The Last of Us: 203 & 204
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Comments
Helly R, I just gotta know... do you remember the colour of your mother's eyes?
Cory Garron
2025-05-17 17:03:59 +0000 UTCYes George. Rendering would be gathering, trimming, cleaning, and purifying animal fat. It isn't terrible doing it for self use at home but rendering at the scale a town would need, and in a time with lower standards of cleanliness and no ac/refrigeration? It is gonna smell bad. I am sure someone else answered but yes Abby and the rest of the Salt Lake Crew did not go on orders from the WLF but they did have permission from the leader to go so they weren't AWOL. As for the Scars/Seraphites I assume they will get more into them either this season or the next as they are a big part of the story.
Buhr
2025-05-17 16:27:34 +0000 UTCYes, I could do it long before CB too, when it was just audio podcasts.
Cory Garron
2025-05-17 14:59:26 +0000 UTCAnyone else in here gained an almost supernatural ability to pause one video exactly long enough to get it back in sync with another video, thanks to watching so much CB? I can feel exactly how much they're off when one cuts, and then the other does, to then click pause, and then play, exactly the right amount to sync them back up again, basically to the frame. I don't mean to brag. Lately I can even do this by the little bit of hair swaying differently in the strip of video above George and Simone. I'm like wait a minute... Click... Wait exactly 0.2834 seconds... Click. Perfect. Amazing. Where will I use this power next? It's definitely going on my resume.
Gary Fixler
2025-05-17 09:58:04 +0000 UTCI think 2 things can be true at the same time: Abby, during the tutorial section, runs through the snow away from infected. That fence scene happened in the game, too. So it was important to have her running from infected. Then, Jackson hits the "fungus nerve" and brings everyone to them. (This wasn't in the game). The other thing I like to think is true; Abby brought the storm. Revenge ruins all things. And I feel like that poetic aspect is illustrated best with the ending shot...there's death behind, and death ahead...because what Abby represents at this time is wrath. But I'm also high right now. So...
DinChild
2025-05-17 08:11:29 +0000 UTCAs a side note: I used to get very upset (as an avid reader) with adaptations of novels I love to film if things weren't exactly as I imagined. I learned to separate this as I've gotten older, as I was not allowing myself to enjoy the art and getting too caught up in my own feelings. Now, of course, you want the film or series to do justice to the source material, and that is all I kind of hope for nowadays. Even if there are changes, just do justice to the source. (Such as S 1-3 of GOT did justice to the source material despite some changes...4 and on..not so much...anger justified..haha). I also understand different perceptions of those things from myself and those who did not read the novels. The anger and uprising gets a bit ridiculous imo and I think those types of things hold w this adaptation as well.
Bella Blue
2025-05-17 03:32:36 +0000 UTCAs for Isabel Merced... You did see her in Alien:Romulus. She was the pregnant character. I think I've requested before but she is also very good and I very much enjoyed Turtles All The Way Down (I'm a fan of the novel as well and Isabel did much justice to her character) Of note, she is also in the upcoming Superman movie as HawkGirl and she has at least a small role in the new peacemaker series (as she was in the trailer but she is listed far far down in the imdb actor listings for that)
Bella Blue
2025-05-17 03:28:30 +0000 UTCYour anger at Abby is absolutely justified at this point in the story. I say try to ignore as much of the meta-commentary as you can. Enjoy the story, pain and all, as you experience. Analyze after. Just my thoughts.
dasgrove
2025-05-17 01:56:06 +0000 UTCWasn't Isaac joining the WLF around the same time the profit dies? After the Isaac scene, where he joins the WLF it says eleven years later, meaning the prophet would have died 1 year later. Maybe the two have nothing to do with each other.
Joseph Schiller
2025-05-17 00:14:17 +0000 UTCok, you do have a more logical point here. And yes, in the game's story Ellie/Dina "make out" scene was before Joel got killed, and the Dina's motivation to go with Ellie to Seattle is for Ellie and not Joel. Joel and Dina's relationship was undefined in the game. And yes, in the game Ellie's tone during Day One in Seattle was more serious, despite some lighter tone dialogs with Dina. For the show, Ellie's dead-on re-focus is in episode 5 after holding a guitar. I assumed you already watched episode 5. The second season has some shuffling, including the early reveal of Abby's intention, starting with the opening scene at Firefly burial. This is widely understood by those who played the game to tone down the intense reaction to Joel's killing, because of what happened to the game's leak and reveal. There was intense hatred and death threats to the voice and MoCap actor Laura Bailey AND face model Jocelyn Mettler. With priority on safety first, the flow of the story got adjusted. There are other adjustments with Tommy due to fans desire for S1E5 level of horde attacks, which also affected the order of travel to Seattle. At this point, I wouldn't say the writers lost the care and thoughtfulness. Actually, I think they were too caring and too thoughtful. You ought to listen to the "inside episode" featurettes and may be other interviews. I'll reserve my judgement until end of this season. Those not spoiled by game story should wait until end of the season 3 for final judgement. Unlike the first game / first season where the story keeps gripping you every episode, the second game story require some patience. Only when at the end, and several days or weeks after to digest, where most of the gamers agree the story itself it's a complete masterpiece, different from the first. Many even believe second is more of the masterpiece than first. I am one of those converted.
