Episode 1 - “When You’re Lost in the Darkness” | The Last of Us Podcast | Max

[@NHNuisance]

Did anyone else notice how they introduced the cordyceps fungus through the yeast fungus or flour in baked goods? The visibly undercooked biscuits being fed to the old woman who turns first, the cookies Sarah is given (and never eats), that Sarah and Joel eat eggs when they were meant to be eating pancakes, the cake that Joel forgets to pick up, and that Joel is on the Atkins diet, meaning that he's not eating carbs, like bread made with yeast fungus or flour.

[@menevetsny]

Nice catch there!

[@ddomi008]

Omg thank you I wondered how it transferred!? I didn’t catch this!!

[@cmdrjanjalani]

It's Atkins diet, but yes, brilliant catch. As they made a point that the infection will not be caused by spores, there has to be another way.

[@juliettetrepanier7762]

genius!!! literal 'breadcrumbs' through the episode, as the showrunners say..

[@jasondavis2995]

👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿🤯

[@ronniewhitedx]

"Love is not always a good thing" is an amazing sort of basis to go off of when creating a show like this

[@Altruistic-General]

It’s pretty key to some of the decisions near the end as well! It’s a good reading of part 1 (and to some extent part 2) themes.

[@ronniewhitedx]

@@Altruistic-General I never personally played the games just because I never had a PlayStation. I know pretty much the entire story though and it does seem like a pretty central theme to the games as well.

[@charisma-hornum-fries]

That's true for many situations.

[@AshGCG]

Outside of the show and game, love can make you do things you might not have done otherwise, and not necessarily "good" things; things that can end up ruining your life and that of those you love or merely have no desire to hurt. Now having some insight on the game's story I think this is a pretty good line that runs through from ep one and, I suspect, till the credits roll on ep nine.

[@bishbosh4815]

I think more to the point is that love is a good thing but it can make us do bad things

[@EvanFowler]

I love the dread that the the 60's talk show clip at the beginning laid over the top of everything. Such a fantastic addition to the story. Laid out the scenario and gave it tons of gravity right up front. Even got John Hannah and Christopher Heyerdahl in there to really lay it down heavily. I loved the whole episode, but the first 30 minutes really knocked me out. Just a masterclass in world-building, tension, and realism. Bravo.

[@russellshouse8998]

Crazy thing is I just read an article about a fungus that is messing with peoples lungs like A week or two ago. Climate change is definitely going to make fungal infections wayyyy more dangerous.

[@jjoeyj83]

There’s no reasons for “additions to the story”. The story has already been told. Tell it the way it was told or don’t bother imo.

[@ronniewhitedx]

If I didn't know it was made by the same people who did Chernobyl beforehand, after that scene I definitely would have.

[@williamroper5422]

I thought Josh Brener was great as the host as well. I recognized his face immediately and it bugged me for a few minutes before I finally realized he was Big Head from Silicon Valley.

[@KiibaTV]

@Joey J. glad you aren't a creativity person cause your vision sound boring

[@machelpeters2170]

Who else thought the old lady neighbour added another level of suspense...the way the dog was looking at her knowing that she was turning had me on the edge of my seat !!!!

[@thehoopman88]

Yeah she reminded me of the scene in the IT movie 🤣🤣

[@AmandaBee]

the moment where Sarah was distracted and behind her we see the old lady contorting unnaturally..... so good

[@nfrl-hs2ly]

Dogs can smell when meat goes bad...

[@NotSoYoungSheldon]

I remember the old lady on the movie "Legion" crawling in the restaurant ceiling

[@Kickstop_]

it creeped me out! it was a great addition to the scene

[@mr_manager]

The show feels like a DLC. All the new stuff is so fitting and familiar.

