Plot

Welcome To The Last Of Us 2023 – Season 1 Episode 7 Review. Episode 7 of The Last of Us, titled “Left Behind,” is a flashback episode that takes place before Ellie and Joel met. It follows Ellie and her best friend Riley after they sneak into an abandoned shopping mall in Boston. The episode is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, as it explores Ellie and Riley’s friendship and their coming-of-age in a post-apocalyptic world.

The episode begins with Ellie in the present day, caring for Joel after he was stabbed by a marauder in the previous episode. She stitches up his wound and finds him some antibiotics. While she’s waiting for him to wake up, she has a flashback to her time with Riley.

We cut to Ellie and Riley sneaking into the abandoned shopping mall. They’re both excited to explore the mall and have some fun. They start by riding the escalators and playing with the arcade games. Then they find a photo booth and take some silly pictures together.

After that, they go to the food court and find a taco restaurant that’s still stocked with food. They jump over the counter and start eating. Riley tells Ellie that she’s been recruited by the Fireflies, a rebel group that’s fighting against FEDRA, the military organization that controls the quarantine zones.

Ellie is upset that Riley is leaving, but she’s also proud of her. They finish eating and then decide to go for a swim in the mall’s fountain. They have a lot of fun splashing around and laughing together.

After their swim, they get dressed and go to the mall’s movie theater. They find a movie called Romeo + Juliet and start watching it. They’re both really enjoying the movie, but then they start to fall asleep. When they wake up, the movie is over and the mall is dark.

They decide to go to the roof to watch the sunrise. On the way up, they find a dead body. The man has killed himself with a bottle of pills. Ellie is shaken by the sight, but Riley tries to reassure her.

When they get to the roof, they sit down and watch the sunrise. It’s a beautiful moment, and they both feel happy and content. They talk about their love for each other and their hopes for the future.

Suddenly, they’re attacked by two infected. Ellie and Riley fight back bravely, but they’re eventually bitten. They realize that there’s no hope for them, so they decide to spend their last night together.

They go back to the arcade and play video games all night long. They laugh and talk and enjoy each other’s company. They know that they’re going to die, but they want to make the most of their last time together.

At the end of the night, they sit down on a bench and hold hands. Then they lie down on the bench and close their eyes.

The episode cuts back to the present day. Ellie is still holding Joel’s hand. She’s crying, but she’s also determined to save him. She knows that she has to keep going, even though she’s lost Riley.

Action and Direction 

The Last of Us Episode 7, titled “Left Behind”, is a flashback episode that focuses on Ellie’s relationship with her best friend Riley, and how it shaped her into the person she is when she meets Joel. The episode is set primarily in an abandoned mall, which Riley leads Ellie to as a surprise.

The action and direction of the episode are used to create a sense of wonder and excitement, as Ellie and Riley explore the mall and enjoy its many attractions. However, there is also a sense of foreboding throughout the episode, as the viewer knows that the mall is infested with infected.

One of the most notable examples of the action and direction in the episode is the scene in the video arcade. Ellie and Riley play Mortal Kombat II, and the camera pans out to show a wall-clinging infected lurking in the shadows. This creates a sense of tension and suspense, as the viewer knows that the infected could attack at any moment.

Another notable example is the scene in the escalator room. Ellie and Riley are riding the escalator up to the roof, and the camera slowly zooms in on them as they laugh and talk. This close-up shot emphasizes their bond and their shared joy. However, the camera then pans out to show a group of infected approaching from behind. This creates a sense of horror and dread, as the viewer knows that Ellie and Riley are in danger.

The action and direction in Episode 7 are also used to highlight Ellie’s strength and resilience. In the scene where she is attacked by the infected, she manages to fight them off and survive. This shows that Ellie is a resourceful and capable individual, even at a young age.

Overall, the action and direction in Episode 7 are used to create a sense of wonder, excitement, tension, suspense, horror, and dread. The episode also highlights Ellie’s strength and resilience.

Here are some specific examples of how the action and direction are used to create these effects:

Wonder and excitement: The scenes of Ellie and Riley exploring the mall are full of energy and vitality. The camera moves quickly and fluidly, and the colors are bright and vibrant. The episode also uses music and sound effects to create a sense of wonder and excitement. For example, when Ellie and Riley first enter the mall, the music is upbeat and playful. And when they turn on the lights and escalators, the sound effects are loud and attention-grabbing.

Tension and suspense: The scenes of Ellie and Riley being stalked by the infected are full of tension and suspense. The camera often uses close-ups of Ellie and Riley’s faces to show their fear and anxiety. The episode also uses silence and slow motion to create a sense of suspense.

