entire approach to her continuing existence. Not wanting an expansion on those references is indicative of folks not caring about character development! Or, of course, "filler" could just be the term a lot of people have decided to hide behind rather than coming in mask-off with their bigotry.
This episode was a beautifully shot, gorgeous look at two children of the End of the World who managed to connect with each other in a world where holding onto humanity is easily one of the hardest things to do. I loved the simple things we take for granted being so THRILLING to Ellie and that Riley knew they'd be thrilling to her. I also loved that I totally believe that Bella Ramsey had never seen an escalator before; solid acting going on there!
These "slower" episodes are strategic. The show is called The Last of Us but it doesn't just mean the last humans, it's talking about our humanity. Humanity is arguably the main character and to be able to see the things that have tested people's humanity and how they evolve after each of those tests is the point of the show. The mall was the biggest test of Ellie's humanity. To face death bravely after you've just touched love for the first time and then to survive while your best friend and strongest connection not only dies but dies at your hand? This episode has already informed every move we've seen Ellie make so far and now that Left Behind has brought us all in to the fold we'll be very aware of what is influencing Ellie's moves in the episodes to come. In my opinion this episode is one of the most important ones we've seen so far.
This episode was a beautifully shot, gorgeous look at two children of the End of the World who managed to connect with each other in a world where holding onto humanity is easily one of the hardest things to do. I loved the simple things we take for granted being so THRILLING to Ellie and that Riley knew they'd be thrilling to her. I also loved that I totally believe that Bella Ramsey had never seen an escalator before; solid acting going on there!
These "slower" episodes are strategic. The show is called The Last of Us but it doesn't just mean the last humans, it's talking about our humanity. Humanity is arguably the main character and to be able to see the things that have tested people's humanity and how they evolve after each of those tests is the point of the show. The mall was the biggest test of Ellie's humanity. To face death bravely after you've just touched love for the first time and then to survive while your best friend and strongest connection not only dies but dies at your hand? This episode has already informed every move we've seen Ellie make so far and now that Left Behind has brought us all in to the fold we'll be very aware of what is influencing Ellie's moves in the episodes to come. In my opinion this episode is one of the most important ones we've seen so far.
Necessary character development, not 'filler'
masonsaul27 February 2023
Left Behind adapts the iconic dlc storyline incredibly well. Continuing that impressive balance of faithfulness and originality whilst depicting some of the most tender and heartwarming moments of the story so far which makes it all the more heartbreaking when these innocent moments are interrupted by the monsters of this world.
As with Bill and Frank's episode earlier on in the season, it may not drive the narrative forward on action alone but this definitely isn't 'filler' and is absolutely necessary to the story it's telling and has been integrated into the overarching story at the best possible place.
Bella Ramsey is perfect as usual with Ellie's optimism and fear of being alone still present and intact. Storm Reid absolutely shines as Riley with a confidence and soulfulness that matches the characters life experiences and her chemistry with Bella is instantaneous and so engaging to watch.
Liza Johnson's direction is amazing, the show has consistently been really impressive from a technical and visual standpoint but this one in particular is just absolutely gorgeous to look at from beginning to end and the mall set is insane in its scope and detail.
As with Bill and Frank's episode earlier on in the season, it may not drive the narrative forward on action alone but this definitely isn't 'filler' and is absolutely necessary to the story it's telling and has been integrated into the overarching story at the best possible place.
Bella Ramsey is perfect as usual with Ellie's optimism and fear of being alone still present and intact. Storm Reid absolutely shines as Riley with a confidence and soulfulness that matches the characters life experiences and her chemistry with Bella is instantaneous and so engaging to watch.
Liza Johnson's direction is amazing, the show has consistently been really impressive from a technical and visual standpoint but this one in particular is just absolutely gorgeous to look at from beginning to end and the mall set is insane in its scope and detail.
Beautifully recreated from the game
KingSlayer9928 February 2023
I genuinely do not understand all the negative reviews. You people that are saying this episode was "boring" and had "bad writing" and did not advance the plot or develop the characters in any way, you clearly have no idea what you're talking about. You obviously do not understand any aspects or values of filmmaking. You should just go watch the Walking Dead or Stranger Things or something. You'll get all the big "awesome" monster stuff with a lot of "cool" action and some "great" chase scenes. That's clearly all your brain can comprehend.
This episode was probably the one closest to the game (btw I have no problem with changes), and I thought they did an excellent job recreating it for tv.
What else can I say? Great writing, great directing, excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, fantastic set design, great dialog (very similar to the game as well), etc.