[@joshhudson7413]

Love how they added things that happened off screen in the games

[@EddieRobbinson]

For me, it's more like the Director's Cut Version

[@Bacbi]

​​@@joshhudson7413 Absolutely agree. It made the whole world feel more alive and bigger, you know that it's not only happening where you are. And I don't think the game is bad for not having those scenes. Nothing would stop them from cutting away and just add things as cutscenes that doesn't involve who you are playing as. But since you are the one controlling the character, it would feel like a disconnect. You having more knowledge than your protagonists. But in a show it's different. Jumping from character to character isn't as jarring. And helps build up the parallel between Joel and Ellie.

[@meisterigi007]

Drugs. I sell hardcore drugs. I'm just happy they kept the line. This series is going to be amazeballs...

[@joshhudson7413]

They used a lot more dialog from the game than I thought but I loved every second of it

[@amysteriousviewer3772]

The only thing I missed was "Goodnight, baby girl." Though granted the vibe was different enough that it might have seemed tacky.

[@diablejambe3460]

Lol, that line, along with many others, i just kept saying them in my head before they said it😂

[@mryoung0412]

Your watch is broken.

[@Bhutchin09]

I wish they kept Joel’s response tho. “Good you can start helping with the bills then” it’s a great line and funny response that shows the relationship they have. But in the show he just says “better than what I do” idk, didn’t hit the same for me. Also when Sara dies he doesn’t say don’t do this to me. But that’s all nitpicking. I’m very pleased with the balance of game stuff and new stuff.

[@cloudyaperture4910]

Just finished the episode and as a massive fan of the game, I have to say you guys absolutely nailed it out of the park. Truly incredible work. You managed to actually pull off a video game adaptation and not make it cringe and lame.

[@SQOUREE]

Yeah, it was perfect, they improved the story in some parts, the game was pretty subtle in some ways, one thing that kind of bothered me, was how soft spoken Pedro's Joel is compared to Troy's Joel, in the game he sounds more agressive and sarcastic in some parts when Pedro sounds very soft, but i think it's just because how much i played the game, it's going to take some episodes to get used to it but i will get over it, other than that, perfect

[@lilbubblegumleaks8104]

@@SQOUREE I thought pedro tho was pre harsh at the start when they’re driving in the truck. His yelling was really good.

[@SQOUREE]

@@lilbubblegumleaks8104 at the start, but i'm talking about the 20 years jump, i mean Joel in the game while he has with Tess didn't talked that much, but he had a certain tone everytime he said something, here he sounds soft, like something is missing

[@SAUD_FAISAL_678]

You must be joking, right?

[@diablonorway1816]

@@SAUD_FAISAL_678About what?

[@markperalta7722]

I love that quote "love can lead to the most intense fear and the most intense fear can result to the most intense behavior"

[@OsvaldoR10]

"When you're lost look for the light" ✍🏻

[@bowi1332]

I feel like that sentence is at the core of the writers' plan to build Joel's character and prepare the audience. Maaaybe this time they'll manage to help haters to like Part 2. 🤷‍♂️

[@OsvaldoR10]

@@bowi1332 Part 2 was even better than part 1

[@WomenRQueensNMyFaceIsTheThrome]

I'm actually looking more forward to the podcast of the episodes of part 2 to see their thought process during that game

[@mattb7479]

“Love isn’t always good.” Thank you for succinctly saying out loud what a lot of haters and naysayers still don’t understand about Joel’s story. Especially the ending of part 1. Can’t wait to see where you guys take this series. This episode, and discussion as a whole, gave me all the faith I need that this series is for real.

[@bowi1332]

True. I think they are doing a fine job building the characters and Joel/Ellie relationship. Maybe they'll manage to convert some haters in the gaming community. 🤷‍♂️ Of course, there'll always be some perma-haters. 😅

[@christophergongora7885]

What makes part 2 so much more important is the complexity of that message as it’s a strong feeling that leads to its polar opposite and consumes one to another self

[@coreypendergraft2904]

I can’t believe what you all achieved with this episode. And the acting…just wow.

[@AhmedSaeed97]

The adaptation is spot on, and Pedro Pascal as Joel? Perfection. The art direction and set pieces are next level, it's like the game came to life in front of my eyes. And the world-building? Damn! The attention to detail in the world-building is impressive, from the decaying buildings to the ravaged landscapes. Overall, the pilot episode is a triumph and sets a high bar for the rest of the series.