For example, in the scene where Ellie and Riley are riding the escalator to the roof, the music fades out and the camera slows down as the infected approach from behind.

Horror and dread: The scene where Ellie is attacked by the infected is truly horrifying. The camera uses close-ups of the infected’s faces to show their grotesque features. The episode also uses sound effects to create a sense of horror and dread. For example, the sound of the infected’s clicking jaws is both unsettling and terrifying.

Ellie’s strength and resilience: The scene where Ellie fights off the infected shows her strength and resilience. The camera uses close-ups of Ellie’s face to show her determination and ferocity. The episode also uses sound effects to emphasize Ellie’s strength. For example, the sound of her punching and kicking the infected is powerful and satisfying.

Overall, the action and direction in Episode 7 are used to create a truly memorable and engaging television experience.

Character Development 

Episode 7 of The Last of Us, titled “Left Behind,” is a flashback episode that focuses on Ellie’s backstory. It takes place before she meets Joel, and it follows her as she spends the night with her best friend, Riley, at an abandoned mall.

The episode provides a lot of insight into Ellie’s character and her motivations. We learn about her tragic past, her close relationship with Riley, and her fear of loss. We also see how she is resourceful, resilient, and capable.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the character development in the episode:

Ellie

 Fear of loss: Ellie’s fear of loss is a central theme of the episode. She has lost many loved ones in her life, including her parents and her friend Riley. This fear motivates her to protect Joel at all costs, even if it means putting herself in danger.

 Resilience: Ellie is a very resilient character.. She is always looking for ways to survive and to protect the people she cares about.

 Resourcefulness: Ellie is also very resourceful. She is able to find food, water, and shelter in the most difficult of circumstances. She is also able to use her skills and knowledge to her advantage, such as when she uses her medical knowledge to stitch Joel up.

Compassion: Ellie is a compassionate person, even though she has been through a lot. She cares deeply about Joel and Riley, and she is willing to sacrifice herself for them.

Joel

 Trust: Joel is a very distrustful person, but he begins to trust Ellie more in this episode. This is because he sees how much she cares about him and how willing she is to protect him.

 Vulnerability: Joel also shows some vulnerability in this episode. He talks to Ellie about his own losses and his fear of losing her. This shows that he is starting to open up to her and trust her more.

The relationship between Ellie and Joel is also important to their character development. Ellie helps Joel to become more open and trusting, while Joel helps Ellie to become more confident and resilient.

Overall, episode 7 of The Last of Us provides a lot of insight into the characters of Ellie and Joel. It shows how they have been shaped by their experiences and how they are growing and changing over time.

Visual Effects and Cinematography

Episode 7 of “The Last of Us” features some of the most impressive visual effects in the series to date. One of the most notable examples is the mall sequence, which was largely created using CGI. The real mall set that was used for filming was too small and didn’t quite match the vision of the showrunners, so visual effects supervisor Alex Wang and his team had to build out and set-extend the mall digitally.

Another impressive VFX sequence in the episode is the scene in which Ellie and Riley are chased through the mall by Clickers. The Clickers are incredibly detailed and realistic, and the way they move and behave is truly unsettling.

In addition to the major VFX sequences, there are also a number of smaller effects that are used throughout the episode, such as the blood and gore on the Infected, the sparks from Joel’s lighter, and the flickering lights in the mall. All of these effects are done very well and help to create a truly immersive and believable world.

Cinematography

The cinematography in episode 7 is also excellent. Cinematographer Ksenia Sereda uses a variety of different techniques to create a sense of atmosphere and tension throughout the episode. For example, she often uses close-ups on Ellie and Riley’s faces to capture their emotions, and she uses wide shots to emphasize the emptiness and desolation of the post-apocalyptic world.

Sereda also uses a number of different camera movements to create suspense and excitement. For example, she uses tracking shots to follow Ellie and Riley as they run through the mall, and she uses handheld shots to create a sense of chaos and disorientation during the Clicker attack.

Overall, the visual effects and cinematography in episode 7 of “The Last of Us” are top-notch. Both elements work together to create a truly immersive and believable world, and to tell a compelling and emotionally resonant story.

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

 In the scene where Ellie and Riley first enter the mall, the cinematography is used to create a sense of wonder and excitement. The camera pans slowly across the empty mall, showcasing the various stores and restaurants. The lighting is bright and airy, and the colors are vibrant. This creates a stark contrast to the bleak and desolate world outside of the mall.