This episode was probably the one closest to the game (btw I have no problem with changes), and I thought they did an excellent job recreating it for tv.
What else can I say? Great writing, great directing, excellent acting, beautiful cinematography, fantastic set design, great dialog (very similar to the game as well), etc.
First time I was disappointed by this show
Leungzy1 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
First time I've ever had a review removed. Don't think I said anything bad, guess someone is having negative reviews removed.
Here's what I said:
Having played Left Behind, I hate to admit that I was disappointed and underwhelmed by this episode knowing what happens when comparing it to the game.
I think it was a huge mistake to show the infected person in this episode before he attacks... it removes the surprise of Riley getting bit and the mystery around what to her.
Had they not shown the infected, and shown Riley and Ellie have the conversation about her leaving before they're both bitten, it would have left the viewers (who haven't played the game) wondering did she leave Ellie to go to Atlanta. Showing the infected person foreshadowed Riley's end and took the element of surprise away.
When comparing this to episode 3, which I felt had emotion and had me caring for the characters and invested in their relationship, I didn't feel any connection or feelings at all towards Riley's character or her relationship with Ellie.
I'm not sure if that was down to the actress herself or the script she was given, but I just didn't believe or get the same sense of a strong relationship between Ellie and Riley as I did playing the game.
Perhaps this was just a back story that didn't translate well from the game to a tv show, but I found most of this episode boring. In the game, this story is mixed with chases from the infected and a few thrilling action scenes.
I think they should have spent less time perhaps of Ellie and Riley exploring and playing Mortal Kombat, and more time focused on their actual relationship and making us believe it was real rather than just for the sake of including a back story.
I would have even gone an extra step and taken creative liberties to show Ellie having to kill Riley, or show what happens to Riley after she is bitten; hopefully they might do that in the next episode as I felt the ending to this one was very underwhelming.
In my opinion, this was the worst episode so far.
Here's what I said:
Having played Left Behind, I hate to admit that I was disappointed and underwhelmed by this episode knowing what happens when comparing it to the game.
I think it was a huge mistake to show the infected person in this episode before he attacks... it removes the surprise of Riley getting bit and the mystery around what to her.
Had they not shown the infected, and shown Riley and Ellie have the conversation about her leaving before they're both bitten, it would have left the viewers (who haven't played the game) wondering did she leave Ellie to go to Atlanta. Showing the infected person foreshadowed Riley's end and took the element of surprise away.
When comparing this to episode 3, which I felt had emotion and had me caring for the characters and invested in their relationship, I didn't feel any connection or feelings at all towards Riley's character or her relationship with Ellie.
I'm not sure if that was down to the actress herself or the script she was given, but I just didn't believe or get the same sense of a strong relationship between Ellie and Riley as I did playing the game.
Perhaps this was just a back story that didn't translate well from the game to a tv show, but I found most of this episode boring. In the game, this story is mixed with chases from the infected and a few thrilling action scenes.
I think they should have spent less time perhaps of Ellie and Riley exploring and playing Mortal Kombat, and more time focused on their actual relationship and making us believe it was real rather than just for the sake of including a back story.
I would have even gone an extra step and taken creative liberties to show Ellie having to kill Riley, or show what happens to Riley after she is bitten; hopefully they might do that in the next episode as I felt the ending to this one was very underwhelming.
In my opinion, this was the worst episode so far.
Bella Ramsey
maitrex28 February 2023
Everything has been said and written about this exemplary series. In particular, the fact that it is, by far, the best TV adaptation of a video game. Pedro Pascal's play (Joel) confirms how he is one of the best actors in recent years (The Mandalorian, Narcos, The Mentalist, etc.).
But this series also presents a real revelation, the young actress Bella Ramsey (Ellie). She is, what is called, a "natural" actress. Whatever the scene, she is always credible. This is particularly true in the episode "Left Behind" (s01e07). It is clear that a brilliant future as an actress is offered to her.
One of the best series ever made. Period.
But this series also presents a real revelation, the young actress Bella Ramsey (Ellie). She is, what is called, a "natural" actress. Whatever the scene, she is always credible. This is particularly true in the episode "Left Behind" (s01e07). It is clear that a brilliant future as an actress is offered to her.
One of the best series ever made. Period.
