Table of Contents
Plot
Welcome To The Last Of Us 2023 – Season 1 Episode 2 Review. The episode opens with a flashback to 2003, in Jakarta, Indonesia. A mycologist named Ibu Ratna (Christine Hakim) is called to examine a strange corpse. She discovers that the body is infected with a mutated cordyceps fungus, which has turned the person into a cannibalistic creature.
Ratna warns the government that the fungus is highly contagious and that it could spread rapidly. However, the government ignores her warnings, and the fungus eventually spreads to other parts of the world, causing a global pandemic.
Twenty years later
Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) are on their way to the State House in Boston to meet with the Fireflies. However, they are ambushed by FEDRA soldiers, and Joel is captured.
Ellie is taken to Marlene (Merle Dandridge), the leader of the Fireflies. Marlene tells Ellie that Joel is injured and that he needs medical attention. She also tells Ellie that she is the only person who can save Joel.
Ellie is reluctant to go back to the State House, but she eventually agrees after Marlene promises to take her to Bill and Frank, two smugglers who can help her find Joel.
Ellie returns to the State House and finds Joel in the basement.. Ellie helps Joel to escape, and they make their way through the city.
Joel and Ellie’s journey
Joel and Ellie travel through the city, encountering various dangers along the way, including the infected, FEDRA soldiers, and other hostile survivors.
At one point, Joel and Ellie are attacked by a group of bandits. Joel is injured in the attack, and Ellie is forced to fight the bandits herself. Ellie kills all of the bandits, but she is shaken by the experience.
Joel and Ellie eventually reach the museum, where they are planning to meet with Bill and Frank. However, they are ambushed by a horde of infected. Joel and Ellie are able to escape, but they are forced to leave behind most of their supplies.
The end of episode 2
However, they find that Bill and Frank are gone. Joel and Ellie decide to stay at the house for the night.
The episode ends with Joel and Ellie sitting by the fire, talking about their hopes and dreams. Joel tells Ellie that he believes in her, and that he will do whatever it takes to protect her.
Analysis
Episode 2 of The Last of Us is another strong episode. It builds on the foundation of the first episode and introduces some new characters and threats.
The episode also features some excellent character development. Joel and Ellie’s relationship continues to grow stronger, and we learn more about their motivations and desires.
The episode’s climax, in which Joel and Ellie are ambushed by a horde of infected, is particularly suspenseful and well-choreographed.
Overall, episode 2 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 action sequences.
The main plot of the episode, there are a few other details worth noting:
The episode reveals that Ellie is immune to the cordyceps infection. This is a major discovery, as it means that Ellie may be the key to finding a cure for the pandemic.
The episode also introduces the character of Marlene, the leader of the Fireflies. Marlene is a complex and enigmatic character. She is clearly committed to finding a cure for the pandemic, but she is also willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her goals.
The episode also introduces the characters of Bill and Frank, two smugglers who live in the woods outside of Boston. Bill and Frank are a couple, and they have built a fortified compound to protect themselves from the infected and other dangers.
Conclusion
Episode 2 of The Last of Us is another strong episode in the series. It builds on the foundation of the first episode and introduces some new characters and threats. The episode also features some excellent character development and suspenseful action sequences. Overall, episode 2 of The Last of Us is a must-watch for fans of the video game and post-apocalyptic fiction in general.
The Action and Direction
The action and direction in episode 2 of the HBO series The Last of Us is just as impressive as in the first episode. The show is directed by Neil Druckmann, who is the co-creator and director of the original video game, and he brings his deep understanding of the world and characters to the screen.
The action in episode 2 is more focused on close-quarters combat than the action in the first episode. Joel and Tess are often outnumbered and outgunned, and they have to rely on their wits and cunning to survive. The fight scenes are well-choreographed and realistic, and they convey the sense of desperation and danger that the characters are facing.
One of the most notable action sequences in the episode is the scene in which Joel and Tess are attacked by Clickers in the museum. The Clickers are a type of infected that are blind, but have excellent hearing. Joel and Tess have to be very stealthy in order to avoid being detected. The scene is suspenseful and terrifying, and the direction does a great job of creating a sense of claustrophobia and dread.
The direction in episode 2 is also excellent. Druckmann uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of suspense and atmosphere. 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 the scene in which Joel and Tess are walking through the snow-covered ruins of Boston. The scene is shot from a distance, which gives the audience a sense of the scale of the devastation. Druckmann also uses a slow-motion shot to emphasize the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, which contrasts starkly with the brutality of the world that the characters are living in.