[@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768]

He sucked as joel

[@jjoeyj83]

You guys are super easy to please. This episode was so rushed and lazy. Made changes just for the sake of making them for no reason at all.

[@TheShakan973]

@@jjoeyj83 cry somewhere else

[@jjoeyj83]

@@TheShakan973 be basic somewhere else.

[@AndersonClips]

joel is white...

[@Pradatiz]

Bravo. A truly wonderful watching experience. Watching with my dad and mom was surreal. “He is always on that damn game downstairs”. They can finally appreciate and understand a story that only I was able to enjoy, and finally realize that all of the hours downstairs spent on PlayStation was because of my love for the art created.

[@NotSoYoungSheldon]

Thats really cool sharing it with someone, especially your parents. Too bad Im the only one in the family whose into games.

[@mikelemos87]

Wow that's so great to hear! My parents were always complaining about me playing video games too growing up. I'm also the only one that plays video games.

[@SinistarFirefox]

Really cool that you can relate to your parents!! For me it's my wife and friends who have never played the game 😁

[@haekalans]

A podcast after every episode is such a cool idea I'm loving this!

[@b71488]

They have one for band of brothers and the sopranos as well!

[@priestholmes8931]

@@b71488 breaking bad, better call Saul, Chernobyl

[@mrturtle6574]

@@priestholmes8931 The Chernobyl one was so good, especially the bonus episode with Jared Harris. I also love getting the insight into how Craig thinks

[@Kickstop_]

@@b71488 they do?? oh man I have to listen to that when I have the time

[@youngnat]

HBO did this with House Of The Dragons, I wasn’t expecting Troy to be hosting this one though.

[@DomTheBomb]

The whole team deserves the praise easily the best video game adaptation and we are only one episode in 🥂

[@mirrojas]

I love what you three said about being a parent. You’re told when you become a first time parent that you’ll know a love that you’ve never felt before, it transcends everything but no one talks about the dark side of it for lack of better words. I can’t imagine what loosing a child would do to me because my child is everything. They’re innocent & that’s why I relate to Joel so much.

[@botenjohn1752]

Give marketing people a raise. This is an insanely good idea. I have never subscribed HBO max and yesterday purchased 3 months in a heart beat just because I feel the passion of all the staff on this show

[@tjmackie4815]

I went in going ‘there is no way they will get me again…’ I cried harder than I did on my first play through! What an episode

[@Shaun72]

Yeah, I was thinking the same but was gone as soon as Joel picked Sarah up and said keep your eyes on me. First the game (lost count), now the series. What's next, Tlou the musical?.... 😳 OMG please no 😌

[@jessipeculiar]

Yup... me too bawled my eyes out!

[@Shaun72]

@@jessipeculiar yep had me twice. Damn Nico Parker was good. Gonna watch it again tonight. Fairplay, I am hooked.

[@jessipeculiar]

@@Shaun72 I was so scared that it would be just like all the Resident Evil atrocities... I couldn't stand to have another of my favourite games ruined and then this masterpiece of an episode comes along. I've also watched it twice now😁

[@jdksdj11]

@@jessipeculiar One day we will get Resident Evil adaptation made by HBO. I hope.

[@machodgdon]

Pedro Pascal being casted as Joel just might be one of the best castings of any show in recent memory

[@misterderp4566]

Talking out of school, but the first day on set, he didn't have the voice. Turns out he NAILED it in the final product -- I can't imagine anyone else as Joel right now. Pedro rules, Troy rules, Craig rules, Neil rules, Bella rules. This is going to be a GREAT season of television.

[@Fotosynthesis858]

I think casting Ice Cubes son (O'Shea Jackson Jr) to play Ice Cube in the movie, “Straight Outta Compton” was an even better depiction tbh. One of the best likenesses I’ve ever seen.

[@darkspeed62]

I know, right? His natural voice matches Troy's version of Joel perfectly!

