This week’s episode of HBO’s The Last of Us expanded on the virus’ origin and how it started overseas.
That is because, unlike the video game, there are no fungi spores in the television series, a key element in the infection outbreak. A new aspect of the cordyceps is introduced in the second episode that expands on the physical cordyceps’ impact but makes the physical part of the fungus just as dangerous. We learn more about this during the first few minutes of the episode of what the virus does while also leaving it ambiguous on how it spread to the United States.
There has been a substantial improvement in the portrayal of Tess by Anna Torv in this episode, which may be a result of how we see her and Joel working together as a team. Compared to the pilot of the show, which seemed to feel like the characters didn’t quite a slot into the plot of the show, Tess fits in much better with the plot of the second episode. It is during their exploration of the downtown district that viewers will be able to see how she is working with Joel in the world of smuggling and how successful they are in this endeavor.
It is important to note that Ellie’s point of view lets us better understand what is happening outside of the Quarantine Zone and how everything is handled. Unlike some shows where there are dumbed-down explanations, this isn’t dumbed down for the viewer’s experience as Joel and Tess explain what had happened to Ellie. At the same time, Ellie wanders through, indulging her curiosity, and allowing the audience to gain a deeper understanding of the new, infected world.
Introducing the Clickers, the third stage of the infected is one of two scenes that video game players will enjoy. As a result of this, we are able to gain a little insight into the FEDRA school and how the fungus functions within the framework of the new world order.
This episode exceeded my expectations as I thought it is better than the first episode. The producers and writers knocked it right out of the park for its second episode of The Last of Us.