Overall, the action and direction in episode 2 of The Last of Us is superb. Druckmann 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 2:
The opening scene, in which Joel and Tess are driving through the snow-covered ruins of Boston, is beautifully shot and atmospheric. Druckmann uses a slow-motion shot to emphasize the beauty of the snow-covered landscape, which contrasts starkly with the brutality of the world that the characters are living in.
The fight scene between Joel and Tess against the infected in the museum is suspenseful and terrifying. Druckmann uses close-ups and tracking shots to create a sense of claustrophobia and dread.
The scene in which Joel and Tess are walking through the sewers is also suspenseful and terrifying. Druckmann uses darkness and sound effects to create a sense of unease and suspense.
The final scene of the episode, in which Tess sacrifices herself to buy Joel and Ellie time to escape, is both heartbreaking and heroic. Druckmann uses close-ups and tracking shots to capture the emotion and intensity of the scene.
Overall, the action and direction in episode 2 of The Last of Us is superb. Druckmann and his team have created a show that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant.
The Character Development
The Last of Us episode 2 continues the character development of Joel and Ellie, as well as introducing a new character, Tess Servopoulos (Anna Torv).
Joel
Joel is still struggling to come to terms with the loss of his daughter, Sarah. He is also reluctant to get emotionally attached to Ellie, fearing that she will be taken away from him as well. However, he begins to develop a bond with Ellie over the course of the episode.
One of the most important moments in Joel’s character development is when he saves Ellie from the infected. He initially hesitates, but he eventually decides to risk his own life to save her. This shows that he is beginning to care for her, despite his initial reluctance.
Ellie
Ellie is still learning about the world outside the quarantine zone. She is also struggling to come to terms with the fact that she is immune to the infection. She feels isolated and alone, but she begins to find comfort in her friendship with Joel.
One of the most important moments in Ellie’s character development is when she reveals to Joel that she is not afraid of the infected. This shows that she is strong and resilient, even in the face of danger.
Tess
Tess is a tough and resourceful survivor. She is also very protective of Joel. She initially sees Ellie as a liability, but she eventually comes to care for her as well.
One of the most important moments in Tess’s character development is when she sacrifices herself to save Joel and Ellie. This shows that she is willing to put her own life on the line for the people she cares about.
Character Development
By the end of episode 2, all three characters have experienced some degree of character development. Joel has begun to care for Ellie, Ellie has become more confident, and Tess has shown her loyalty to her friends.
This character development is important because it sets the stage for the journey that Joel and Ellie will take together. They will face many challenges along the way, but they will be able to rely on each other for support. Their relationship will be one of the most important aspects of the series.
Here are some specific examples of character development in episode 2:
Joel : He hesitates to save Ellie from the infected, but he eventually decides to risk his own life to save her. He opens up to Ellie about his loss of Sarah.
Ellie: She reveals to Joel that she is not afraid of the infected. She comes to rely on Joel for support.
Tess: She sacrifices herself to save Joel and Ellie.
Overall, episode 2 of The Last of Us does a good job of continuing the character development of Joel and Ellie, as well as introducing a new character, Tess. The characters are complex and relatable, and their relationships are the heart of the series.
Cinematography
The visual effects and cinematography of the web series “The Last of Us” episode 2 of season 1 are both outstanding, just like in the first episode.
Visual Effects
The visual effects in episode 2 are used to create a number of different elements, including:
The post-apocalyptic environment: The show’s creators continue to use 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 continue to be a major threat in episode 2, and the show’s creators continue to use visual effects to bring them to life in a truly terrifying way. One particularly notable scene is when Joel and Ellie encounter a group of Clickers in a museum. The Clickers are incredibly creepy and believable, and their movements and sound effects are truly unsettling.
The action sequences: The show’s action sequences continue to be 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. One particularly notable scene is when Joel and Ellie are attacked by a group of bandits in a hotel. The scene is intense and suspenseful, and the visual effects are used to create a sense of chaos and danger.
Cinematography
The cinematography in episode 2 is also excellent. The show’s cinematographer continues to use 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.
One particularly notable scene in terms of cinematography is the scene where Joel and Ellie are walking through the museum. The scene is shot in a very atmospheric way, with low-key lighting and long takes. The cinematography helps to create a sense of tension and suspense, as viewers know that the infected could be lurking anywhere.
Overall, the visual effects and cinematography in episode 2 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 second episode of the HBO series The Last of Us continues to be impressive and detailed. The episode takes place in the same post-apocalyptic world as the first episode, but it explores new locations and introduces new characters.