[@misterderp4566]

@@darkspeed62 For sure! It's crazy how a different human being doesn't sound or look like someone that is not him!

[@misterderp4566]

Even crazier that the one guy was digitally replaced!

[@andrez96ayala72]

I am just out of words. I’ve played this game so many times never get tired of it and after watching the episode its absolutely out of this world! I was literally watching it standing up could not sit down for this. Love this game/show!!! 💯

[@_sludge_]

I was so astonished by the way you portrayed the father and daughter relationship you did with Joel and Sarah. I love this series.

[@20storiesunder]

Felt very real

[@ArsynZ]

So far, this works. The characters are real to the source material and even with subtle changes, it still has a tense atmosphere even knowing what happens to some of them. I love Anna Torv as well, didn't know she was a part of it and obviously Pedro and Bella are spot on. Can't wait to watch more.

[@BoredXGuitaristX]

This episode left me shaking with excitement. The best video game series adaptation to date; it leaves me speechless and its clever that they changed the year from 2013 to 2003 to fully immerse the audience with the current year.

[@shanecunningham5802]

Is the time change more immersive? Neil Druckmann stated that he didn't want the show set in the 2043 because the story taking place in the future would cause a disconnect with the audience. But we all know that this outbreak didn't happen in 2003, so this must be an alternate universe, which seems like a further disconnect than just the future is. As for it taking place in the current year, there's no technology or anything that can be dated as 2023 so it really doesn't matter what year the post apocalypse takes place in. This change made no sense to me.

[@damn8759]

@@shanecunningham5802 touch some grass

[@elsaandersson1652]

@@shanecunningham5802 well most shows are in an alternative universe

[@shanecunningham5802]

@Elsa Andersson Totally. Almost all entertainment media is, but my point is that (their) logic behind making it more relatable by setting it in an alternate universe instead of our future makes exactly no sense. Like, do you identify more with "Children of Men" set a few decades into our bleak future or "Star Wars" set a long time ago, in a galaxy far away? I'm not saying what they did is wrong, just that no one can agree with that logic, especially when your apocalypse has no technology or modern references to tie it to the current year of 2023.

[@elsaandersson1652]

@@shanecunningham5802 i personally like that it is put in 2023. and in the start they said "what if the earth got a little bit warmer" which is happing now. so i see it as a alternitive universe/future. But i really enjoyed it, to me it felt better than for example the hunger games that is set in the future. But i guess its all up to personal prefrences

[@Braedon2011.]

I haven’t cried in any media like that since the closing of Part 2. I cried because it was so good, but I also cried because my god they did it so right

[@ElyseTram]

You guys did an incredible job. And it's so good to hear Craig geek out about the story! Great to know the passion is real!

[@warnshot]

They really NAILED IT. What a first episode, fantastic! Can’t wait for next week!

[@mindofinception3991]

Reliving that scene with Joel and his daughter in her last moments left me speechless and emotional once again after many years from playing the game never would have imagined to feel that again. This is incredible 🥹

[@siwa9878]

I'm a huge Depeche Mode fan. I'm so happy that they talked about Never let me Down Again. A perfect song for the end of this episode.

[@gilbearth17]

That was an amazing pilot!! Kudos to the whole team. Still tear up on Sarah’s death even after seeing that for so many times in the game.

[@kellieanderson6274]

Me to bawling like a baby. It gets me every single time 🥺

[@Shaun72]

@@kellieanderson6274 saaaamme 🙄...🥹

[@OsvaldoR10]

Crybaby

[@MrGibbonici]

Yeah, Sarah's death hit me harder in the show than it did in the game. It's a sign of good storytelling when you find yourself forgetting you already know the story because you get so absorbed in the minute-to-minute of it.