Techie (JSC)
2025-05-17 00:12:32 +0000 UTCWow. The controversial ending of the first game / first season really got under your skin! So much you are willing to even add adjective such as "assault". Also you carry so much hatred (beyond passion) that are you just keep posting your anger! I can only imagine you posting everywhere, 24/7!
Techie (JSC)
2025-05-16 23:43:51 +0000 UTCTo your opening comments about actually getting to play as Abby, I think the show is never going to accurately portray, or live up to, the game simply because the story was so reliant on literally putting you in these characters shoes and just seeing their side of the story, which tv can't do. Once it's finished I'd definitely recommend playing it for your self.
zak
2025-05-16 23:03:12 +0000 UTCIsabella Merced Is fantastic young actress you actually already watched her on the channel before in Alien Romulus
Dylan Bollinger
2025-05-16 22:06:55 +0000 UTCThe possiblity of a 'cure' by murdering a child to 'save' the world always reminds me of Stannis the Mannis burning his daughter at the stake to win the war and become the king of the Seven Kingdoms. And that goes so well for him!
Urbanform
2025-05-16 21:01:28 +0000 UTCOne of the things they have revealed—both through the scene with the first group of Saraphites that were slaughtered, and through the more culty Saraphite Issac was interrogating is that there are two different factions of the scars. The one faction that knows "the prophet" was a human being who imparted wisdom, and the more zealous faction who viewed the prophet as some sort of god and looks on the other group as "heretics". The WLF doesn't seem to differentiate between the two groups. It always surprised me how many people don't realize that Ellie's original bite isn't just covered with a tatoo, but the bite was disguised by a huge chemical burn (that Ellie did to herself) and that was then covered by the tatoo. But I guess I shouldn't be surprised since that isn't revealed until episode 204 in the show. That info is presented differently in the game. I suppose I realistically shouldn't expect non-game players to magically have that information.
D. T. Nelson
2025-05-16 20:55:33 +0000 UTC100% Odd Thomas (great name btw). Abby in the game is more stoic, so getting to know her grief is so much more meaningful. On the show she’s a monologuing villain, like a bad film school student trying to write a *bad guy with relatable motivation* instead of a person. But frankly I feel like everyone is so much chattier on the show. Like suddenly they’re in a Robert Kirkman comic and need to say everything they think and feel. And people defend it bc TV aNd GaMeS ArE DiFFerEnt. As if adaptations are all expected to get less cinematic and use LESS visual storytelling than games.
Matthew Blackwood
2025-05-16 20:07:03 +0000 UTCIt makes me sad the show is ruining the game’s twists and turns for millions of people by giving them all the events but out of order and worse. Like, they’ll never have the impact of the mystery of where Abby came from and then getting gut-punched by it halfway through the game.
Matthew Blackwood
2025-05-16 20:00:49 +0000 UTCOn your your opening remarks, Abby's father was going to assault and murder a 14 year old, doesnt matter if it was for a 'noble' cause. First of all asking consent from a 14 year old is not valid, even if the child says yes. And thats why in the real world we ask parents or a guardian, and in Ellie's case it was Joel. If, it was Abby instead of Ellie in that situation, her father would have been okay with that? I dont think so. Marlene played an evil role by putting Ellie, an orphan and a sheltered kid in that position. It was disgusting of Marlene to tell Ellie, that she had a 'greater' purpose without giving her the complete information which included her demise. And anyone who talks about the 'cure' is laughable. The logistics aside of making the cure in that rundown hospital with one doctor and atleast 20 year old equipment, the 'cure' itself would be useless, given the state of the world. The majority of the population is dead or infected, and the majority that survived in those twenty tears did compromised things and including children upto certain age. There are militias like WLF and scars, raiders, slavers and cannibals. So whom are they going to save? Most likey the cure itself would be used as a tool against people. The cure also doesnt solve the problem of the infected and only makes people immune, try fighting a bloater or a dozen infected with that immunity. In the first season during the drive to Kansas, Joel tells Ellie "she doesnt know the world" which is true. So, for her to sacrifice her life not knowing the world she was doing it for was unfair and unjust.