Joel and Ellie are traveling through Boston on their way to the State House, where they hope to meet with the Fireflies. Along the way, they encounter a variety of dangers, including the Infected, bandits, and FEDRA soldiers.
The episode also introduces a new type of Infected: the Clicker. Clickers are more advanced than the Runners seen in the first episode. They are blind but have excellent hearing, and they are more deadly.
The episode also explores the history of the pandemic and the Fireflies’ plans for the future. Joel and Ellie learn that the Fireflies believe that Ellie is immune to the Cordyceps infection, and they plan to use her to create a vaccine.
The world-building in the second 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. Joel and Ellie are constantly on edge, knowing that they could be attacked by the Infected at any moment.
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 new locations, such as the Museum of Fine Arts and the State House. These locations are all well-designed and believable.
The show also introduces new characters, such as Bill and Frank. Bill is a survivor who has set up a trap-filled town in the suburbs of Boston. Frank is a survivor who is Bill’s partner.
Overall, the world-building in the second 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 second episode:
The Museum of Fine Arts is filled with Infected. Joel and Ellie must use stealth to navigate the museum and avoid being detected.
The State House is heavily guarded by FEDRA soldiers. Joel and Ellie must find a way to get inside without being seen.
Bill’s town is a well-defended oasis in a dangerous world. Bill is a skilled trapper and marksman, and he has made his town into a place where survivors can feel safe.
Frank is a gentle and kind man who is a stark contrast to Bill. He is a reminder that there is still good in the world, even after the pandemic.
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 And Sound Design
The music and sound design of the second episode of The Last of Us are just as impressive as those of the first episode. Gustavo Santaolalla’s score continues to be 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 also excellent. 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 in episode 2 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.
Here are some specific examples of how the music and sound design are used in the second episode:
In the opening scene, Joel and Ellie are walking through a forest. The only sound is the chirping of birds and the rustling of leaves. This creates a sense of peace and tranquility, which is quickly shattered by the appearance of a clicker.
When Joel and Ellie are hiding from the clickers in the basement, the music is tense and suspenseful. The sound of the clickers’ clicking and snarling fills the air, creating a sense of impending doom.
In the scene where Joel and Ellie are fighting the clickers in the museum, the music is chaotic and frenzied. This reflects the intensity of the battle.
After Joel and Ellie kill the clickers and escape from the museum, the music becomes hopeful and uplifting. This reflects their sense of relief and accomplishment.
In the final scene of the episode, Joel and Ellie are sitting on a rooftop, looking out at the city skyline. The music is slow and melancholic, reflecting their shared trauma and loss.
The music and sound design in 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.
Overall, the music and sound design of The Last of Us are essential to creating the show’s immersive and atmospheric world. They work together to tell the story of its characters and to create a sense of tension, suspense, and dread.
Pacing and Episode Structure
The Last of Us episode 2, titled “Infected,” picks up where the first episode left off, with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) arriving in 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 much faster than the first episode. This is likely due to the fact that the episode focuses on the action and suspense. Joel and Ellie are constantly on the run, and they are constantly facing danger.
The episode does feature some slower moments, such as when Joel and Ellie are bonding with each other. However, these moments are brief, and the episode quickly returns to its fast-paced action.
Episode Structure
The episode can be divided into three parts:
1. The first part of the episode follows Joel and Ellie as they arrive in the small town and settle in with the friendly family.
2. The second part of the episode follows Joel and Ellie as they discover that the town is not as safe as it seems. They are attacked by infected people, and they are forced to flee.
3. The third part of the episode follows Joel and Ellie as they continue their journey across the country. They face new dangers along the way, and they start to develop a deeper bond with each other.
The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving us eager to see what happens next.
Overall The second episode of The Last of Us is a thrilling and suspenseful episode. The pacing is fast and exciting, and the action sequences are well-choreographed. The episode structure is clear and concise, and the cliffhanger ending leaves us wanting more.
However, some critics have argued that the episode’s fast pacing does not allow enough time for character development. Joel and Ellie are still relatively new characters, and we don’t know much about them beyond their basic motivations. As a result, it can be difficult to care about them on a deep level.
Overall, the second episode of The Last of Us is a well-made episode that delivers on the action and suspense that fans were expecting. However, it could have benefited from a bit more character development.
Originality and Innovation
The Last of Us episode 2 of season 1, titled “Infected,” is a faithful adaptation of the second chapter of the critically acclaimed video game of the same name. It follows Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they continue their journey across a post-apocalyptic United States ravaged by a deadly fungal infection.
