Table of Contents
Plot
Welcome To The Last Of Us 2023 – Season 1 Episode 1 Review. The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic horror web series based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. The series is set in a world ravaged by a mutant cordyceps fungus that has infected and turned most of humanity into violent, cannibalistic creatures known as the infected.
The first episode of The Last of Us opens in Austin, Texas, in 2003. Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) is a single father living with his 14-year-old daughter, Sarah (Nico Parker). It is Joel’s birthday, and Sarah has secretly taken his watch to be repaired.
On the way home from school, Sarah sees strange things happening around her. People are acting erratically, and there are reports of violence on the news. When Sarah arrives home, she finds Joel watching TV. He tells her that there is a virus spreading, and that they need to get out of town.
Joel and Sarah pack their things and head to Joel’s brother, Tommy’s house. However, on the way, they are stopped by a military checkpoint. The soldiers are ordered to shoot anyone who shows signs of infection, even if they are unarmed.
Joel and Sarah are separated in the chaos. Joel is taken to a quarantine zone, while Sarah is shot by a soldier. Joel is devastated by Sarah’s death, and he vows to find revenge on the man who killed her.
Twenty years later
The world has changed drastically since the outbreak. The infected have overrun most of the planet, and the few survivors live in heavily fortified quarantine zones ruled by the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA).
Joel has become a hardened survivor who does whatever it takes to stay alive. He works as a smuggler with his partner, Tess (Anna Torv). They are hired by a group of rebels known as the Fireflies to smuggle a 14-year-old girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) out of Boston.
Ellie is immune to the cordyceps infection, and the Fireflies believe that she may be the key to finding a cure. Joel and Tess are reluctant to take on the job, but they eventually agree after being promised a reward.
Joel and Ellie’s journey
Joel and Ellie set off on their journey through the dangerous post-apocalyptic world. They face many challenges along the way, including the infected, FEDRA soldiers, and other hostile survivors.
Joel and Ellie also develop a close bond during their journey. Joel sees Ellie as a surrogate daughter, and he is determined to protect her. Ellie is also drawn to Joel, and she sees him as a father figure.
The end of episode 1
Joel and Ellie eventually reach the State House, where the Fireflies are located. However, they are ambushed by FEDRA soldiers. Joel and Ellie are separated, and Joel is captured.
The episode ends with Ellie being taken to Marlene (Merle Dandridge), the leader of the Fireflies. Marlene tells Ellie that they need to find a way to get Joel back.
Analysis
The first episode of The Last of Us is a strong start to the series. It introduces the main characters and the post-apocalyptic world in which they live. The episode also sets up the main conflict of the series: Joel’s quest to protect Ellie and find revenge for Sarah’s death.
The episode is well-paced and suspenseful. It features some excellent action sequences, as well as some emotional moments. The performances are also top-notch, with Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey delivering particularly standout turns.
Overall, the first episode of The Last of Us is a must-watch for fans of the video game and post-apocalyptic fiction in general. It is a well-made episode with a strong story, great characters, and excellent performances.
Additional details
In addition to the main plot of the episode, there are a few other details worth noting:
The episode opens with a news report about the outbreak of the cordyceps infection. The report mentions that the virus is highly contagious and that it can be transmitted through bites, scratches, and exposure to infected bodily fluids.
The quarantine zones are heavily fortified and guarded by FEDRA soldiers. The residents of the quarantine zones are subjected to strict rules and regulations.
The Fireflies are a rebel group that is opposed to FEDRA’s rule. They believe that FEDRA is corrupt and that they are not doing enough to help the survivors.
Ellie is the first person to be known to be immune to the cordyceps infection. The Fireflies believe that her immunity may be the key to finding a cure.
Joel and Tess are reluctant to take on the job of smuggling Ellie out of Boston. They know that it is a dangerous mission, and they are not sure if they trust the Fireflies.
The action and direction
The action and direction in episode 1 of the HBO series The Last of Us is top-notch. The show is helmed by Craig Mazin, who is best known for his work on the Chernobyl miniseries, and he brings a similar level of intensity and realism to The Last of Us.
One of the most impressive things about the show’s action is its brutality. This is a world where people are fighting for their survival, and the show doesn’t shy away from showing the violence that comes with that. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and realistic, and they convey the sense of desperation and danger that the characters are facing.
