With back to back gut wrenching and incredible episodes, this HBO series has proved all skeptics and critics wrong. 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 6 and beware that some major spoilers for the episode follow below! Review Marathon – Episode 1 / Episode 2 / Episode 3 / Episode 4 & 5.
The Last of Us Episode 6 Review – Joel and Tommy Reunite
Rating – ★★★★1/2
This HBO Original is showing no signs of stopping as each week it manages to either match or top the previous week’s episode. The Last of Us Episode 6 is surely no Episode 5 but at the same time, it is one of the best of the season. Honestly, every episode in this series is the absolute best of TV and as of now this show is in a league of its own. Episode 5 is neither an action heavy thriller episode nor a horrifying or heartbreaking tale of hopelessness. Instead it is a memorable slice of life episode which for once isn’t hopeless or sad.
Do not mistake my slice of life description as being a “filler” episode as a lot happens in this episode. One of the major plot points of the series so far has been Joel trying to find his brother Tommy which he does in this episode! Not just that, Joel and Ellie also make it to the fireflies’ research lab only to find out that it has been abandoned. But anyways, a lot of objectives were fulfilled in this episode and at the same time, it managed to be heartful and tear-jerking in a positive way. First of all, the reunion of brothers made up for an excellent moment and Gabriel Luna had a terrific screen-presence as Tommy.
Secondly, the moment where Joel opened up to Tommy is one of the best performances of Pedro Pascal I’ve ever seen. That moment made the audience relate to Joel and I discovered a new found respect for this character which further attached me to him. The scene was a tear-jerker and the heartfelt monologue by Joel not only convinced Tommy, but all the viewers. On the other hand, Ellie got to see more of the world as it was before the outbreak as somehow Tommy’s community managed to not only survive but thrive.
Finally, the bond between Ellie and Joel basically developed into a more father-daughter relationship even though Joel clearly stated she is nothing like her daughter while arguing. Anyways, by the end of the episode, they both chose to be with each other and finish the objective together as for the first time in the series, Joel actually hopes for a better future and believes that Ellie, is indeed a potential cure. Not just that, he is now a self-designated protector for Ellie and would even die for her if need be. But just like previous episodes, this one also ends with a WTF moment as Joel is fatally stabbed by one of the raiders a his life now hangs in balance. Now obviously, being the lead of the series for 2 confirmed seasons, he will surely survive. So, all in all, I’d say this episode was a hopeful and positive one.
One last thing I’d like to add before the final verdict is that the cinematography in this episode is some of the best I’ve ever seen on TV. It is as good as some of the best shot shows like Breaking Bad or The Crown or Peaky Blinders. Good cinematography, VFX, sound design, score and all technicalities is something HBO consistently nails with each of its productions, be it Game of Thrones, Westworld, Chernobyl, or House of the Dragon. So kudos to the cinematographers and the entire technical team.
Final Verdict – The Last of Us Episode 6 succeeds in being a perfect example of slice of life episodes should be in every production. It doesn’t at all drift away from the objectives or the pacing of the series, but at the same time offers a refreshing, positive, and emotional take in TLOU’s dark and messed up world.
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