Future Days

I genuinely think the HBO adaptation made a major misstep by choosing dramatic irony over mystery when it comes to Abby's motivations.

In the game, we don't know what Abby is planning until it's too late - and that shock hits like a truck. It's one of the most memorable inciting incidents in recent storytelling. But in the show, we're told everything upfront. We already know what she wants, which deflates the tension and kills that incredible moment that's supposed to come in the next episode or two. It goes from unforgettable... to just expected.

If you're interested in storytelling, screenwriting, or game adaptations, I highly recommend checking out the YouTube video "The Big Issue With HBO's Second Season of 'The Last of Us'." It explains all of this in a clear and insightful way. It made me see exactly why that moment doesn't land the same way anymore.

This was a really great first episode. It was mainly just set up and setting the scene. Introducing new character and showing how the dynamics between certain characters has changed.

What i enjoyed:

Dina is cast perfectly. Isabela Merced is incredible and she works really well with Bella. Their chemistry is so good.

The other casting i really like was Young Mazino as Jessie. He looks and sounds just like the game version.

The introduction of the new types of infected. They did those scenes perfectly and the special effects look really good.

We got to see a lot of new characters, many of whom are not in the game. They are all quite interesting at the moment and i look forward to seeing how they develop.

What i didnt like:

The pacing of the episode is not as good as i expected it to be. Especially the beginning sequences. After that it wasn't too bad.

Ellie comes off a bit unlikeable in the first episode. As someone who has played the games, I understand why. But for new viewers that may be confused about the sudden shift in emotional tone with Ellie.

Overall, a really great episode that sets the scene for what's to come. I can hardly wait for the next episode.

Wow what a great season opener I had a great time with this. Incredibly accurate to the game it's impressive work. I'm manifesting that Kaitlyn Dever will be an outstanding Abby and give an insanely good performance. I already really liked what we saw of the Wlf crew and I am very intrigued to see how they will adapt certain events. Isabella Merced pleasantly surprised me with how good her Dina is, she really captures her character. Watching that confrontation with Joel at the dance hurts me every time and it still hurts watching it here. It's interesting the way they are structuring this adaptation, what with the timeline and everything. Very excited for the next episode as this was a great episode and I'm sure this season will deliver. Ps Isabella Merced got me acting up in that one scene bro, my word.

The episode is pretty decent, but as a season opener, it doesn't feel as exciting (to jump into this world) and engaging as the pilot.

So if you're expecting the same highs that you experienced from the first episode of season 1, this is gonna disappoint you.

But personally, I don't have much of a problem with it, because it does what a first episode should do pretty well. It introduced a new group of antagonists and their motives in a short time, and it sets up what's about to come in this season with the new villains and romantic interests, and the state of Ellie and Joel's relationship.

But it is still a decent episode, even though I think it feels like a second or mid-season episode because of the pacing. Something like Disney would've coupled this episode with the next one and dropped the first two episodes since there's not much happening in here, apart from a zombie scene in the middle, and the rest is pretty much setting up new relationships, characters, villains, and new types of smart zombies.

Overall, it's one of those episodes you hope you watched when binge-watching the whole thing instead of waiting for a week for the next one, but it's still a decent episode nonetheless.

Everyone seems to be weathering the apocalypse a little too well. I realize we're supposed to be in the civilization phase of the story, but come on!

The characters are dressed way too nicely, with clothes that fit too well and look they were just pulled off the rack at American Eagle. And they are groomed way, way too nicely as well. I mean, even the bearded characters look like they have really nice shaving kits! And they're all young, good-looking actors. I mean, is this going for the Riverdale audience?

Honestly, the only part of this episode that I found at all engaging was the scene with Joel and his therapist played wonderfully by Catherine O'Hara. Probably because the two are real actors with real gravitas, not a bunch of young adults play-acting at the apocalypse.

The rest of the script was just cringe. Isabel Merced is gorgeous, but there was absolutely nothing believable or interesting about her character's dynamic with Ellie. Like, why on earth would she find Ellie interesting or attractive? I'm not saying that there's nothing interesting or attractive about Ellie, but the series hasn't given us any understanding of what Dina sees in her.

I'm also questioning why they're moving the relationship along so quickly when we have a whole season to go. Shouldn't they be pacing this for a slow burn?

In addition, the two are not acting like children of a zombie outbreak, which really destroys the immersion. The scene where they're goofing off, ignoring protocols, and not taking the threat of the zombies inside the building seriously was quite something. I'm sure someone is going to say that they're acting this way because they've grown used to the dangers of the world they live in. But ask any soldier, you don't act this casual in life and death situations. You just don't! It was just an excuse for the two to make goo-goo eyes and goof off. But it was not believable in the slightest.

I'm probably really going to struggle this season, based on the fact that Ellie is clearly the main character now. I loved her as a teen, but her acting this way as a grown protagonist is just not going to fly. She could be obnoxious and erratic in season 1 because she had the foil of Joel to balance her out. But Dina doesn't have a strong enough personality to do this, and honestly none of the newly introduced characters do.

I think we'll get some cool action scenes next episode, but that's not really why I personally watch this show. I'm here for the characters and their dynamic. This episode really failed at that from my perspective. And that is likely to be a problem for the rest of the season.

I get why Joel and Ellie would be fractured, but it's their dynamic that sold season 1. If we can't have the two be tight-knit the way they were, then some relationship has to fill the void. So far, none has.

It's still a fine-looking show, and has moments of grandeur. But this episode definitely has me expecting quite a sophomore slump.