The episode introduces a number of original elements and innovations, including:
The depiction of the infected: The infected in The Last of Us are not simply mindless zombies; they are intelligent and cunning creatures that pose a serious threat to Joel and Ellie. This is evident in the episode’s opening sequence, in which Joel and Ellie are nearly killed by a group of infected that ambush them in a museum.
The relationship between Joel and Ellie: The relationship between Joel and Ellie is one of the most compelling aspects of The Last of Us. Joel is a hardened survivor who has lost everything, while Ellie is a young girl who has never known a world without the infection. The episode’s climax, in which Joel saves Ellie from a group of hunters, is a powerful testament to the bond that has formed between them.
The exploration of complex themes: The Last of Us is not simply a post-apocalyptic thriller; it is also a story that explores complex themes such as grief, loss, and redemption. Episode 2 delves deeper into these themes, as Joel and Ellie are forced to confront their own demons in order to survive.
In addition to the above, here are some other ways in which The Last of Us episode 2 is original and innovative:
The episode subverts the expectations of the post-apocalyptic genre by focusing on the characters and their relationships, rather than simply on action and violence.
The episode 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.
The episode explores complex themes such as grief, loss, and redemption in a thought-provoking and nuanced way.
Overall, The Last of Us episode 2 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.
Here is an example of how the episode subverts the expectations of the post-apocalyptic genre:
In many post-apocalyptic stories, the world is divided between good and evil, and the protagonists are always fighting against the villains. However, The Last of Us is much more morally ambiguous. Joel and Ellie are not perfect heroes; they are both capable of violence and deceit. And the people they encounter are not always black and white; some of them are good, some of them are bad, and some of them are just trying to survive in a cruel and unforgiving world.
This moral ambiguity is one of the things that makes The Last of Us so compelling. It forces viewers to question their own assumptions about right and wrong, and to think about the difficult choices that people have to make in a post-apocalyptic world.
Fan Appeal and Easter Eggs
The second episode of the HBO adaptation of The Last of Us was also well-received by fans of the video game. The episode continued to expand on the world and characters of the show, while also introducing a number of new elements, including the Clickers, one of the most iconic enemies from the game.
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:
Ellie’s switchblade: Ellie is seen using her switchblade, which belonged to her mother, Hannah, in the game. This is a significant moment for Ellie, as it shows her becoming more confident and capable in the post-apocalyptic world.
Ellie’s fear of water: Ellie reveals that she can’t swim, which is a reference to a major gameplay mechanic in the game. In the game, Joel has to help Ellie cross bodies of water, which can be a challenging and frustrating task.
The Clickers: The Clickers are introduced in the episode, and they look and behave exactly like they do in the game. The showrunners did a great job of capturing the Clickers’ terrifying appearance and echolocation abilities.
Other references: There are a number of other small references to the game throughout the episode, such as the name of the restaurant where Joel, Tess, and Ellie eat, the brand of cigarettes that Tess smokes, and the song that plays on the radio 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 second 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 2, titled “Infected,” is a solid episode that builds on the strong foundation laid by the first episode. It expands on the world of the show, introduces new characters, and delivers some tense and suspenseful moments.
The episode opens with a flashback to the early days of the Cordyceps infection outbreak in Jakarta, Indonesia. We’re introduced to Ibu Ratna, a mycology professor who is one of the first people to identify the threat posed by the fungus. The scene is both informative and chilling, and it provides some valuable context for the events of the present day.
Back in Boston, Joel, Ellie, and Tess continue their journey through the city’s ruins. They encounter a new type of infected, the Clickers, which are blind but have extremely sensitive hearing. The Clicker sequence is one of the highlights of the episode, and it’s a truly terrifying experience.
The episode also introduces us to Bill (Con O’Neill) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), a couple who have been living off the grid since the outbreak. Bill and Frank are complex and interesting characters, and their relationship provides a welcome bit of levity in an otherwise dark and somber episode.
Overall, The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 2 is a solid episode that builds on the strong foundation laid by the first episode. It’s not without its flaws, but it’s still a must-watch for fans of the video game and post-apocalyptic stories in general.
Recommendation
I recommend The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 2 to anyone who enjoyed the first episode. It’s a well-made and entertaining episode that expands on the world of the show, introduces new characters, and delivers some tense and suspenseful moments.
However, if you found the first episode to be too slow or boring, then you may want to skip this episode. It’s more of a character-building episode than an action-packed one.
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the episode will depend on your personal preferences. But if you’re a fan of the video game or post-apocalyptic stories in general, then I think you’ll find something to enjoy in The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 2.
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