 In the scene where Ellie and Riley are chased by Clickers, the cinematography is used to create a sense of suspense and terror. The camera is often handheld and shaky, which creates a sense of disorientation and panic. The lighting is also dark and shadowy, which makes it difficult to see the Clickers until they are right up close. 

 In the scene where Ellie and Riley share their first kiss, the cinematography is used to create a sense of intimacy and romance. The camera is close-up on their faces, and the lighting is soft and flattering. This allows the viewer to see the raw emotion on their faces and to feel the connection between them.

Overall, the visual effects and cinematography in episode 7 of “The Last of Us” are masterfully used to create a truly immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.

world-building

The world-building in episode 7 of The Last of Us is excellent. The episode takes place in an abandoned shopping mall in Boston, and the show’s creators have done a great job of making the mall feel both realistic and eerie.

The mall is in a state of disrepair, with broken escalators, empty stores, and graffiti-covered walls. This helps to create a sense of atmosphere and dread, as it reminds the viewer that the world has been ravaged by a pandemic.

The show’s creators have also paid attention to the small details of the world-building. For example, the mall is still stocked with food and drinks, which shows that FEDRA has been able to maintain some semblance of order in the quarantine zone. However, there are also signs of decay and neglect, such as the dead body that Ellie and Riley find on the way to the roof.

The world-building in episode 7 also helps to highlight the characters’ motivations and inner lives. For example, the fact that Ellie and Riley are excited to explore the mall shows that they are still young and hopeful, even though they live in a dangerous world.

The fact that they decide to spend their last night together playing video games shows that they are just trying to enjoy their time together and make the most of their situation.

Overall, the world-building in episode 7 of The Last of Us is top-notch. The show’s creators have done a great job of creating a world that is both believable and emotionally resonant.

Here are some specific examples of the world-building in episode 7:

The abandoned shopping mall is a microcosm of the post-apocalyptic world. It is a place where the old world has crumbled and the new world has not yet fully taken its place.

 The mall is still stocked with food and drinks, which shows that FEDRA has been able to maintain some semblance of order in the quarantine zone. However, there are also signs of decay and neglect, such as the dead body that Ellie and Riley find on the way to the roof.

 The mall is a place where Ellie and Riley can be themselves and escape the harsh realities of the outside world. They can play video games, eat junk food, and just have fun.

 The mall is also a place where Ellie and Riley can confront their own mortality. They know that they are likely to die from the infection, but they choose to spend their last night together enjoying each other’s company.

The world-building in episode 7 is essential to the story because it helps to create a believable and emotionally resonant setting for the characters. The abandoned shopping mall is a place where Ellie and Riley can explore their friendship, their dreams, and their fears. It is also a place where they can confront the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world.

Music and sound design

The music and sound design in Episode 7 of The Last of Us are essential to creating the episode’s atmosphere and tone. The music is used to evoke a sense of wonder, excitement, tension, suspense, horror, and dread. The sound design is used to create a realistic and immersive soundscape, and to highlight Ellie’s strength and resilience.

Music

The episode features a mix of original music by Gustavo Santaolalla and licensed music. The original music is often used to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. For example, the song “All or None” by Pearl Jam is played during the opening scene, and it sets the tone for the episode’s flashback story. The song “Left Behind” is played during the episode’s closing scene, and it reflects Ellie’s sadness and loss.

The licensed music is often used to create a sense of nostalgia and longing. For example, the song “Take On Me” by A-ha is played when Ellie and Riley first enter the mall, and it evokes a sense of wonder and excitement. The song “Just Like Heaven” by The Cure is played when Ellie and Riley ride the carousel, and it reflects their deep friendship and love for each other.

Sound Design

The sound design in Episode 7 is used to create a realistic and immersive soundscape. The viewer can hear the sounds of Ellie and Riley’s footsteps as they walk through the mall, the sound of their laughter as they play video games, and the sound of their voices as they talk.

The sound design also helps to create a sense of tension and suspense. For example, the viewer can hear the sound of the infected’s clicking jaws as they stalk Ellie and Riley.

The sound design is also used to highlight Ellie’s strength and resilience. For example, the sound of her punching and kicking the infected in the fight scene is powerful and satisfying.

Overall

The music and sound design in Episode 7 of The Last of Us are essential to creating the episode’s atmosphere and tone. The music is used to evoke a sense of wonder, excitement, tension, suspense, horror, and dread. The sound design is used to create a realistic and immersive soundscape, and to highlight Ellie’s strength and resilience.