The direction of the show is also excellent. Mazin uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of suspense and dread. For example, he often uses close-ups to focus on the characters’ faces, which allows the audience to see the fear and determination in their eyes. He also uses tracking shots to follow the characters as they move through the dangerous world around them.
One of the most memorable scenes in the episode is when Joel and Sarah are driving through the city as the infection begins to spread. The scene is shot from inside the car, which gives the audience a sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability. Mazin also uses quick cuts and close-ups to create a sense of chaos and confusion.
Overall, the action and direction in episode 1 of The Last of Us is superb. Mazin and his team have created a show that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Here are some specific examples of the action and direction in episode 1:
The opening scene, in which Joel and Sarah are driving through the city as the infection begins to spread, is masterfully shot. The scene is shot from inside the car, which gives the audience a sense of claustrophobia and vulnerability. Mazin also uses quick cuts and close-ups to create a sense of chaos and confusion.
The fight scene between Joel and the infected man in the kitchen is brutal and realistic. The choreography is excellent, and the scene conveys the sense of desperation and danger that Joel is facing.
The scene in which Joel and Sarah are hiding from the infected in the basement is suspenseful and terrifying. Mazin uses close-ups and tracking shots to create a sense of tension and dread.
Overall, the action and direction in episode 1 of The Last of Us is top-notch. Mazin and his team have created a show that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
Character development
The Last of Us episode 1 introduces us to the two main characters, Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey), and provides a glimpse into their character development.
Joel
Joel is a hardened survivor who has lost everything in the apocalypse. He is initially reluctant to get involved with Ellie, but he eventually agrees to help her find the Fireflies, a resistance group that believes she may hold the key to a cure for the infection.
Throughout the episode, Joel begins to soften up to Ellie. He is initially suspicious of her, but he eventually comes to care for her. This is evident in the scene where he kills the soldier who is about to shoot Ellie, even though he doesn’t know her very well.
Ellie
Ellie is a 14-year-old girl who has been raised in the quarantine zone of Boston. She is immune to the infection, and the Fireflies believe that she may be the key to finding a cure.
Ellie is a strong and resourceful girl, but she is also naive about the world outside the quarantine zone. She is initially excited to be leaving the zone and to be going on a journey with Joel, but she quickly realizes that the world is a dangerous place.
Character Development
By the end of episode 1, both Joel and Ellie have experienced some degree of character development. Joel has begun to soften up and to care for Ellie, while Ellie has learned more about the dangers of the world outside the quarantine zone.
This character development is important because it sets the stage for the relationship between Joel and Ellie. Throughout the series, Joel and Ellie will become closer and will come to rely on each other for survival. Their relationship will be one of the most important aspects of the series.
Here are some specific examples of character development in episode 1:
Joel:
- He initially refuses to help Ellie, but he eventually agrees.
- He kills the soldier who is about to shoot Ellie, even though he doesn’t know her very well.
- He shows concern for Ellie when she is scared.
Ellie:
- She is excited to be leaving the quarantine zone and to be going on a journey with Joel.
- She quickly realizes that the world is a dangerous place.
- She shows strength and resilience in the face of danger.
Overall, episode 1 of The Last of Us does a good job of introducing the two main characters and providing a glimpse into their character development. The characters are complex and relatable, and their relationship is the heart of the series.
The visual effects
The visual effects and cinematography of the web series “The Last of Us” episode 1 of season 1 are both outstanding. The show’s creators have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating a visually stunning and immersive world.
The visual effects in episode 1 are used to create a number of different elements, including:
The post-apocalyptic environment: The show’s creators have used visual effects to create a convincing and realistic post-apocalyptic world. This includes things like overgrown cities, abandoned buildings, and ruined infrastructure.
The infected: The infected are one of the most iconic aspects of “The Last of Us,” and the show’s creators have used visual effects to bring them to life in a truly terrifying way. The infected are both grotesque and believable, and they are sure to haunt viewers long after they have finished watching the show.
The action sequences: The show’s action sequences are some of the best on television. They are well-choreographed and exciting to watch. The visual effects team has done a great job of creating realistic and believable action sequences.
The cinematography in episode 1 is also excellent. The show’s cinematographer has used a variety of techniques to create a visually stunning and immersive experience for viewers.
