‘The Last of Us’ Episode 1 Gives a Powerful Yet Heartbreaking Intro of What’s to Come

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived! Episode one of the highly-anticipated series The Last of Us has dropped on HBO, and let me tell you, it’s living up to all the hype. Based on the critically acclaimed video game of the same name, this show is sure to be a hit with both fans of the game and newcomers alike.

Set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by a deadly fungal infection, the game immerses players in the story of Joel, a hardened survivor tasked with escorting a young girl named Ellie across the country in search of a resistance group known as the Fireflies. The game is a perfect blend of stealth, combat, and puzzle-solving while maintaining a strong emphasis on story and character development. Its exceptional storytelling, gameplay, and graphics have earned it the title of one of the best games of all time, winning numerous awards and accolades.

So, when rumors began to stir regarding this series coming to HBO, fans of the game couldn’t be more ecstatic. And now that the first episode has aired, it’s clear that The Last of Us series will become another another monster hit for HBO. Even for someone like me who has never played the game, after watching the first episode, I can tell that this show is going to be a must-watch and has me scouring the internet for a PlayStation to experience the game for myself.

Episode 1 is a well-rounded pilot giving us all the information we need to understand what’s going on and how we got here. It opens with two doctors speaking on a 1968 talkshow about potential dangers that could upheave society as we know it. While one doctor is concerned about the potential for a viral outbreak, another is more concerned about fungus. Yes, fungus. The doctor goes on to explain that some fungi don’t seek to kill but to control. And that while in 1968, fungus can’t survive inside the human body, if the earth was to get warmer (global warming) things could change. If one gene mutates, fungi could inabit us and poison our minds. And if that happens, it would be the end.

We move ahead to 2003 and meet Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal; The Mandalorian), his daughter Sarah Miller (Nico Parker; Dumbo), and brother Tommy Miller (Gabriel Luna; Terminator: Dark Fate). It’s Joel’s 36th birthday, and Sarah is trying her best to make it special. Joel doesn’t think too much about it and is even working instead of taking the day off to celebrate. He’s got construction to do. We quickly see how caring and thoughtful Sarah is as she attempts to cook birthday breakfast for Joel with eggshells included. You can tell they may not have a lot but they have each other which is obviously most important. Joel and Tommy are heading out the door to work, Sarah is in tow heading off to school. She says hello to the neighbors and promises to visit after school, after she runs a little errand to give her father a birthday surprise later.

Created by creative director and writer of the video game Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, it’s no shock that this episode is as impactful as it is. The episode breadcrumbs us into the story with bites of suspense that we pick up and eat as we follow the trail leading us into this live-action adaptation. It looms overhead while we watch a normal day unfold for our main characters. Parker’s portrayal of Sarah is endearing. She’s the ideal child. Only a teen, we can tell that she has a good heart and cares deeply for her family and neighbors. Sarah’s moments in the pilot may have come and gone rather quickly, but the impact left a bruise that won’t easily disappear.

As the tension builds, the thread of the story is suddenly yanked off the spool and the intensity dials up. Joel, determined to protect his loved ones, springs into action to ensure their safety. Without giving too much away, the episode fast-forwards 20 years and the Joel we meet is a hardened, changed man, a stark contrast to the one we knew before. The fungus has taken over and infected the majority of the population, turning people into what can only be described as zombies. But these aren’t the slow-moving, shambling creatures you may be used to. These zombies are fast and relentless, reminiscent of the savage hordes seen in World War Z. And when bitten, there’s no time to waste as the transformation is more immediate.

As we move into the second act of the episode and are introduced to Ellie (Bella Ramsey; Game of Thrones), the tone of the story shifts once again. Ramsey’s portrayal of Ellie exudes a quintessential rebellious teen energy, adding a new layer to the story.

This feature-length series debut throws everything at the viewers, immersing us into this world similar to how players of the videogame describe the gameplay. With everything packed into this single episode, you can only be excited about what’s to come for the season. While I’m unsure of how true the series is to the game, what is confirmed is that this story has incredible depth. The cast, pace, production, and more are all work together perfectly.

The Last of Us episode 1 is now streaming on HBO Max with new episodes dropping every Sunday.