Here are some specific examples of how the music and sound design are used to create these effects:

 Wonder and excitement: When Ellie and Riley first enter the mall, the music is upbeat and playful. The sound of their footsteps echoing through the empty mall and the sound of their laughter create a sense of wonder and excitement.

 Tension and suspense: When Ellie and Riley are being stalked by the infected, the music becomes more subdued and ominous. The sound of the infected’s clicking jaws and the sound of their heavy footsteps create a sense of tension and suspense.

 Horror and dread: The scene where Ellie is attacked by the infected is truly horrifying. The sound of the infected’s growls and snarls is unsettling and terrifying. The sound of Ellie’s screams and the sound of her fighting off the infected is both horrifying and heartbreaking.

 Ellie’s strength and resilience: The scene where Ellie fights off the infected shows her strength and resilience. The sound of her punching and kicking the infected is powerful and satisfying. The sound of her breathing heavily and the sound of her grunting as she fights shows her determination and ferocity.

Overall, the music and sound design in Episode 7 of The Last of Us are used to create a truly memorable and engaging television experience.

Pacing and episode structure

The pacing and episode structure of Episode 7 of The Last of Us, “Left Behind,” are unique and unconventional. The episode is a flashback, and it cuts back and forth between Ellie’s present with Joel and her past with Riley. This structure can be disorienting at first, but it is ultimately effective in creating a sense of tension and suspense.

The episode begins with Ellie and Joel in a dangerous situation. Joel has been injured, and Ellie is trying to find a way to save him. However, the episode quickly cuts to a flashback of Ellie and Riley at the abandoned mall. This flashback allows us to learn more about Ellie’s backstory and her relationship with Riley.

The episode continues to cut back and forth between the present and the past, with each flashback providing more insight into Ellie’s character. We learn about her fear of loss, her resilience, and her compassion. We also see how her relationship with Riley shaped her into the person she is today.

The episode’s pacing is slow and deliberate, but it never becomes boring. The flashbacks are engaging and suspenseful, and they help to build tension for the climax of the episode.

The episode’s structure is also unconventional in that it does not have a clear-cut beginning, middle, and end. The flashbacks and the present storyline are intertwined throughout the episode, and they both contribute to the overall narrative.

The episode’s unique pacing and structure can be interpreted in a number of ways. One interpretation is that the flashbacks are a way for Ellie to process her emotions and to come to terms with her past. Another interpretation is that the flashbacks are a way for the audience to understand Ellie better and to see her as a complex and well-developed character.

Overall, the pacing and episode structure of Episode 7 of The Last of Us are unique and unconventional, but they are also effective. The episode is engaging, suspenseful, and thought-provoking.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the episode’s pacing and structure:

 Act 1: The episode begins with Ellie and Joel in a dangerous situation. Joel has been injured, and Ellie is trying to find a way to save him. The episode then cuts to a flashback of Ellie and Riley at the abandoned mall.

 Act 2: The episode continues to cut back and forth between the present and the past, with each flashback providing more insight into Ellie’s character. We learn about her fear of loss, her resilience, and her compassion. We also see how her relationship with Riley shaped her into the person she is today.

 Act 3: The episode climaxes with Ellie making a difficult decision about Joel. She chooses to stay with him and to protect him, even though it means putting herself in danger.

The episode’s pacing is slow and deliberate, but it never becomes boring. The flashbacks are engaging and suspenseful, and they help to build tension for the climax of the episode.

The episode’s structure is also unconventional in that it does not have a clear-cut beginning, middle, and end. The flashbacks and the present storyline are intertwined throughout the episode, and they both contribute to the overall narrative.

Originality and Innovation

Episode 7 of “The Last of Us” is a unique and original episode in a number of ways. First, it is one of the few episodes in the series that is not based directly on the video game. Instead, it is based on a downloadable content expansion for the game called “Left Behind.” This gives the episode a sense of freshness and originality, and it allows the showrunners to explore new characters and storylines.

Second, episode 7 is notable for its focus on the relationship between Ellie and Riley. This is one of the most complex and well-developed relationships in the entire series, and episode 7 does a great job of exploring it. The episode shows how Ellie and Riley’s friendship deepens over time, and it also shows how they support each other through difficult times.

Innovation

Episode 7 of “The Last of Us” is also innovative in its use of visual effects and cinematography. As mentioned above, the mall sequence is a particularly impressive example of this. The visual effects team used a variety of techniques to create a realistic and believable mall environment, and the cinematography is used to create a sense of wonder and excitement.

