Plot

Welcome To The Last Of Us 2023 – Season 1 Episode 3 Review. The Last of Us Episode 3, titled “Long, Long Time,” is a departure from the previous two episodes in that it focuses primarily on two new characters: Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). The episode chronicles their relationship over the course of 20 years, from their first meeting in 2003, shortly after the outbreak of the Cordyceps infection, to their deaths in 2023.

The episode opens with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) arriving at Bill’s house in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Joel is hoping that Bill will be able to help them repair their truck and provide them with supplies. However, Bill is initially reluctant to let them in, and only agrees to do so after Joel convinces him that he has something to offer.

Once inside, Joel and Ellie are given a tour of Bill’s house and workshop. Bill is a skilled survivalist and has created an elaborate security system to protect his home from infected and raiders alike. He also has a large stockpile of food, weapons, and ammunition.

Joel and Ellie quickly realize that Bill is a valuable asset, and they ask him to join them on their journey to find the Fireflies. However, Bill refuses, saying that he is content to stay in Lincoln and live in isolation.

After a tense dinner, Joel and Ellie go to bed. In the middle of the night, Joel is awakened by a noise. He goes to investigate and finds Bill being attacked by an infected. Joel kills the infected and saves Bill’s life.

The next day, Joel and Ellie thank Bill for saving their lives. They offer to help him with whatever he needs, but Bill again refuses. He tells them that he is happy on his own and that he doesn’t need their help.

Joel and Ellie are disappointed, but they respect Bill’s decision. As they are about to leave, Bill gives Joel a map and tells him that it leads to a safe place where he can find Tommy.

Joel and Ellie thank Bill for his help and set off on their journey.

Flashbacks to Bill and Frank’s Relationship

The episode also features a series of flashbacks that chronicle Bill and Frank’s relationship over the course of 20 years.

In the first flashback, Bill meets Frank in 2003. Frank is a musician who has been separated from his family during the outbreak. Bill is initially suspicious of Frank, but he eventually lets him in.

Over the next few years, Bill and Frank develop a close relationship. They work together to build a life for themselves in Lincoln, and they create a safe and loving home together.

However, in 2023, Frank becomes terminally ill. He asks Bill to help him end his life. Bill is hesitant at first, but he eventually agrees. He helps Frank to get comfortable in bed, and then he shoots him in the head.

After Frank’s death, Bill is devastated. He sits next to Frank’s body and listens to his favorite song, “Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt.

The Episode’s Ending

The episode ends with Joel and Ellie arriving at the safe place that Bill told them about. They find a group of Fireflies there, and Joel is reunited with his brother, Tommy.

However, the episode’s ending is bittersweet. The viewers are left to ponder the sacrifices that Bill and Frank made for each other, and the love that they shared despite the harshness of the world around them.

Episode 3 of The Last of Us is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant episode.

The Action and Direction

The third episode of The Last of Us, titled “Long, Long Time”, is a departure from the action-packed nature of the previous two episodes. Instead, it focuses on the relationship between Bill and Frank, two survivors who find love in a post-apocalyptic world.

The action in the episode is limited to a few brief scenes, including:

 Joel and Ellie encountering a pile of human skeletons, which leads to Joel explaining the military culled some survivors to conserve food and living space.

 Joel and Ellie fighting off a group of infected while trying to escape from Bill’s town.

 Joel and Ellie confronting Bill at his doorstep.

However, even these action scenes are relatively subdued and low-key. The focus of the episode is on the characters and their relationships, rather than the action.

Direction

The direction of the episode is masterful, particularly in the way it handles the flashbacks to Bill and Frank’s relationship. Director Peter Hoar uses a variety of techniques to create a sense of intimacy and connection between the two characters.

For example, in one scene, Hoar uses a single shot to follow Bill and Frank as they dance around their living room. This creates a sense of immediacy and realism, and it also allows the viewer to see the deep love and affection between the two characters.