Good but not entirely necessary
soldier992 March 2023
The episode explores the game's DLC of the same title. While important to tell this story, a 10-15 min flashbacks within the main story would have been enough. Dedicating 2 out of 9 full episodes for character development, makes the main story feel rushed and incomplete. A good example would be ep 6 ending. The game explores a search for fireflies at the university for many hours, looking for clues, while the show dedicates 5 minutes of Joel and Ellie finding a packing list that was left behind by Fireflies but we get a full episode for 2 teens playing games in the mall... Only 2 episodes left people, what were you thinking?!
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it - 7/10.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed it - 7/10.
Most boring episode so fsr
martn-3882228 February 2023
I get it that you need slow paced episodes to have the action-packed ones feel more impactful. But this was just too much and a good foreshadowing of what we can expect of season 2. Again they missed the opportunity to show why Fedra is so evil and focused on emotional coming of age ideas for an hour. TBH what's so bad about Fedra? Like the Captain is mentioning, they are keeping everything together.
You can compare this one to Episode 3. Compared to that though, this episode feels boring and stretched. Ep. 3 featured little action but a lot of meaningful emotion, a well written and completed story arc and a story I had to think about for days. Ep. 7 didn't manage to do any of that.
You can compare this one to Episode 3. Compared to that though, this episode feels boring and stretched. Ep. 3 featured little action but a lot of meaningful emotion, a well written and completed story arc and a story I had to think about for days. Ep. 7 didn't manage to do any of that.
Adaptation of a DLC
jakubknanik28 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I was curious how HBO would do this portion of the story, considering it's a DLC of the game (not sure, is this the first time a DLC has been adapted to live action?). Anyway, I gave it a 9 to support the series, but I understand some of the lower ratings.
The main problem of this episode is pacing and the lack of value it brings in progressing the story. The episode shows us Ellie and Riley, two teenagers doing, well, what teens do. This flashback is great for giving us Ellie's backstory, which technically is important for the next season.
However, the episode is just that. I was a bit disappointed to see only the flashback part, in the DLC the game alternates between flashback and present time. In the present time, Ellie is looking for medical supplies in a nearby mall (that's why she's remembering the mall flashback). She also runs into some trouble which is part of the winter storyline that is coming in the next episode.
Overall, it's not a bad episode, I liked it, but it feels a bit like a filler. I do have to say though that I liked the many references to the game, the mall flashback really plays almost the same way as in the game.
The main problem of this episode is pacing and the lack of value it brings in progressing the story. The episode shows us Ellie and Riley, two teenagers doing, well, what teens do. This flashback is great for giving us Ellie's backstory, which technically is important for the next season.
However, the episode is just that. I was a bit disappointed to see only the flashback part, in the DLC the game alternates between flashback and present time. In the present time, Ellie is looking for medical supplies in a nearby mall (that's why she's remembering the mall flashback). She also runs into some trouble which is part of the winter storyline that is coming in the next episode.
Overall, it's not a bad episode, I liked it, but it feels a bit like a filler. I do have to say though that I liked the many references to the game, the mall flashback really plays almost the same way as in the game.
It's like "Long, Long Time" but worse.
lovemichaeljordan28 February 2023
The worst episode so far. It was honestly disappointing. It was not bad, but following last week's already slow episode with another slow episode was disappointing. Some parts of the episode are genuinely great and we do gain a better understanding of Ellie, but I did not care much about the teenage girl drama.
I guess it's a beautiful and sad story, but not very intriguing. We already know how it's going to turn out, so why spend so much time on the small details? This episode is very similar to Long, Long Time, but just worse. The acting is good and the cinematography is beautiful but this time I just couldn't care. We know the outcome so there's no suspense. It would be a better episode if they shortened it down to 30 minutes and then we spent more time in the present.
I guess it's a beautiful and sad story, but not very intriguing. We already know how it's going to turn out, so why spend so much time on the small details? This episode is very similar to Long, Long Time, but just worse. The acting is good and the cinematography is beautiful but this time I just couldn't care. We know the outcome so there's no suspense. It would be a better episode if they shortened it down to 30 minutes and then we spent more time in the present.
Wrongly structured, directed with pacing problems
John941 March 2023
This episode is the worst directed episode of the entire season. What's up with all the shaky camera especially in the first half? Did some amateur guy hired to direct it? Seriously it caused me nausea. The kids acting was fine nothing spectacular i guess, the cinematography decent but the pacing and editing horrible. I have played both the game and the DLC and i have to say not all segments and story plots can be translated good to a live action episode. What they did wrong here on top of the direction and pacing problems was to delicate an entire 60 min episode when they should have done this scenes as 15 min Ellie flashbacks. They could have saved just a little bit the episode (not much) if they decided to show Marlene picking up Ellie and having a conversation with her before their meeting with Joel. Their mistake was that the show-runners thought this plot deserved to be a 60 min segment. No its not, it was boring, terrible directed with pacing problems.