[@phillyjackson45]

HBO got another banger on their hands. So true to the game but also different 💯

[@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768]

Nope they sucked

[@theindependentvariable2862]

@@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768 k

[@Josh0205]

@@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768 you must be a fun person

[@HiItsMars]

@@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768 Deadpool is supposed to be funny but you’re just a 🤡

[@RandyReviews1990]

@@wadereynoldsdeadpool5768 marvel fan boys are the worst Deadpool is the weakest character entering in the mcu lol.

[@ameliapotter627]

I’m in the uk and stayed up to watch it live at 2am 😂 I’ve been a fan since 2013 when I was 14 like Ellie, so I feel a very strong connection to this franchise, it’s my favourite game ever. I still remember the first time I played it, how it made me feel; I’ve never had that feeling from any other game (although left behind and part ii did come close). I was so excited but also anxious when finding out the show was being made, because I knew they had such big shoes to fill; the story, the characters, the sets, special effects would have to be stellar to get it just right. Well, when watching early this morning, I was blown away by how spot on they’ve captured it and how they have fleshed out the story even further. My jaw was on the floor, I was in tears; it took me straight back to being a 14 year old sat on the living room floor with my ps3 controller in hand. Bravo to the amazing creatives who made this show possible, I’m so excited to watch the episode again and of course see what happens next ❤️

[@OsvaldoR10]

Part 2 was better than part 1

[@Quzga]

Same here! I'm 26 now and played the game on release, love it so much. Know exactly what you mean about being teleported back to that moment. Can't wait to see the rest

[@RandyReviews1990]

@@OsvaldoR10 ill wait until i see season 2 make that call lol.

[@GarthVonMaraner]

The intro really gave me the feels...it is a great way to assure fans that this show is really The Last of Us we have come to know and love 10 years ago. 👍

[@refahel]

I can hear the passion, excitement and profound thought that was poured into the show. I'm so happy that Craig and Neil found each other.

[@littleflowers7678]

Watching the show while eating cookies and then figuring out the flour and yeast part was an experience indeed

[@CJLevy]

This podcast is the medicine that will soothe withdrawal symptoms between episodes. 🙏

[@Theblackout292]

I am in awe in how good the first episode is, Bella kills it as Ellie and Pedro IS Joel. Can’t wait to see more.

[@omarumaromerumer]

I dont think theres anybody apart from Craig Mazin who could have made such a beautiful rendition of the game. It's pretty clear at 3:10 that he gets the crux of the feeling it resonates with everyone who has played and loved it.

[@danf6513]

"he doesn't love me, he's dependent on me - it's not the same." ----Joel's quip hits way different after Neil and Craig's comments on the harm people do out of so-called "love"

[@SteveSamson15]

So happy to see The Leftovers getting appreciation. It’s one of the best shows ever made. One of my favs. And I’m happy to see it’s one of Neil’s favourite as well.

[@vllls642]

I was thinking the same thing. If you think about it, The Last of Us and The Leftovers have alot in common when it comes to themes and characters.

[@SteveSamson15]

@@vllls642 Very very true. Both in their core are dystopian themed and are about loss & grief.

[@Shaun72]

Super relieved after watching the first episode. I loved it. The little extra we get of Sarah (Nico Parker was amazing btw), that sense of dread was brilliant and tbh I didn't think I'd cry but soon as Joel said look at, just me .. gone ... And again moments later. Tess the Joel whisperer! I love that and so true in this. And so glad this episode was not split into two parts, such a good call to have the first episode feature length. Can't wait for episode 2 And your next podcast. Thank you Troy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿😁 🙏🏼

[@StanleySThomas]

LOVED the first episode! I do wish these were videos alongside the podcast releases. Would love to see Troy, Neil, and Craig on camera doing these interviews and in depth episode explanations.

[@JoeGrizz1y]

I really want to praise the first 1/3 of this episode. The talk show to the 20 year jump was absolutely stunningly dramatic, beautiful, and scary at the same time. That opening scene blanketed the dread over the episode while allowing the slow build up and moments of small “signs” to really glow. The kid twitching in class, the old grandmas distorted actions, and police/military presence was slowly shown in the most perfect way.