In another scene, Hoar uses a montage of flashbacks to show Bill and Frank’s relationship over the course of several years. This montage is set to the song “Long, Long Time” by Linda Ronstadt, which plays an important role in the relationship between the two characters.

The direction of the episode is also notable for its use of symbolism. For example, the pile of human skeletons that Joel and Ellie encounter represents the brutality and cruelty of the post-apocalyptic world. In contrast, the house that Bill and Frank build together represents the possibility of hope and love in a world gone mad.

Overall, the action and direction of the third episode of The Last of Us are both excellent. The action scenes are well-choreographed and exciting, and the direction is masterful, particularly in the way it handles the flashbacks to Bill and Frank’s relationship.

Character Development

Episode 3 of The Last of Us season 1, titled “Bill and Frank,” is a departure from the video game in that it focuses on the backstory of two supporting characters, Bill and Frank, rather than Joel and Ellie. The episode shows how Bill, a survivalist who has hardened himself to the world, and Frank, a musician who seeks to find beauty in the apocalypse, fall in love and build a life together.

Bill’s character development is particularly noteworthy. In the beginning of the episode, he is a cold and distrustful man who is convinced that the world is a dangerous place and that it is better to be alone. He has built a heavily fortified compound and set up traps all around it to keep out any potential threats.

However, when Frank stumbles into one of Bill’s traps, Bill is hesitant to help him. But Frank’s charisma and charm eventually win him over, and the two men begin to develop a friendship. Over time, Bill realizes that Frank is not the threat he thought he was, and he starts to let down his guard.

When Frank is injured, Bill nurses him back to health, and the two men eventually fall in love. Bill begins to open up to Frank about his past and his fears, and he becomes more trusting and caring. He even helps Frank to rebuild the town and to create a new life for themselves.

However, their happiness is short-lived. Frank is diagnosed with a terminal illness, and he chooses to end his life on his own terms. Bill is devastated by Frank’s death, but he is also grateful for the time they had together. He realizes that Frank helped him to become a better person, and he vows to live his life to the fullest in Frank’s honor.

By the end of the episode, Bill has undergone a significant transformation. He is no longer the cold and distrustful man he was at the beginning. He has learned to open up to others and to appreciate the simple things in life. He has also learned that it is possible to find love and happiness even in the midst of a post-apocalyptic world.

Overall, Bill’s character development in episode 3 of The Last of Us is a powerful and moving story. It shows how the power of love can transform even the hardest of hearts.

Cinematography

The visual effects and cinematography of the third episode of the first season of the web series The Last of Us are both exceptional. The episode is set in a post-apocalyptic world, and the VFX team did a masterful job of creating a believable and immersive environment.

Some of the most notable VFX in the episode include:

 The overgrown cityscapes and abandoned buildings.

 The infected creatures, which are both terrifying and realistic.

 The various weapons and gadgets used by the characters.

 The explosions and other action sequences.

The cinematography is also top-notch. The episode uses a variety of camera angles and movements to create a sense of tension and suspense. There are also some beautiful shots of the post-apocalyptic landscape.

Here are some specific examples of how the visual effects and cinematography are used to enhance the episode:

 In the opening scene, the camera pans across a vast overgrown city. The viewer can see abandoned buildings and cars, and the city is covered in vegetation. This scene establishes the post-apocalyptic setting and creates a sense of awe and wonder.

 The infected creatures are designed to be both terrifying and realistic. They have a fungus-like growth on their bodies, and their movements are jerky and unpredictable. The VFX team did a great job of creating creatures that are both believable and creepy.

 The weapons and gadgets used by the characters are also well-designed. They look realistic and functional, and they add to the sense of realism in the show.

 The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting. The explosions and other special effects are realistic and convincing.

 The cinematography is used to create a sense of tension and suspense. For example, in one scene, Joel and Ellie are walking through a dark forest. The camera is positioned behind them, and the viewer can see the infected creatures lurking in the shadows. This creates a sense of dread and foreboding.

