In recent years, there has been several attempts to adapt video game franchises into television series. Some were ranged to above average to just bad. HBO’s The Last of Us is on the road to break that curse and set the standard of how video games are rightfully adapted on television.
The first thing that I noticed while I was watching the pilot, is the set design. With the way the post apocalyptic world that stayed faithful to the source material, I did not need to question how expensive it was to design the environment. I have to be honest, the budget here for the set design puts AMC’s The Walking Dead to shame by comparison.
Now as far as the story goes, It is almost exactly the same as the intro of the video game with a few additions. The show expanded on the virus’ origins and science are even talking about a possible virus pandemic back in the early 1960’s as they predicted what could happen if it were to happen.
Unlike in the video game, Sarah is less of a side character and has a better role as opposed to a vehicle to drive the narrative forward. Her scenes with Joel were really good. Their on screen chemistry makes me wish that they changed the adaptation and have her survive. Also to note, the start of the outbreak happens on one of Sarah’s scenes and it gives a vibe that many people are not taking it seriously. That is, until the riots begin.
If you played The Last of Us video game, then you will know that a 20 year time jump happens after Sarah’s death. Here is where you see Ellie, Tess, Marlene, and Kim interacting with Joel on several scenes. What is expanded here is how the community operates and what kind of daily jobs the residents have. By the end of the episode, Joel goes to savage mode and brutally takes one of the guards out. Also, Joel and Ellie’s friendship has a rocky start as they do not trust eachother.
All in all, The Last of Us is the best video game adaptation on television. It has much more layers and drama that I can feel that its source material. The actors are phenomenal in their roles and I cannot wait to see more of how the story will unfold. HBO struck a gold mine with this show and other studios that want to adapt video game IP’s should look at this with a mindset on how to do a high-quality show. It is a must see for fans of the game and fans who seeks out great TV shows.