Urbanform
2025-05-16 19:48:26 +0000 UTCYou NEEEEEED to watch Instant Family. Isabella Merced is so good.
Henry Sanchez
2025-05-16 19:36:41 +0000 UTCI have not played the game but my issue with the last two-three episodes is with the writing and the tone, especially with Ellie and her scenes. For the first two episodes, Ellie comes across as cocky and annoying, but we know the reason for her behavior, and it's mostly Ellie being Ellie. But after Joel gets murdered in front of her, and in such a gruesome way, I was expecting a shift in her behavior. Joel's death should have been a catalyst for a change in her personality and sadly it doesnt reflect in the show. The shift I was expecting was for her to have a more serious and mature tone, considering she is 19 and not 14 years old anymore. And later, the revenge plot takes a back seat, and Ellie and Dina's relationship becomes the focal point while the threat to their lives is high in an unknown location. And some of the scenes dont make sense, the sex scene was so out of left field. Like, who thinks of sex when someone tells you that they are pregnant? So, Joel's death and her revenge means very little at this point in time. The care and thoughtfulness that went into making the first one is missing this season. So far.
Urbanform
2025-05-16 19:12:34 +0000 UTCYea I think it's fair to criticize the writing and making Ellie a bit less focused and a bit more...casual? In the game she's hyper focused and the reaction to the pregnancy is not the same. Having said that, it's a different medium, and TV shows tend to try and interject some levity into these dark and depressing episodes. People might not want to hear it, but shows that are too dark don't get as big of an audience and following. You need some lightness as well, so to me that's probably why they changed it and made Ellie not quite as focused and dark. She's still determined, we'll still see that anger and rage and darkness come out, but in between that we'll see her having a wider range of emotions that we don't necessarily get as much in the game, mostly because the game is so much longer and you can fit in a lot more quips and things just exploring verses dedicating scenes to it.
Jay Willis
2025-05-16 18:57:35 +0000 UTCI think that's just the nature of live reacting. If someone put a camera in my face of my playthrough of Tlou2, I would disagree with a ton of my in the moments feelings relative to my overall thoughts once I finished the game. And like you said, great reaction. That's the most important thing. For me, these first 4 episodes may have been my favorite reactions from this channel to date based on their discussions alone. I'm definitely disagreeing with some thoughts, but I wouldn't change a damn thing about the way they are reacting.
Jacob
2025-05-16 18:39:47 +0000 UTCI think you should let go of all the game questions for now because you'll just tie yourself in knots about the possible differences. Take the show for what it is, then play the games after. Personally I think the games are still superior in every way.
Odd Thomas
2025-05-16 18:34:05 +0000 UTCJeffrey Wright also played Isaac in the game btw.
Helly R
2025-05-16 18:21:43 +0000 UTCOf course you are expected to sympathize more with Joel and Ellie at this point.... because, story. That's how stories work. In fact you MUST have a strong connection to Joel and Ellie and view Abbie with animosity for the story to take you where you need to go. BUT, you aren't supposed to sympathize with Pedro Pascal. I think a lot of the problems people might have is that so many have been rage quiting the show like people rage quit game two. At least those who quit the game it was because the character of Joel died (or later in the game because they learned they would have to play as Abbie). People are quitting the show because they think Pedro Pascal will no longer be in the show. But the show isn't about Pedro, and really (at this point at least) it isn't about Joel. I rage quit the second game, as well, but not because of Joel dying or having to play Abbie. That was fine. I was all in on the story. I quit because I'd spent three weeks trying to beat the biggest boss level and nothing I did seemed to make a dent in the big baddie (I still believe there was a glitch in the game mechanics).
D. T. Nelson
2025-05-16 18:13:35 +0000 UTCActually, I find the TV portrayal of Abbie much more sympathetic than the game. You didn't get any of Abbie's pain until halfway through the game. With the show you see it in her eyes right from the start.
D. T. Nelson
2025-05-16 17:56:24 +0000 UTCAbby was angry and vengeful in the game but (so far) TV show Abby is a bit more of a psycho frankly & I'm hoping they make her a more rounded character in the long term.
Odd Thomas
2025-05-16 17:22:21 +0000 UTCSeason 1 episode 1 Tess - “this has been construction corner with Joel Miller”. I think I’ve watched this show WAY too much. 🤣😂
Justtired
2025-05-16 15:31:49 +0000 UTCGreat reaction as always however George, I honestly believe (for your own benefit) you need to just let the TV show inform you about certain characters and groups when it chooses to do so, rather than fixating and asking what the video game lore is, or what differing approach may or may not have been made. Wait until the show is done first. Not doing so invites spoilers unfortunately.
