Kean Students React to the Last Of Us Show Adaptation

By Andrey Nalbantov | Published February 16, 2023

HBO Max released the first episode of the TV show adaptation of the critically acclaimed video game “The Last Of Us” on Jan. 15 and just three episodes into the first season, it seems like the “curse” of adapting video games into shows and movies has finally been broken. 

For years many studios and producers have been trying their hardest to deliver great video game adaptations to big and small screens around the world. In most cases, those adaptations fell flat and/or failed to interpret the core material, until the release of “The Last of Us”.

“The first episode was phenomenal,” Norman Ayala, senior, and Media/Film student said. “It did an amazing job of translating the panic of the unknown danger from the screen.”

Originally published in 2013, the video game developed by Naughty Dog drops the players into a dark and violent post-apocalyptic world. A world where a dangerous fungal infection called the cordyceps has ravaged everything on its path. 

Players enter the role of Joel, a smuggler, who was given a very important item to safely deliver through ruined North America, while safely navigating through the dangers that lurk around.

The show is directed by Neil Druckmann, Naughty Dog’s co-president and creative director for the original video game, in partnership with “Chernobyl” miniseries creator Craig Mazin. 

The production is a direct adaptation that not only brings the source material back to life on the home screen but also improves and expands on it. 

The community remained divided when it came to the new additions to the storyline. Many were not very fond of them, because they were not present in the game. In contrast, others welcomed the further details and backstories with positivity, as it can give more depth and emotion to the characters.

“I personally love that the show goes more in-depth about the back stories as it gives more raw emotions for the characters and it builds to the plot,” Robyn Epstein, junior, and Media/Film student said. “[I am] not going to lie, I cried after watching episode three and seeing the backstory of Bill and Frank.”

As every Intellectual Property (IP) that is being adapted as a TV show or a movie, “The Last of Us” also was subjected to doubts by its core fan base. After the recent disappointing adaptation that was handled by Paramount of yet another beloved gaming IP, in this case, Halo, it was evident that many faithful fans of “The Last Of Us” would approach that new project with caution.

In the case of the Halo adaptation, the producers chose to completely ignore the source material.

It is safe to say that “The Last Of Us” did not follow the same path as the Halo adaptation. Currently, the show stays in the number one spot in the “25 Most Popular TV Shows Right Now: What To Watch On Streaming” section of Rotten Tomatoes with an overall rating of 96%. 

The post-apocalyptic drama has also infected viewership numbers, just as the cordyceps fungus, it has massively spread through the screens of HBO Max users. The first episode had a total of 4.7 million viewers, and the number has been going up ever since. The second episode raised its audience by 22% more, while the third by 12%.

The show has also attracted many viewers who have either never played or heard of the game before. For Epstein who had never played the game before, there were no expectations involved, and she ended up being sucked into the show instantly.

“I was immediately drawn to the series and its plot,” Epstein said. “The cinematographer was excellent and it did a great job setting up the universe.” 

Another aspect where the community has been divided involves the cast selection for the main protagonists. Game of Thrones alumni Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey step in the shoes of Joel Miller and Ellie Williams. For some of the core fans, the casting choice is inaccurate to the appearance of the original characters. 

Some criticism comes from the fact that Pedro Pascal is Hispanic, while the character he portrays is caucasian. On the other hand, many believe that the acting abilities of the actors will be enough to bring the characters to life instead.

“I had already been informed by various news outlets regarding the casting and already had high hopes for the show as well as the cast,” Ayala said. “We’re only three episodes in, and so far the actors are giving an amazing performance.”

The resounding success of the first three episodes gave the showrunners the green light for a second season. On Jan. 27, 2023, Naughty Dog confirmed on their Instagram account that the show will continue for a second season. With the great news from the announcement, a little spur of negativity was also provided by some fans. 

Neil Druckman confirmed that the second season will follow the storyline of “The Last Of Us” Part II, a game that was hated by many core fans. As considered by many to be controversial narrative choices by the developers, and the death of a beloved character were two of the main reasons why so many hardcore fans of the franchise gave “The Last Of Us” Part II negative reviews.

With the announcement of the second season, there is the hope that the showrunners will decide to make small narrative changes. Changes will keep important characters on-screen for longer, and that will take the negative feedback the developers received after the release of the second game and turn it into a new narrative for the show.

“I think it is important for the showrunners to keep the plot and the missions the same throughout the series but make sure to add those details that make the show unique,” Epstein said. “Selfishly I don’t want to see Joel die because I have come to love his character.” 

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