Is the The Last of Us HBO Series Worth Watching? A Review
In this post, I’ll review The Last of Us HBO series. This is something I haven’t done before, but given how much I enjoyed the story from the original game (which shares the same name), I felt compelled to share my thoughts. That being said, I do think the series is quite violent, and it might not be something Christians would want to watch due to some of its themes and content. I believe that the character of Joel, the main protagonist, was well-represented in the game, but there are some issues with how the character is adapted for the show.
Joel’s Character in the Game vs. the Show
In the game, Joel is portrayed as stoic, quiet, and reserved, but his strong sense of protection and love for the people he cares about makes him a compelling character. I think the game captured that essence quite well. However, one of my main concerns is how Neil Druckmann (the director and creator of The Last of Us) made Joel a more controversial figure in the sequel, The Last of Us: Part II. This character shift felt like a departure from what made Joel so likable and relatable in the first game, which is disappointing.
As for the show, one of the most noticeable differences is Pedro Pascal’s portrayal of Joel. While I’m a fan of Pascal, I found his interpretation of Joel to be lacking. The character’s stoicism, grit, and emotional depth that were so apparent in the game seem to be missing. Watching side-by-side comparisons of game cutscenes and the show, you can really feel the difference. Joel’s character in the show feels more subdued and less intense, and for me, it wasn’t the same Joel that fans of the game came to love.
The Real Hero of The Last of Us – Joel
At the core of The Last of Us story, Joel is undeniably the real hero. He embarks on a dangerous journey to protect Ellie from a group of scientists, known as the Fireflies, who intend to sacrifice her to harvest her brain for a potential cure. These scientists want to kill Ellie without even knowing if their actions will lead to a viable cure. From my perspective, Joel’s decision to protect her from that fate was a heroic one, and I stand by his actions. Unfortunately, some recent portrayals of Joel (particularly in Part II) attempt to paint him as a villain, which feels like a betrayal of his character.
The Direction of The Last of Us: Part II and the HBO Series
The series adaptation diverges significantly from the original game in several ways, and some fans, myself included, were disappointed with the political undertones introduced. The inclusion of Abby, a muscular character who kills Joel early in the second game, is one such change. The decision to take the story in this direction felt forced and indicative of a larger political agenda that has been increasingly present in the narrative, both in the game and in the HBO series.
A Shift Toward LGBT Themes
It’s clear that Neil Druckmann has made some decisions that steer the narrative toward LGBT political messaging, which seems to have become a focal point in the series and the second game. While these themes may resonate a few viewers, I found their inclusion to be disruptive to the central plot.
- Riley’s Flashback: This episode, which features Ellie’s relationship with Riley, felt like an unnecessary side plot that didn’t contribute meaningfully to the main story. While it’s important to include diverse characters, I felt that this episode prioritized an agenda rather than advancing Ellie’s journey.
- Bill and Frank’s Episode: Many fans were also taken aback by the portrayal of Bill and Frank in the series. While the characters’ relationship was unclear in the game, the show chose to focus an entire episode on their LGBT relationship. Some viewers felt this episode, although emotional, was more about pushing a political message than telling a necessary story.
As someone who enjoyed the game for its realism and complex characters, I was disappointed that these side stories took up such a prominent place in the show. They didn’t feel like they belonged to the core narrative and felt like a diversion from the central themes.
A Controversial Villain: The Rewriting of the Cannibal Cult Episode
Another change that bothered me was the cannibal cult episode, which takes a darker turn in the show. In the game, the cult is portrayed as a group of morally ambiguous survivors, desperate for food in a destroyed world. While they are dangerous, their motivations are more human and less ideological.
In the series, however, the cult’s religious rhetoric is highlighted. Their leader, David, is shown speaking with religious justification for his actions, which feels like an unnecessary and forced choice. The religious extremism of the cult is emphasized in a way that makes the villainy feel tied to Christianity, which wasn’t the case in the game.
This portrayal of the cult, as a religious group acting in the name of faith, could be seen as an attempt to misrepresent Christianity, portraying it as hypocritical and morally bankrupt. I felt that this was a deliberate narrative choice designed to push a certain anti-Christian agenda, and it detracted from the show’s primary focus on survival and human morality.
Why the Political Messaging Matters
At its core, The Last of Us was always a story about survival, sacrifice, and human morality. The addition of political messages, particularly surrounding LGBT themes and religious criticism, takes away from the raw emotional power of the original story. The more the narrative shifts to address these issues, the less it feels like a story about two characters—Joel and Ellie—fighting for survival in a brutal world.
While I understand that political messaging is a significant part of contemporary storytelling, I feel that it distracts from the heart of The Last of Us. The show becomes less about the human connection between characters and more about pushing a narrative that may not resonate with all viewers, especially those who loved the original game for its focus on emotional depth and survival.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, The Last of Us HBO series had immense potential, but the overwhelming focus on political agendas, the changes to key characters, and the rewriting of significant plot points ultimately detracts from what made the original game such a powerful experience. The shift toward political messaging, especially the portrayal of Christianity and the focus on LGBT issues, feels out of place and disrupts the compelling survival narrative.
Will I watch Season 2?
No, I won’t be continuing with the series. With the expected introduction of Abby and more of the political messaging from Part II creeping into the show, it’s clear that the direction is no longer one I can follow.
What Do You Think? Share Your Thoughts Below!
Join the conversation: Do you agree with my take on The Last of Us? Do you think the political messaging detracts from the story, or do you think it adds depth to the narrative? Let me know in the comments below!
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