Overall, the visual effects and cinematography in the third episode of The Last of Us are both excellent. The VFX team created a believable and immersive post-apocalyptic world, and the cinematography is used to create a sense of tension and suspense.

In addition to the above, the episode also uses visual effects and cinematography to create a sense of intimacy and emotional connection between the characters. For example, in one scene, Bill and Frank are sitting on the couch, talking about their relationship. The camera is positioned close to their faces, and the viewer can see all of the emotions that they are feeling. This helps the viewer to connect with the characters and their story.

Overall, the visual effects and cinematography in the third episode of The Last of Us are both outstanding. They help to create a believable and immersive world, and they also help to tell the story in a compelling and emotional way.

World-Building

The Last of Us season 1 episode 3, titled “Long Long Time,” takes a break from the main story of Joel and Ellie to focus on two new characters, Bill and Frank. The episode reveals a lot about the world-building of The Last of Us, both through the characters’ stories and the environments they inhabit.

Bill’s Town

Bill is a survivalist who has been living in isolation in a fortified town for 20 years. He has built a complex system of traps and defenses to protect himself from the infected and other humans. The town is a testament to Bill’s ingenuity and determination, but it is also a lonely place.

The Quarantine Zones

Frank is a survivor from the Boston Quarantine Zone (QZ). QZs are heavily guarded areas where survivors live in relative safety. However, they are also very restrictive and authoritarian. Frank tells Bill that he left the QZ because he couldn’t stand the constant fear and paranoia.

The Mass Grave

Joel and Ellie come across a mass grave of people who were killed by the military at the start of the pandemic. The grave is a reminder of the brutality of the world and the lengths that people will go to in order to survive.

The World Outside

The episode also shows us glimpses of the world outside of Bill’s town and the QZs. The world is a dangerous place, full of infected and hostile humans. However, it is also a beautiful place, with lush forests and snow-capped mountains.

The Human Cost

The episode also explores the human cost of the pandemic. Bill has lost everything, including his family and friends. Frank is haunted by the trauma of his past. Joel is still grieving the loss of his daughter. The episode shows us that even in a world where people are constantly fighting for survival, there is still room for love, compassion, and hope.

Overall, episode 3 of The Last of Us does a masterful job of world-building. It introduces us to new characters and locations, and it expands our understanding of the complex and dangerous world of The Last of Us.

Music and Sound Design

The music and sound design of The Last of Us episode 3 of season 1 is a masterful blend of diegetic and non-diegetic elements that creates a truly immersive and emotionally resonant experience for the viewer.

The episode features a mix of original music composed by David Fleming and Gustavo Santaolalla, as well as licensed music from artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Cream. The original score is particularly effective in setting the mood and tone of the episode, with its use of strings, piano, and guitar to create a sense of melancholy, nostalgia, and hope.

The licensed music is also used to great effect, with songs such as “I’m Coming Home to Stay” by Fleetwood Mac and “White Room” by Cream providing a contrast to the darker original score and helping to evoke specific emotions in the viewer.

The sound design of the episode is equally impressive, with a focus on realism and immersion. The viewer can hear the creaking of floorboards, the rustling of leaves, and the distant sound of birdsong, all of which help to create a sense of place and time.

The sound effects are also used to great effect to create suspense and tension, such as the sound of a twig snapping or a door creaking open.

One of the most notable aspects of the sound design is the use of silence. In some scenes, the only sound is the breathing of the characters, which helps to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability.

Overall, the music and sound design of The Last of Us episode 3 of season 1 is a masterclass in how to use these elements to create a truly immersive and emotionally resonant experience for the viewer.

Here are some specific examples of how the music and sound design are used to enhance the episode:

 In the opening scene of the episode, as Joel and Ellie approach Bill’s town, the music is slow and atmospheric, creating a sense of anticipation and suspense.

 When Joel and Ellie first meet Bill, the music is tense and uneasy, reflecting the characters’ mutual distrust.

 As Bill and Frank’s relationship develops, the music becomes more gentle and romantic.