Long takes: The show often uses long takes, which helps to create a sense of realism and immersion. This is especially effective in the show’s action sequences, as it allows viewers to feel like they are right in the middle of the action.
Handheld camerawork: The show also uses handheld camerawork at times, which helps to create a sense of immediacy and tension. This is especially effective in the show’s more suspenseful scenes.
Low-key lighting: The show often uses low-key lighting, which creates a dark and atmospheric mood. This is especially effective in the show’s horror scenes, as it helps to create a sense of dread and suspense.
Overall, the visual effects and cinematography in episode 1 of “The Last of Us” are both outstanding. The show’s creators have clearly put a lot of thought and effort into creating a visually stunning and immersive world. The show’s visuals are sure to impress even the most discerning viewers.
The world-building
The world-building in the first episode of the HBO series The Last of Us is impressive and detailed. The show takes place 20 years after a pandemic has wiped out most of humanity. The fungus Cordyceps infects humans, turning them into aggressive, cannibalistic creatures known as the Infected.
The episode opens with a prologue showing the outbreak of the pandemic in 2003. Joel and his daughter Sarah are trying to escape the chaos, but Sarah is killed by a soldier. This traumatic event shapes Joel for the rest of his life.
In the present day, Joel is a hardened survivor living in a quarantine zone run by the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA). He is tasked with escorting a 14-year-old girl named Ellie out of the city to a group of rebels known as the Fireflies. Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps infection, and the Fireflies believe she is the key to finding a cure.
As Joel and Ellie travel through the post-apocalyptic world, they encounter a variety of dangers, including the Infected, bandits, and FEDRA soldiers. They also learn more about the history of the pandemic and the Fireflies’ plans for the future.
The world-building in the first episode is evident in the following details:
The show does a great job of conveying the sense of danger and hopelessness that pervades the world. The quarantine zones are overcrowded and squalid, and the people are constantly on edge. The Infected are terrifying creatures that are always lurking in the shadows.
The show also explores the themes of survival, loss, and hope. Joel and Ellie are both deeply traumatized by their past experiences, but they find strength in each other. They also learn to trust other survivors, even though they know that the world is a dangerous place.
The show also introduces a number of key concepts from the video game, such as the different types of Infected (Runners, Clickers, and Bloaters) and the Fireflies’ plan to find a cure.
Overall, the world-building in the first episode of The Last of Us is excellent. The show does a great job of creating a believable and immersive post-apocalyptic world. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the themes of the show are universal.
Here are some additional details about the world-building in the first episode:
The quarantine zones are heavily guarded by FEDRA soldiers. The soldiers are ruthless and will do whatever it takes to keep the Infected contained.
The Fireflies are a rebel group that is fighting against FEDRA. They believe that FEDRA is corrupt and that they are the only ones who can save humanity.
The Infected are a variety of different creatures, each with its own unique abilities. Runners are fast and agile, Clickers are blind but have excellent hearing, and Bloaters are slow but can release a deadly cloud of spores.
The world is ravaged by the pandemic. Buildings are in ruins, and the landscape is littered with abandoned cars and trash.
The world-building in The Last of Us is one of the things that makes the show so compelling. It is a world that is both familiar and alien, and it is a world that is full of danger and opportunity.
Music
The music and sound design of the first episode of The Last of Us are essential to creating the show’s immersive and atmospheric world. The score, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, is a haunting and melancholic mix of acoustic guitars, strings, and percussion. It perfectly captures the desolation and despair of the post-apocalyptic world, but also the hope and resilience of the human spirit.
The sound design is equally impressive. The team behind the show has created a soundscape that is both realistic and evocative. From the creaking of abandoned buildings to the snarls of infected, every sound is carefully crafted to create a sense of tension and suspense.
One of the most notable aspects of the sound design is the use of silence. The show often goes long stretches without any music or dialogue, which creates a palpable sense of dread. The audience is left to imagine the horrors that could be lurking in the shadows, which makes the show even more suspenseful.
The music and sound design of The Last of Us also work together to tell the story of its characters. For example, the theme that plays during Joel and Ellie’s journey is both hopeful and bittersweet. It reflects the growing bond between the two characters, but also the dangers and challenges that lie ahead.
Overall, the music and sound design of The Last of Us are some of the best in recent memory. They help to create a show that is both visually and sonically stunning.