[@PlaytymeLiveGaming]

I loved the little nuances they added to the story that wasn’t in the game and I know this is only the first episode but I think we got a dope show on our hands people 🎉🙏🏽

[@Jada.Tammyy]

I loved the first ep, Nico Parker and Pedro Pascal were amazing acting that scene. Same as the original in the videogame, I cried A LOT man. Congratulations!!😭💐

[@agentreign228]

Absolutely loved this. I finished the episode and I couldn't just go to sleep. I needed more. I need to marinate in the greatness I had just experienced. As a HUGE fan of the game, the premiere episode was everything. This podcast only elevated what was already an amazing experience. I loved to see some of my own thoughts while watching the show confirmed and validated while also learning new things about the behind the scenes and the thought process while creating this show. Thank you so much for this. Will definitely be back next week for more.

[@Shaun72]

I watched the premier at 2am (🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿) was tempted to watch it again... I'll watch it again tonight. Really enjoyed the podcast for the same reasons too.

[@thehoopman88]

@@Shaun72 same bro ... I'm gonna watch a second time when it's airs before episode 2 next week 😃

[@Shaun72]

@@thehoopman88 thas a good idea. Plus they said in the podcast, there are bits and bobs that carry forward into the series. 🕵🏻

[@jjoeyj83]

If you’re truly a fan of the game, I don’t know how you enjoyed this episode. It was so lazy. Trying to paint Joel as some sympathetic character with PTSD rather than the hardened survivor he is. There’s a reason Joel can walk to the front of lines, and why bad guys are afraid of him, and it’s not because Marlene fights his battles for him. I don’t understand that change at all. Just made the whole getting to know who Joel is seem lazy and uninteresting.

[@Shaun72]

@@jjoeyj83 ??? When did Marlene fight Joel's battles for him? I didn't see or get any sense of that. I get it if you didn't like the show but that doesn't mean someone like myself who is a "true" fan of the game can't enjoy this first episode.

[@nickhoadley6789]

Such a W. They really did it. A perfect video game adaptation

[@monsterking1973]

Have Troy baker for the podcast is amazing will be listening to this

[@justinmccarty3886]

Very enjoyable first episode. Highlight was nana changing in the background while Sarah is bopping about blissfully unawares.

[@ahmyakm9176]

my fav parts 26:40 (tess and joel's dynamic) 28:25 34:40 (ellie and joel's conversation) 36:00 to 40:00 (proper use of flashback, pedro's acting, last scene) 40:30 (use of the depreche mode's "Never let me down again" and its connection to joel and ellie)

[@fintanbochra]

Another certified hood classic

[@anabelle3573]

It wasn't time that cured me. this sentence alone sums up the filial love that is created and strengthened between joel and ellie through their ordeals

[@SuperBrentendo89]

Man, I’m so glad they decided to do this companion podcast. Love hearing all these behind the scenes details. And it makes it so much more evident that they really know what they’re doing with this adaptation.

[@RandyReviews1990]

me too iam obsessed with this series and podcast just curious if were getting the next episode on Friday will the podcast drop on Friday or on Sunday?

[@HenriqueRodriguesHRPM]

I don't have an KZbin subscription and THANK YOU HBO! for not interrupting the podcast (with ads) while I'm listening to it ♥

[@OsaculnenolajO]

It's really awesome hearing Craig's appreciation and dissection of the source material. You can tell he has really picked this apart piece by piece and wants to create the absolute best adaptation he can. They are such a good combo.

[@Will777JP]

Yes, that opening was awesome. Plus the way you guys filled "the blanks" such as having breakfast was genius 👌

[@AGoodVibe]

As someone who has been with the series since the beginning, I’m so glad this series will provide a larger audience with an opportunity to experience this story. Beautiful work.

[@BiLLz66614]

Dude... it literally delivers everything the game did but expanded. So far soooo goood. i love it.

[@WhataRichard]

I am sooooo all the way in on this show....I cannot begin to describe how much I enjoyed the episode and the podcast! You do us us all a huge service by enhancing the nuance of Storytelling....I literally am counting the minutes to episode 2 (just under 8500 min and BTW.)