MrCAL
2025-05-16 15:12:13 +0000 UTC3 months ago. 3 months. in between which her father figured died, and she was hospitalized. she wasnt just sitting around on reddit seething at a slur. bigger shit has happened, like... dozens of people dead after a horde attack.
robodong
2025-05-16 15:09:56 +0000 UTCI was going to say that you guys should play the game before the next season starts, but that would change the dynamic of the reactions too much. To be honest, I prefer seeing thoughts from people who aren't chained to their expectations from having played the game. Granted, they've already changed a lot from the original source so far, but that's what makes it interesting and stand on its own. Some won't be able to separate the two though, which have made the discussions over this season (not here specifically) so far...repetitive.
JDV
2025-05-16 15:05:37 +0000 UTCpls remember Seth did call Ellie a slur LOL
Dani
2025-05-16 15:04:25 +0000 UTCDear Simone and George, I would love to see either of you play the games on like Twitch or something. To me, the experiences were almost life-changing. I know that sounds dramatic, but I mean it! Also, your analysis were spot on. There were critics who thought Bella's performance during the conversation with the shrink were poorly acted. You saw what was really happening. I really appreciate that
Robban6948
2025-05-16 15:00:27 +0000 UTCTelling them that is spoiling what is to come
Matt88g
2025-05-16 14:44:15 +0000 UTCEpisode 4 is my favorite of this season so far.
Marko T.
2025-05-16 14:01:09 +0000 UTCIt was a five year jump remember. Owen said at the start of episode 1 that he knew a man in Seattle named Isaac who was the head of a group. He suggested they go to them for resources and help in finding Joel.
Nathan Jasper, the Artist Formerly Known as Primary
2025-05-16 13:42:15 +0000 UTCYeah, I am with you about the intimate scene in episode 4, it comes a bit too sudden. The thing is, it is a writing room issue, as in the game, Ellie and Dina have already started their relationship. I understand they wanted to make it a bit more gradual, but I don't think they made the correct decision delaying the start of the relationship so much. I suppose they wanted to build it up, with Ellie playing guitar to Dina and all. By the way, the "Take On Me" scene is completely optional in the game, and you can easily miss it if you don't explore much. The biggest issue for me is that the tone is quite more light-hearted than in the game at this point. In the game, Ellie is much more focused on her revenge, and the whole story flows much more smoothly because of it. So it gets a bit sad, as people appear to be taking it on Bella Ramsey, with all kinds of memes going around, and I don't think it is an acting issue. Finally, "Day One" is a reference to the game, it is how chapters are named, i.e. their first day in Seattle. And no, I am not saying how many days there are in the story :) Overall, I am enjoying the series, but I don't think all of the changes they did to the story are for the better this season.
Zhivko Yakimov
2025-05-16 13:17:34 +0000 UTCDina is a good planner but she freezes during intense situations or if there are deviations of the plan as we saw multiple times this episode when she kept looking back at the infected. Dina may be “competent” but when shit hits the fan, she needs Ellie to make the fast decisions like Ellie shoving her arm in front of the infected to save Dina. If you can’t have all of that in one, it’s good to have characters whose strengths outweigh the other’s weaknesses.
Ray H
2025-05-16 13:16:36 +0000 UTCUnlike Ep1/2, can I suggest we to avoid casual game spoilers in the comments.
Helly R
2025-05-16 13:06:52 +0000 UTCshe wasn't enjoying the torture. She was crying and screaming as she did it. She was in pain. If she was enjoying it, she'd be laughing like the Joker.
Nathan Jasper, the Artist Formerly Known as Primary
2025-05-16 13:05:43 +0000 UTCYour anger and dislike of Abby is correct. You're supposed to hate her character. But as the story unfolds, the question arises, can you empathize with someone you hate?
Levi Curry
2025-05-16 13:00:22 +0000 UTCWow did not realize you guys were sort of berated for episode 1 and 2. I totally agree w you George. Abby to me is a hypocrite, and she was enjoying the torture. Also the doctor gave Joel no choice (At least in the game). The creator saying that the fireflies would find a cure just feels stupid. Sure they might procure a cure but no realistic way the world would be saved from that.
Mrbluegrand
2025-05-16 12:59:20 +0000 UTCwoops!
George Simone
2025-05-16 12:40:36 +0000 UTCwoops, yes correct.
George Simone
2025-05-16 12:40:31 +0000 UTCSo it is episodes 3 & 4?
Cory Garron
2025-05-16 12:35:17 +0000 UTCNice! p.s. wrong title, guys
Ihor Krasman
2025-05-16 12:34:57 +0000 UTC