Here are some specific examples of how the music and sound design are used in the first episode:
In the opening scene, the only sound is the chirping of birds and the wind rustling through the trees. This creates a sense of peace and tranquility, which is quickly shattered by the appearance of the infected.
When Joel and Sarah are driving through the city, the music is upbeat and hopeful. This reflects Joel’s optimism for the future, as he is on his way to pick up his brother Tommy.
However, the mood changes quickly when they encounter a military checkpoint. The music becomes more ominous, and the sound of gunfire and explosions fills the air.
In the scene where Joel and Sarah are driving through the burning city, the music is chaotic and frenzied. This reflects the terror and confusion of the situation.
After Sarah is killed, the music becomes somber and mournful. This reflects Joel’s grief and despair.
In the final scene of the episode, Joel is sitting alone in a diner. The music is slow and melancholy, reflecting his isolation and loneliness.
The music and sound design in The Last of Us are masterful. They work together to create a truly immersive and atmospheric experience for the viewer.
The Pacing and Episode Structure
The Last of Us is a post-apocalyptic drama series based on the popular video game of the same name. The first episode of the first season, titled “When You’re Lost in the Darkness,” sets the stage for the rest of the series by introducing the main characters and the world they live in.
The episode begins with a prologue set in 2003, just before the outbreak of the cordyceps pandemic. We see Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and his daughter, Sarah (Nico Parker), spending a typical day together. However, everything changes when a strange infection begins to spread rapidly across the country. Joel and Sarah manage to escape their home, but Sarah is bitten by an infected person. Joel is forced to kill her, and he is left devastated.
Twenty years later, in 2023, Joel is living in a quarantine zone in Boston. He is a hardened survivor who has lost all hope. However, he is offered a chance to redeem himself when he is tasked with escorting a 14-year-old girl named Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) across the country to the Fireflies, a group of rebels who are working to find a cure for the infection.
Ellie is immune to the infection, and the Fireflies believe that she may be the key to finding a cure. Joel is reluctant to accept the job, but he eventually agrees. He and Ellie set off on a perilous journey across the country, facing infected people and hostile survivors along the way.
The episode ends with Joel and Ellie arriving at a small town in Massachusetts. They are welcomed by a friendly family, but they soon realize that the town is not as safe as it seems.
Pacing
The pacing of the episode is generally slow and deliberate. This is likely due to the fact that the episode is focused on establishing the world and the characters. We need to understand the stakes that Joel and Ellie are facing, and we need to care about their journey.
The episode does feature some action sequences, but they are relatively brief. The focus of the episode is on the relationship between Joel and Ellie, and on the challenges they face as they travel through a dangerous world.
Episode Structure
The episode can be divided into two parts:
1. The first part of the episode introduces the main characters and the world they live in. We see Joel’s tragic backstory, and we learn about the cordyceps pandemic and the quarantine zones.
2. The second part of the episode follows Joel and Ellie as they begin their journey across the country. They encounter infected people and hostile survivors, and they start to develop a bond with each other.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving us eager to see what happens next.
Overall
The first episode of The Last of Us is a well-crafted introduction to the series. It establishes the world, the characters, and the stakes. The pacing is slow and deliberate, but it is effective in building tension and suspense. The episode structure is clear and concise, and the cliffhanger ending leaves us wanting more.
The Originality and Innovation
The Last of Us episode 1 is a faithful adaptation of the opening chapter of the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. It tells the story of Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal), a hardened survivor tasked with escorting a teenage girl named Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by a deadly fungal infection.
While the episode adheres closely to the game’s narrative, it also introduces a number of original elements and innovations. One of the most notable is its opening sequence, which shows the outbreak of the infection in real time. This sequence is both harrowing and heartbreaking, and it effectively establishes the stakes of the story.
Another original element is the character of Sarah, Joel’s daughter. Sarah does not appear in the game, but she plays a pivotal role in the episode, providing a human dimension to Joel’s character and making his loss all the more devastating.
The episode also features a number of innovative cinematic techniques. For example, the directors often use close-ups of Joel and Ellie’s faces to convey their emotions and build suspense. They also make use of long takes and tracking shots to create a sense of immersion and realism.