Underrated character development for Ellie amidst suspense of attacks
lauraa-5257628 February 2023
Okay, I was hopping on here just to come give this episode a 9 or 10 because I thoroughly enjoyed it and Ellie and her attitude are making more sense to me after revealing her backstory. I'm surprised it currently has a 7.7 (I'm writing this less than 2 days after it aired) and there's a ton of hate about it being cheesy teen drama and irrelevant. If you just want jumpscares and action 24/7, watch an action movie. The Last of Us is following a similar model to The Walking Dead ( I suspect the show knows it's drawing from TWD and GOT fans looking for something to fill in that void ) and is primarily about THE LAST OF US meaning the humans that are still alive and what life is like for them. TWD = Walking Dead = the humans still alive in the apocalypse. Did I lose interest sometimes in that show as well because of not enough action and too much drama? Sure. But it was all integral and authentic to the story and the world they created.
I think Bella did a wonderful job portraying Ellie here, she's just a teenage girl, teen girls do dumb things sometimes, they don't always say what they feel or mean, and every once in a while something good happens and you meet someone that actually gets you. This was well developed.
The music was amazing.
And how COOL was the area they explored?! We don't always get the privilege of "having fun" with characters during an apocalypse. I was genuinely excited by some of the things they found, and the nostalgic references!
They also cut in and out from what's currently happening with Joel, so if you're paying attention right now the show is highlighting how terrified both Ellie and Joel are to lose each other, and developing their relationship within other flashbacks.
Episodes like this are important so that you understand why characters make the decisions they do, why they vibe with some characters and not others, and just generally who they are deep down.
If anything I would expect episode 3 to be rated more harshly because it was a bit more out of place and focused on 2 characters we never met before. (I love ep 3 on its own, it's just kinda weird timing in the sequence of episodes.) This episode however was just the right time to help explain Joel and Ellie's chemistry.
I'm going to up my 9 to a 10 due to the skewed ratings it currently has.
I think Bella did a wonderful job portraying Ellie here, she's just a teenage girl, teen girls do dumb things sometimes, they don't always say what they feel or mean, and every once in a while something good happens and you meet someone that actually gets you. This was well developed.
The music was amazing.
And how COOL was the area they explored?! We don't always get the privilege of "having fun" with characters during an apocalypse. I was genuinely excited by some of the things they found, and the nostalgic references!
They also cut in and out from what's currently happening with Joel, so if you're paying attention right now the show is highlighting how terrified both Ellie and Joel are to lose each other, and developing their relationship within other flashbacks.
Episodes like this are important so that you understand why characters make the decisions they do, why they vibe with some characters and not others, and just generally who they are deep down.
If anything I would expect episode 3 to be rated more harshly because it was a bit more out of place and focused on 2 characters we never met before. (I love ep 3 on its own, it's just kinda weird timing in the sequence of episodes.) This episode however was just the right time to help explain Joel and Ellie's chemistry.
I'm going to up my 9 to a 10 due to the skewed ratings it currently has.
Very good and sadly underrated episode
anasbtr28 February 2023
This episode shouldn't be rated this low, however I think the main reason is some of the gamers who played the game. I believe that if this show was an original and the game didn't exist this episode would've easily got a higher than 9 rating.
People should really separate their brain of the game while watching this show if they want to enjoy it, and stop comparing the two.
Having played the game myself I agree that it's one of the greatest games ever made but if you played it i'd suggest you to not keep comparing every scene while watching the show, doing that you're just denying yourself the enjoyment of this piece of art.
Honestly, I think this is one of the best episodes so far. It makes you go throught an hour of mixed feelings and suspense and lets you on the edge till the end.
People should really separate their brain of the game while watching this show if they want to enjoy it, and stop comparing the two.
Having played the game myself I agree that it's one of the greatest games ever made but if you played it i'd suggest you to not keep comparing every scene while watching the show, doing that you're just denying yourself the enjoyment of this piece of art.
Honestly, I think this is one of the best episodes so far. It makes you go throught an hour of mixed feelings and suspense and lets you on the edge till the end.
Good side story
Mesina0227 March 2023
This was a neat little episode. It's really similar to how the third episode played out, a side story that is confined within an episode. We get some needed backstory from Ellie and it's pretty much a "how she ended up here" type scenario.