 In the scene where Frank plays the piano for Bill, the music is beautiful and moving, capturing the depth of their love for each other.

 In the final scene of the episode, as Joel and Ellie leave Bill’s town, the music is melancholic and reflective, reflecting the losses that the characters have experienced.

The music and sound design of The Last of Us episode 3 of season 1 is one of the things that makes it such a special and memorable episode of television. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the composers and sound designers involved in the production.

Pacing and Episode Structure

Pacing:

The pacing of The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 3, “Long Long Time,” is much slower than the previous two episodes. It spends a lot of time developing the characters of Bill and Frank, and exploring their relationship over the course of 20 years. This is a bold choice, considering that the episode features very little of the show’s main characters, Joel and Ellie. However, it pays off in the end, as the episode is incredibly moving and emotional.

The episode begins with a flashback to the early days of the outbreak, showing Bill meeting Frank at a checkpoint. The two men quickly bond, and eventually fall in love. They build a life together in Bill’s fortified town, but their happiness is short-lived. Frank becomes infected with a deadly disease, and eventually chooses to end his own life.

The episode then cuts to the present day, with Joel and Ellie arriving at Bill’s town. Bill is initially reluctant to help them, but he eventually agrees after Joel reveals that Frank is dead. Joel and Ellie spend the night in Bill’s town, and Joel and Bill have a heart-to-heart conversation about loss and grief.

The episode ends with Joel and Ellie leaving Bill’s town and continuing their journey.

Episode Structure:

The episode is structured around a series of flashbacks and flash-forwards. The flashbacks show Bill and Frank’s relationship over the course of 20 years, while the flash-forwards show Joel and Ellie’s journey to Bill’s town.

The episode begins with a flashback to the early days of the outbreak. This flashback sets the stage for the rest of the episode, by introducing the characters of Bill and Frank and showing how they met.

The episode then cuts to the present day, with Joel and Ellie arriving at Bill’s town. This scene serves as a contrast to the flashback, as it shows how the world has changed over the course of 20 years.

The episode then intercuts between flashbacks and flash-forwards, as we learn more about Bill and Frank’s relationship, and see Joel and Ellie’s journey to Bill’s town.

The episode ends with a flash-forward to Joel and Ellie leaving Bill’s town. This scene brings the episode to a close, and leaves us wondering what will happen to them next.

The episode’s structure is very effective, as it allows us to learn about Bill and Frank’s relationship in a way that is both engaging and emotional. It also allows us to see how the world has changed over the course of 20 years, and how this has affected the characters.

Overall, the pacing and episode structure of The Last of Us Season 1 Episode 3 are very well done. The episode is slow-paced, but it is never boring. The episode’s structure is also very effective, as it allows us to learn about Bill and Frank’s relationship in a way that is both engaging and emotional.

Originality and Innovation

The Last of Us, episode 3 of season 1, titled “Long, Long Time”, is a radical departure from the source material, the video game of the same name. In the game, Bill is a minor character who Joel and Ellie meet on their journey, but in the episode, he is the protagonist, and we are treated to a deeply moving and emotional story about his relationship with another survivor, Frank.

The episode is original and innovative in a number of ways. First, it is one of the few episodes of television that focuses on a gay couple in a post-apocalyptic world. This is a refreshing and important change, as it shows that even in the darkest of times, love can still find a way.

Second, the episode is beautifully written and acted. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett give incredible performances as Bill and Frank, and their chemistry is palpable. The episode also features a number of stunning visuals, including a long sequence of Bill and Frank dancing together in their living room.

Third, the episode explores a number of complex themes, such as love, loss, and the meaning of life in the face of death. It is a truly thought-provoking and moving piece of television.

In detail, here are some of the specific ways in which episode 3 is original and innovative:

The focus on a gay couple. As mentioned above, this is a rare occurrence in television, especially in a genre like post-apocalyptic horror. The episode does not shy away from showing Bill and Frank’s physical intimacy, and it portrays their love for each other in a way that is both realistic and heartwarming.

