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Exploring the Impact of HBO’s The Last of Us on Television
This article draws insights from TV Guide Magazine’s special issue, The Last of Us: The Ultimate Survival Story. For those seeking an in-depth examination of the acclaimed HBO series, including exclusive behind-the-scenes details and a look ahead to its highly awaited second season, the issue will be available on newsstands on April 11, or can be ordered online here.
Reflecting on my journey as a television critic, I realize that my exposure to the world of video games has been minimal. Therefore, when HBO offered journalists a preview of The Last of Us in December 2022, I approached it with a degree of skepticism regarding its potential to resonate outside the gaming community.
However, the experience was akin to unwrapping an unexpected gift. I found myself quickly absorbed in the series’ intense post-apocalyptic narrative centered on Joel Miller (played by Pedro Pascal) and his spirited teenage companion, Ellie (portrayed by Bella Ramsey). Their perilous journey through a devastated America not only showcases the threats they face but also reveals moments of grace, wonder, and unexpected beauty—like the unforgettable scene with a giraffe. My unfamiliarity with video games did not prevent me from recognizing that this series has crafted one of the most compelling stories in recent years.
In many ways, The Last of Us has emerged as the new benchmark for HBO, succeeding shows like Game of Thrones in both audience engagement and critical praise. The series moves beyond traditional sci-fi, fantasy, and horror tropes, richly imbued with a profound sense of humanity. It feels as though a collaboration between literary giants Stephen King and Cormac McCarthy would yield a deeply emotional, suspenseful adventure—an endeavor that simultaneously honors the tradition of artistry in monster creation echoing the work of special effects pioneers like Ray Harryhausen and Rick Baker.
Creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, who also co-directed the original video game, have garnered a level of respect usually reserved for the most significant dramatic works, standing shoulder to shoulder with acclaimed HBO series such as Succession and The Sopranos. Notably, it is uncommon for a riveting thriller to capture accolades from prestigious bodies like the Peabody Awards.
The Peabody board lauded the series, stating: “Post-apocalyptic settings have long haunted our fictions, serving as evocative canvases for exploring the human experience… [The Last of Us is a] meditation on love and loss—how love can shape individuals, for better or worse.” Among its highlights, the jury pointed out the deeply affecting third episode, “Long, Long Time,” which narrates a nearly two-decade romance between two survivors. They concluded that the show deserved recognition for its artistic translation from video game to screen, setting a new standard for adaptations in this genre.
Furthermore, The American Film Institute recognized The Last of Us as one of 2023’s top ten series, commending Mazin and Druckmann for expanding character boundaries while exploring enduring fears prevalent in our post-pandemic reality. The dynamic between Pascal and Ramsey’s characters provides an emotional core for this harrowing narrative.
With 24 Emmy nominations for its debut season, the series claimed eight awards, spotlighting guest performances by Nick Offerman and Storm Reid. There is no denying that The Last of Us has redefined the benchmarks for engaging, thought-provoking television.
In its inaugural episode, the series made an impression reminiscent of Alfred Hitchcock’s work, illustrating the world’s end from a perspective that initially feels mundane but becomes hauntingly profound. The tension established in the first half-hour, akin to the fatalistic journey of Janet Leigh in Psycho, leaves a lasting impact on the viewer and the protagonist alike. The storytelling beautifully contrasts that with Ellie’s innocent joy of riding in a car for the first time, years after the initial catastrophe.
Even as a long-time enthusiast of horror and suspense, the sequences that resonated most with me throughout Season One were not merely those of fear and danger. I found lasting beauty in the moments where Joel and Ellie pause to appreciate what remains of life amidst devastation. Ellie’s witty remarks and shared laughs remind us of the simple joys that can still persist. When Joel asks her if life is everything she hoped for, her reply encapsulates the essence of their story: “It’s got its ups and downs, but you can’t deny that view.”
Looking ahead, I am eager to see where Joel and Ellie’s journey takes them next. The anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable, and I trust it will deliver on both the thrills and the heart that have made this series so vital.
The Last of Us, Season 2 Premiere, Sunday, April 13, 9/8c, HBO & Max
Source
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