This episode is entirely focused on her relationship with her friend Riley and the ups and downs they go through in only a matter of hours. I think it was a good episode in terms of fleshing out her story. We did get Joel's backstory in the first episode so it was nice to see that happen with Ellie here. It actually makes the conversation they had in the previous episode, talking about loss much more impactful.
Overall, a solid episode. Doesn't quite make as big of an impact to the main story but still provides some much needed background to one of the characters.
This episode is entirely focused on her relationship with her friend Riley and the ups and downs they go through in only a matter of hours. I think it was a good episode in terms of fleshing out her story. We did get Joel's backstory in the first episode so it was nice to see that happen with Ellie here. It actually makes the conversation they had in the previous episode, talking about loss much more impactful.
Overall, a solid episode. Doesn't quite make as big of an impact to the main story but still provides some much needed background to one of the characters.
Such a beautiful episode!
brandonmckay827 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Loved playing this during The Last Of Us game & the TV adaption is incredibly brilliant! Storm Reid is the perfect Riley. The banter between the two as they head into it "Are you going to kill me? This seems like the perfect place to do it" "oh I'm aware.." is great. "I was trying to imagine you wearing that" delivered well. Ellie getting to just be a kid & have fun was so pure. The carousel & Photo Booth scenes were truly beautiful. The design crew deserve so much praise for how they've nailed it all! The arcade games looked incredible. I thought they weren't going to do the masks for a sec there, very glad they added it in. Soundtrack of this episode is perfect too! The pain in the "if it makes you hate me less" & the "don't go" was amazing & only matched by the "no no no no" after Ellie seen she was bitten & the "I'm sorry" from Riley. What another incredible episode! Must watch TV. The most incredible acting. Only negative was no super soaker fight.
Unnecessarily dragged on.
nastiarus5 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I don't hate fillers. I find character development like a lovely break from action. And regarding TLOU, I completely LOVED ep.3, for instance. IT WAS STRONG.
This, in the other hand, did not work. I agree with people saying this would've worked in a shorter segment; completely unnecessary to make a full episode out of this.
It could've had this specific character development in less than half an episode and work.
The dialogue became repetitive after a certain point.
Also, why did they show the zombie? At least it would've been a little bit better if we didn't expect the infected to jump out; I analyzed it afterwards: girls are playing in the arcade, walking and talking so relaxed and secure, that the audience would've felt the same way; then the infected would come to ruin everything, and their shock would've been ours, too.
And I want to point out again how much extra dialogue was present. If you're making a whole episode out of this, at least use it to explain more about Fedra or whatever, not "oh so you wanna know what's next?" "OH PLEASE don't abandon me" told differently troughout an entire 1 hour episode.
This, in the other hand, did not work. I agree with people saying this would've worked in a shorter segment; completely unnecessary to make a full episode out of this.
It could've had this specific character development in less than half an episode and work.
The dialogue became repetitive after a certain point.
Also, why did they show the zombie? At least it would've been a little bit better if we didn't expect the infected to jump out; I analyzed it afterwards: girls are playing in the arcade, walking and talking so relaxed and secure, that the audience would've felt the same way; then the infected would come to ruin everything, and their shock would've been ours, too.
And I want to point out again how much extra dialogue was present. If you're making a whole episode out of this, at least use it to explain more about Fedra or whatever, not "oh so you wanna know what's next?" "OH PLEASE don't abandon me" told differently troughout an entire 1 hour episode.
BORING TEEN DRAMA
pepo-4579328 February 2023
Just a boring 1 hour teen drama that didn't add a thing to the narrative. What happened here? Did the writers take a two week vacation? Who directed this one? This was a major step down for the whole series.
Zombies and death everywhere and what do we get? A one hour filler episode. This one really dragged the story line. All the teen-story pseudo-romance tale could have lasted 10 mins tops and the story move along quickly.
Why do I have a feeling that we are going to have a WALKING DEAD slow-as-molasses narrative from now on? The producers seem to be dragging this one too long.
Move along people. If you don't watch this one...you won't lose anything.
Zombies and death everywhere and what do we get? A one hour filler episode. This one really dragged the story line. All the teen-story pseudo-romance tale could have lasted 10 mins tops and the story move along quickly.
Why do I have a feeling that we are going to have a WALKING DEAD slow-as-molasses narrative from now on? The producers seem to be dragging this one too long.
Move along people. If you don't watch this one...you won't lose anything.