The exploration of complex themes. The episode deals with a number of difficult topics, such as the pain of losing a loved one, the meaning of life in the face of death, and the importance of finding happiness even in the darkest of times. It does so in a way that is both sensitive and thought-provoking.

 The use of music. The episode features a number of musical cues, both familiar and original. The use of music is particularly effective in the scene where Bill and Frank dance together, as it serves to highlight their love for each other and their joy in living.

 The slow pacing. The episode takes its time to develop the relationship between Bill and Frank, and it does not shy away from showing the mundane aspects of their lives. This slow pacing allows the audience to connect with the characters on a deeper level.

Overall, episode 3 of The Last of Us is a truly unique and innovative piece of television. It is a must-watch for fans of the video game, as well as anyone who appreciates well-written and well-acted television.

Fan Appeal and Easter Eggs

The Last of Us episode 3, “Long Long Time,” is a deviation from the game in that it focuses primarily on the relationship between Bill and Frank, two characters who are only briefly mentioned in the game. This change was met with widespread praise from fans, who appreciated the show’s willingness to explore the backstories of its characters and to tell a more nuanced story about the human experience in the apocalypse.

The episode was also praised for its emotional resonance and its realistic portrayal of a gay relationship in a post-apocalyptic world. Many fans found the episode to be deeply moving, and they appreciated the way that it explored themes of love, loss, and resilience.

In addition to its strong emotional core, episode 3 also features a number of Easter eggs for fans of the game. Here are a few examples:

 The arcade cabinet that Joel and Ellie encounter at the beginning of the episode is a reference to the arcade that Ellie and Riley visit in the game’s DLC expansion, Left Behind.

 The crashed plane that Joel and Ellie come across is also a reference to a location in the game.

 The shirt that Joel wears at the end of the episode is the same shirt that he wears in the game’s promotional materials.

 The red t-shirt with a palm tree on it that Ellie wears at the end of the episode is the same shirt that she wears in the game’s cover art.

 Bill’s truck is the same truck that he drives in the game.

These Easter eggs are a fun way for fans of the game to connect with the show, and they also serve as a reminder of the show’s faithfulness to the source material.

Overall, episode 3 of The Last of Us was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its emotional resonance, its realistic portrayal of a gay relationship, and its faithful adaptation of the source material. The episode also features a number of Easter eggs for fans of the game, which helped to further endear it to fans.

Overall Enjoyment

Episode 3 of The Last of Us season 1, titled “Long, Long Time,” is a departure from the main story of Joel and Ellie, focusing instead on the relationship between two new characters, Bill and Frank. The episode is a beautifully told love story set against the backdrop of the post-apocalyptic world.

Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett give outstanding performances as Bill and Frank, respectively. Offerman is perfectly cast as the gruff and cynical survivalist, while Bartlett brings a warmth and vulnerability to the role of Frank. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and their relationship feels incredibly real and authentic.

The episode takes its time to develop Bill and Frank’s relationship, showing us how they meet, fall in love, and build a life together. We see them through good times and bad, and we come to care deeply about them both.

The climax of the episode is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. Bill and Frank choose to end their lives together on their own terms, rather than face the uncertainty of the future. It is a tragic ending, but it is also a testament to the power of their love.

Overall, episode 3 of The Last of Us is a masterful piece of television. It is beautifully written, directed, and acted. It is also a deeply moving and emotional story about love, loss, and the human spirit.

Recommendation:

I highly recommend episode 3 of The Last of Us to anyone who enjoys well-written and well-acted television. It is a standalone episode, so it can be enjoyed even if you have not seen the previous episodes or played the game. However, if you are a fan of the game, you will appreciate the way the episode expands on the story of Bill and Frank.

Even if you are not a fan of zombie shows or post-apocalyptic fiction, I still encourage you to give episode 3 of The Last of Us a try. It is a universal story about love, loss, and the human spirit. It is a story that will stay with you long after you watch it.

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