Overall, The Last of Us episode 1 is a well-crafted and engaging piece of television that is both faithful to its source material and innovative in its own right. Here are some specific examples of the episode’s originality and innovation:
The episode’s opening sequence is both harrowing and heartbreaking, and it effectively establishes the stakes of the story.
The character of Sarah, Joel’s daughter, does not appear in the game, but she plays a pivotal role in the episode, providing a human dimension to Joel’s character and making his loss all the more devastating.
The episode features a number of innovative cinematic techniques, such as close-ups of Joel and Ellie’s faces to convey their emotions and build suspense, and long takes and tracking shots to create a sense of immersion and realism.
In addition to the above, here are some other ways in which The Last of Us episode 1 is original and innovative:
It subverts the expectations of the post-apocalyptic genre by focusing on the characters and their relationships, rather than simply on action and violence.
It creates a believable and immersive world by paying attention to the details, such as the way the infected have mutated and the way that society has adapted to the pandemic.
It explores complex themes such as grief, loss, and redemption in a thought-provoking and nuanced way.
Overall, The Last of Us episode 1 is a well-crafted and engaging piece of television that is both faithful to its source material and innovative in its own right. It is a must-watch for fans of the video game and for anyone who enjoys well-made television.
Fan Appeal and Easter Eggs
The first episode of the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us was met with critical acclaim and praise from fans of the video game. The show’s faithfulness to the source material, strong performances, and emotional impact were all highly regarded.
In addition to these general elements, there were a number of specific details and references in the episode that appealed to fans of the game. These included:
Sarah’s shirt: Sarah, Joel’s daughter, is seen wearing the same Halican Drops t-shirt as her video game counterpart. The back of the shirt features a list of tour stops, which foreshadows the destinations that Joel and Ellie visit throughout the game.
The getaway scene: The scene in which Joel, Tommy, and Sarah try to escape Austin is a direct recreation of the same scene from the game. The camera angles, dialogue, and even the music are all identical.
The infected: The infected creatures in the show look and behave exactly like they do in the game. This is a testament to the show’s special effects team, who worked tirelessly to create a believable and terrifying representation of the Cordyceps fungus.
Other references: There are a number of other small references to the game throughout the episode, such as the name of the hotel where Joel and Tommy stay, the brand of cigarettes that Joel smokes, and the song that Sarah sings in the car.
These Easter eggs and references are a fun way for fans of the game to revisit the world of The Last of Us and spot all of the little details that the showrunners have included. They also show the show’s commitment to staying true to the source material, which is something that fans appreciate.
In addition to the specific references, the show also appeals to fans of the game because of its overall tone and atmosphere. The show is dark, gritty, and emotionally charged, just like the game. It also features complex and well-developed characters, which is something that fans of the game have come to expect.
Overall, the first episode of The Last of Us is a faithful and well-made adaptation of the video game. It appeals to fans of the game because of its faithfulness to the source material, strong performances, and emotional impact.
Overall Enjoyment
The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 1, titled “When You’re Lost in the Darkness,” is a well-crafted and enjoyable hour of television. It does a great job of introducing the viewer to the world of the show, its characters, and the stakes involved. The episode is also visually stunning, with some truly impressive set design and cinematography.
One of the things that stands out most about the episode is its opening sequence, which takes place on the night of the Cordyceps infection outbreak. It’s a truly terrifying and suspenseful scene, and it sets the tone for the rest of the episode.
The episode also does a great job of developing its characters. Joel (Pedro Pascal) is a complex and morally ambiguous protagonist, and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) is a compelling and sympathetic deuteragonist. The chemistry between the two actors is excellent, and it’s clear that their relationship is going to be a central focus of the show.
Overall, The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 1 is a very strong start to the series. It’s a must-watch for fans of the video game, and it’s also a great introduction to the world of The Last of Us for newcomers.
Recommendation
I highly recommend The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 1 to anyone who enjoys post-apocalyptic stories, horror, and character-driven drama. It’s a well-made and entertaining episode that will leave you wanting more.
Even if you’re not a fan of the video game, I still think you’ll enjoy the episode. The show does a great job of standing on its own, and it’s accessible to newcomers to the franchise.
Of course, there are always going to be people who don’t enjoy the show, but I think it’s definitely worth giving it a try. It’s one of the most anticipated TV shows of the year, and it’s lived up to the hype so far.