8.6 ? Your hopes seem unrealistic now
rhaegarr27 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
They did the DLC in 50 minutes. The 2 hour of gameplay depending on the player's temperament was managed to be depicted on screen in 50 minutes and they pulled off every scene of consequence very beautifully. I don't get the ratings. What is the Problem here? If they followed through every detail it would've taken hours more and i don't think that could be executed on screen anyways. I cannot attribute this lack of judgement to mere homophobia, the way they introduced Riley and made her engage with ellie is no way worse off than the original dlc, since its exactly the same i guess? I want to know what the haters think about this episode but there are no reviews here. The nostalgia was sated in every way, it was a job well done. The director should also be commended i can't imagine how they managed to pull this off.
Answering questions with questions
eternal_genesis27 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was very beautiful, reminiscent of the episode about Bill and Frank. What these two episodes have in common is that after having waited seven miserable days you go into the episode expecting some ANSWERS. Well, you don't get any. Except if your question was "who the hell are Bill and Frank?" and "how the hell did Ellie get bit?". My question after last episode was "how the hell is Ellie going to survive by herself?" and no, I have not played the game. Well, they didn't answer my question. Instead, it's another flashback episode, and a beautiful one at that, don't get me wrong. The only problem is that they didn't answer my question, but rather UN-ANSWERED my ANSWER. Now the question isn't "how is Ellie going to survive?", but rather... "does Joel live?!?". I guess we'll just have to wait seven days (or fourteen?) to find out.
Boring
jeroen-10627 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The director takes way too much screen time showing what happened in the mall. Stranger Things vibes in the mall, but nothing happens. Do we need to see every one of the "five wonders" of the mall? It goes on and on.... We again have to invest in a character that by the end won't make it - that's clear from the get go. A 55 minute flash back is used to show why/how Ellie doesn't leave her guardian behind.
This truly was a boring one. Next time, more action please, or a character driven episode that doesn't feel like a filler, dealing with characters that won't survive a single episode. Onwards to the next!
This truly was a boring one. Next time, more action please, or a character driven episode that doesn't feel like a filler, dealing with characters that won't survive a single episode. Onwards to the next!
It's called character development
Unwavering-119 March 2023
Anyone saying this is boring or a filler episode obviously has never experienced the source material and clearly has not interest in character development. If you're just here for the clickers, that cool I guess, but TLOU isn't about the clickers, it's about Ellie.
The show runners did a great job bringing the game to the screen in thos episode. Granted, it was a slow paced episode filled with teen drama, but guess what? You're watching a show about a teen in the aftermath of a fungal pandemic.
This episode was a masterful recreation of the originalaterial and the show runners should be proud.
The show runners did a great job bringing the game to the screen in thos episode. Granted, it was a slow paced episode filled with teen drama, but guess what? You're watching a show about a teen in the aftermath of a fungal pandemic.
This episode was a masterful recreation of the originalaterial and the show runners should be proud.
Great Adaptation
levyavega3 April 2023
Loved it. As someone who has played the game and this specific DLC to the game, great job. Well done adapting this and staying true to the original story. Great character development in the game and very great in the show. It's slow pace tells Elle's story and gives more depth to the overall story. Showing her losses and the backstory to her outbursts. It's timing in the show is perfect and gives further reason to the bond she has with Joel. In the game we got this after the original game and I think this was perfectly executed in this sequence. This show has remained true to the original content and I'm very happy to they are sharing this amazing story that only the gamers knew for many years. Thank you.
I take it a lot of low raters didn't play the flashback chapter?
Adam-092659 March 2023
This isn't some made up filler for the show, if you've finished the main story in the game it only makes sense to play the flashback chapter 'Left Behind'. This explores Elle and Riley's friendship throughout the apocalyptic world, a treasure of wholesome connections that don't come into light anymore. A very important part of the game's overall development, happiness in it's heart from a world turned upsidedown.
I'm not saying this is the best episode, far from it. Although i will say it has major relevance to Ellie's journey. It may confuse a lot of people, mainly those who haven't even played the game. It does seem out of place but it's a flashback to how Ellie got infected. It is important, but could it have also worked as a short 20 minute segment? Maybe, although it still doesn't make it unnecessary.
I'm not saying this is the best episode, far from it. Although i will say it has major relevance to Ellie's journey. It may confuse a lot of people, mainly those who haven't even played the game. It does seem out of place but it's a flashback to how Ellie got infected. It is important, but could it have also worked as a short 20 minute segment? Maybe, although it still doesn't make it unnecessary.
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