Another example of the episode’s innovation is the way in which it tells Ellie and Riley’s story. The episode uses a flashback structure to show how their relationship developed over time. This allows the viewer to see how Ellie and Riley grew closer to each other, and it also allows the viewer to see how their friendship was 

Overall, episode 7 of “The Last of Us” is a unique and original episode that is full of surprises. It is also an episode that is innovative in its use of visual effects and cinematography.

Here are some specific examples of how the episode is original and innovative:

 The focus on the relationship between Ellie and Riley is original, as it is one of the few episodes in the series that does not focus on Joel and Ellie.

 The use of flashbacks to tell Ellie and Riley’s story is innovative, as it allows the viewer to see how their relationship developed over time and how it was tested by the harsh realities of the post-apocalyptic world.

 The use of visual effects to create the mall sequence is innovative, as it is one of the most realistic and believable mall environments ever created in a television show.

 The use of cinematography to create a sense of wonder and excitement in the mall sequence is innovative, as it is a stark contrast to the bleak and desolate world outside of the mall.

Overall, episode 7 of “The Last of Us” is a unique, original, and innovative episode that is sure to please fans of the video game and newcomers alike.

Fan Appeal and Easter Eggs

Episode 7 of The Last of Us is a huge fan favorite. This is due in part to the fact that it is a flashback episode that focuses on Ellie and Riley, two of the most popular characters in the series. Fans love seeing Ellie and Riley’s relationship develop, and they appreciate the opportunity to learn more about Ellie’s backstory.

The episode is also popular with fans because it is well-written, well-acted, and well-directed. The creators of the show have done a great job of capturing the essence of the game, and they have brought Ellie and Riley’s relationship to life in a way that is both believable and emotionally resonant.

Easter Eggs

Episode 7 is full of Easter eggs for fans of the game. Here are a few examples:

 Ellie’s Walkman: Ellie is seen listening to her Walkman throughout the episode, just like she does in the game.

 Mortal Kombat II: Ellie and Riley play Mortal Kombat II in the arcade, which is a reference to Ellie’s love of the game in the game.

 Dawn of the Wolf: There is a poster for the movie Dawn of the Wolf in the mall. This is a reference to the movie that Joel and Sarah were watching on the day of the outbreak.

 Ellie’s T-shirt: Ellie is wearing a striped tank top in the episode, which is similar to the tank top she wears in the game.

 Ellie’s Flashlight: Ellie uses her flashlight to hit infected in the episode, just like she does in the game.

These Easter eggs are a fun way for fans to connect the show to the game. They also show that the creators of the show are paying attention to the details and are committed to making a faithful adaptation of the game.

Overall, episode 7 of The Last of Us is a fan favorite because it is well-written, well-acted, and well-directed. It is also full of Easter eggs for fans of the game.

Overall Enjoyment and Recommendation

Episode 7 of The Last of Us, titled “Left Behind”, is a beautifully made and emotionally resonant episode of television. It is a faithful adaptation of the beloved chapter of the same name from the video game, and it features some of the best performances of the series from Bella Ramsey and Storm Reid.

The episode is a flashback that tells the story of Ellie’s relationship with her best friend Riley. It is a heartwarming and heartbreaking story about love, loss, and resilience. The episode does a fantastic job of developing Ellie’s character and giving us a deeper understanding of her motivations in the present.

The action and direction in the episode are also top-notch. The scenes of Ellie and Riley exploring the mall are full of wonder and excitement, while the scenes of them being stalked by the infected are full of tension and suspense. The episode also features a few truly horrifying moments, such as the scene where Ellie is attacked by the infected.

Overall, Episode 7 of The Last of Us is a must-watch for fans of the video game and for anyone who appreciates well-made television. It is a beautifully made and emotionally resonant episode that features some of the best performances of the series.

Recommendation

I highly recommend Episode 7 of The Last of Us to anyone who enjoys well-made television, even if they have not played the video game. It is a standalone episode that can be enjoyed on its own. However, I would recommend watching the first six episodes of the series first, as they provide important context for Ellie’s character and the story of the episode.

Even though the episode is a flashback, it is essential to the overall story of the series. It gives us a deeper understanding of Ellie’s character and her motivations. It also shows us how she became the person she is in the present.

If you are a fan of the video game, then you will definitely enjoy Episode 7. It is a faithful adaptation of the beloved chapter of the same name. It also features some of the best performances of the series from Bella Ramsey and Storm Reid.

Overall, I highly recommend Episode 7 of The Last of Us to anyone who enjoys well-made television. It is a beautifully made and emotionally resonant episode that features some of the best performances of the series.

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