After two incredible episodes which get you hooked instantaneously, hopes are really high for this HBO series. I mean you know a quality show when you see one and The Last of Us is definitely up there with the most quality shows ever made. It doesn’t matter if you have played The Last of Us games or not, this show is clearly for everyone. With the execution, direction, and performances we have seen so far and the solid source material backing it, we sure are in for a exhilarating ride. Now without further ado, lets dive deep into our verdict for HBO’s The Last of Us Episode 3 and beware that some major spoilers for the episode follow below! Review Marathon – Episode 1, and Episode 2.
The Last of Us Episode 3 – What Happened to Bill and Frank in the Games?
Rating – ★★★★★
I am not kidding when I say that The Last of Us Episode 3 is the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in a while. I definitely didn’t expect such an episode from a dark post apocalyptic show as this episode turned out to be more emotional and hopeful than most of the rom-coms or fantasy stuff these days. The episode begins and ends with Joel and Ellie, but rest of the episode is entirely focused on two minor characters from the games – Bill and Frank. I was eagerly waiting to see Nick Offerman on screen and goddamn, he didn’t disappoint with his heartfelt portrayal of Bill. Its a shame we won’t see more of him as he is by far my favorite character of the series.
I know some of you might be cribbing about how they altered their stories from the games. But it doesn’t matter how much they deviate as long as they keep delivering such masterclass episodes while keeping the basic essence of TLOU intact. Because honestly, if you choose to hate on this wonderful episode just cause it’s not like the game, then maybe you should just play the game again. They basically worked on the same themes as the game but made it even better and much more hopeful. The themes being survival, hope, sacrifice, and motivating Joel to care for Ellie. If you are wondering what happened in the games though, the next paragraph will explain that.
In the game, Bill and Frank are mentioned to be partners (unclear romantic or not) and have minor roles to play. After surviving 20 years together, Frank leaves Bill after a big argument, gets bitten by the infected and then hangs himself leaving a note for Bill. Later when Joel and Ellie arrive at Bill’s they ask him for his truck and battery. So the trio go on a short quest to find the battery which they later find at the spot Frank hung himself and Bill reads his final letter. Bill is devastated as in the letter Frank wrote about how Bill was right he won’t survive without him but how he’d rather die than live one more day with Bill. After that Joel and Ellie leave with the truck and battery and we never hear from Bill again. So, yes, in the games Frank still commits suicide but Bill survives, devastated and heartbroken.
The show instead showcased a story of hope where a cynical Bill falls in love with Frank, protects him, lives with him, serves him, and then finally dies with him at their own will. So, even in such a messed up and dark world, viewers are greeted with a hopeful yet gut-wrenching tale of love and devotion. Apart from the powerful performances by Nick Offerman and Murray Barlett, whoever chose to add “On The Nature of Daylight” track to the episode deserves a huge round of applause. The track was also used in Shutter Island (2010) and Arrival (2016), but it fits to aptly here, that viewers couldn’t hold back tears as they saw Bill and Frank live out their last perfect day together.
As for Joel and Ellie, they sure got much closer in this episode although Joel was clearly suffering from the loss of Tess. In the end Bill’s letter motivated him to look out for the people he cares for, and even though he has already lost Tess, he now has a new goal – protecting Ellie. Lastly, I absolutely adored the little moments where Ellie enjoyed things from pre-outbreak world like crashed airplanes, sitting inside a car, hot water, arcade machine etc. It just adds a lot to the world building as well as character growth and at the same time, make us aware of the grim reality of the post-outbreak world.
Final Verdict – The Last of Us Episode 3 is definitely the best episode so far and one of the best thing on TV right now. And once again, if you do not like these changes, play the game again instead of spoiling the fun for the non-gamers!
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