On January 16, the new series of The Last of Us starts in Germany on Sky and WOW. MeinMMO editor-in-chief Leya Jankowski saw all 9 episodes already, thanks to a press screener from Sky. This is her spoiler-free review as a fan of the video games.
The Last of Us is one of the best games of the last ten years for me. The plot may not be particularly original. However, it convinces through the relationship of the main characters and the atmosphere, which is both oppressive and hopeful.
After seeing the first trailers for the series, I was convinced that at least a good adaptation was coming our way. However, I did not expect it to exceed my expectations. It manages to tell some things even better than the game.
Hopelessness Captured Impressively
The starting point of The Last of Us is an epidemic that breaks down civilization. What captivates me about this universe is that the mass disease is not caused by a virus. The culprit behind the misery is a type of fungus: the Cordyceps or also known as Kernkeule in German.
These fungi are parasites that infect insects and spiders. They disturb the nervous system of the host, thus directing the muscles and will of the animals. The Last of Us extends this characteristic of nature and here the fungus infects humans. It turns them into mindless zombies, always in search of new hosts, thus biting off more and more of humanity.
For the aspiring mycologists among you: Here is the Wikipedia entry on Kernkeule.
The series takes its time to portray the mushroom apocalypse scenario and the people in it. Those who play The Last of Us have to read through numerous notes that explain in detail what has happened to humanity. The adaptation shows us right at the beginning why we as a species would have no chance against this biological catastrophe.
The desperate rescue attempts evoke an indescribable sense of discomfort because everything seems so logical and realistic. This makes it all the more impressive how fiercely humanity fights for its survival.
I often recognize the handwriting of co-author Craig Mazin, who created the series Chernobyl. It deals with the nuclear catastrophe of Chernobyl and hits you in the gut persistently. These blows are also felt in the series of The Last of Us, often only through scenery and imagery.
Perfect Casting of the Main Roles
The relationship between the two main characters Joel and Ellie is the heart of the story.
The cynical Joel is in his late 40s, brutal, and a smuggler in the apocalypse. His latest cargo is a 14-year-old girl named Ellie. She is quick-witted and brings a somewhat childlike admiration for the world, despite being born in the apocalypse.
After watching the series, I can say with certainty: There could not have been a better casting than Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey in the main roles.
The two have the right chemistry with each other to tell this story. I believe them every second, whether they are angry at each other, afraid for each other, or whether they understand and like each other.
Especially Bella Ramsey impressed me. It feels as if the role of Ellie was written for her. The quick-wittedness and impulsiveness of Ellie never seem forced with her. She even managed to bring tears to my eyes at moments when the game could never reach me like that.
Joel and Ellie are of course crucial figures. However, it should be noted that the supporting roles in the series can blossom in ways they never could in the game. Because even they get time to unfold, like the scenario itself.
The Series Utilizes the Strength of the Medium but Cannot Compensate for Its Weakness
The series of The Last of Us knows the advantages of its medium, which is consumed passively, and makes full use of it. As a player, I would be bored to death if I had to watch a supporting character manage their bitter daily life in the epidemic for half an hour. The series turns this into highlights.
After all, the game is an action-adventure. I want to loot, slay zombies! Feel my adrenaline kick when my life hangs by a thread and I only have one bullet left in the gun.
However, this is exactly the great strength in the series. Everything can have an impact on you, and the creators allow time for emotional subplots. In the game, I love to look around and let the destroyed world affect me. I become particularly melancholic when I come across devastated children’s rooms or when a teddy bear lies in the dirt – the series captures all of this at a high level.
The adaptation remains close to the original and does not tell a completely new story.
What is the great strength of the game – or all video games – is: You are actively involved. I am the one who sends Joel and Ellie on their journey, accompanying them from a first-person perspective.
I pull the trigger of the rusty gun at the end.
This feeling can of course not be captured by the series. This makes the storytelling in The Last of Us, the game, so special. Even the different perspectives you see in the game cannot be conveyed by the series. However, this is just a minor downside.
Here quickly the most important facts about the series:
- Start/Release: On the night of January 15 to 16
- Channel: Exclusively on Sky
- Director: Kantemir Balagov (Pilot), Ali Abbasi, Jasmila Žbanic, Neil Druckmann
- Writers: Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin
- Number of episodes: 9, each lasting about 45 minutes. The pilot episode lasts 85 minutes
You can find more information at our sister site GamePro.
If you now feel even more excited about adaptations into series, we have a list for you through which you will find out what is still to come this year:
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