[@LegioneSacra]

Another homerun for HBO . You really have the best worker in every category of cinematografy.

[@BB-tt6fl]

The show is awesome so far and can’t wait for the rest of the episodes. Also, thank you for having this podcast too, as I’ll definitely be listening to it after each episode.

[@PeterDB90]

If I had one complaint about the episode so far, it's only that they really rushed the Ellie's infected/immune/showing bite mark scene. They just kind went, "I'm infected, but I'm immune and we don't have time to discuss because soldiers are coming so we need to go right now now now"

[@AmandaBee]

I'm hoping they discuss it more at the start of the next episode

[@haydensmith144]

It did kinda happen in the game tho. They had to run for soldiers

[@sentientmustache8360]

As long as they properly address it in episode 2 i will not have a problem with it

[@billaniii]

@@haydensmith144 Not really the same at all though…? They had time to stand around for a while and tess even pointed a gun at her. I like that they didnt stand around for as long because theyre smarter than that, but they shouldve done SOMETHING to emphasise how important and shocking it is to the characters. The viewer might be shocked, but they didnt really show it much with the characters. even if they just kept tess pointing a gun at her before they had to run away it wouldve been better. Theyll talk abt it more in the next ep, but that was supposed to be the crazy big reveal

[@caikelm5766]

I think they will give it a lot more attention in the next episode. It'll probably be that scene from the trailer where Joel says "if she so much as twitches..."

[@astroman7718]

im so freaking happy they got joels OG voice actor in charge of the shows podcast almost like talking dead but miles better, Troy deserves the spotlight as he laid the foundation for the show, Pedro kills it as joel but no one will beat Troys performance as joel.

[@GottaLookInwardToSeeOutward]

can't wait to see ashley and troy on my screen too

[@thehoopman88]

Yep 😁😁😁

[@Lilbee730]

So stoked for that!

[@justinmills1721]

What a thrill to see this amazing story brought to life so perfectly. Love all of the critical acclaim and really excited to see HBO throwing so much support behind this. I really hope non-gamers will give it a chance.

[@amishbee2879]

Phenomenal, like I’m still amazed at how this turned out.

[@goattea9080]

Great job on the pilot! As a fan of the first Last of Us for almost 10 years now, I am very pleased with how it has been adapted to TV so far. Really liked the change with Joel and the soldier at the end there. Looking forward to the rest of the season.

[@MyNameIsAhj]

I was definitely glad to get more context on the characters and where they were in this story

[@SmiloRen55]

Simply amazing. Thank you so much for this series ❤️❤️

[@scotter23]

Every show should have a podcast like this

[@M4ss4Shut1ns]

Awesome first episode! Can’t wait for the next episodes… this podcast companion adds a lot to it

[@nerdmommy7114]

I am here listening finally to the podcast after watching the full season again. I don’t want to be influenced by what I thought of it all throughout the season. And all I can say is, job well done team! Everyone who was behind the show, not just Mazin and Druckmann, was so awesome! Thank you!!!!

[@muncus9599]

Episode one was fantastic. Thanks!

[@bloodmime]

I am so glad this podcast exists. I love hearing insights into this whole process. Brilliant show!

[@WomenRQueensNMyFaceIsTheThrome]

💯💯

[@The_Story_Of_Us]

Okay now I love Dina even more, knowing Shannon might be directly responsible for this tv series even existing as it turned out.

[@markperalta7722]

Happy to hear craig mazins voice again explaining his work. I love Chernobyl and the podcast of it i rewatch it every once in awhile

[@phthalojohan]

Of course we'll watch episode 2.Can't wait for sunday to arrive!

[@mercedesc607]

I love that the creators and Troy are just as passionate about this story as I am. The game is one of my ~special interests~ lol. I could listen to this podcast all day. it’s so interesting. I always wondered how a show like this starts, how it’s planned out, etc. the passion translates so well through it all. Great job guys.

[@cineblue21]

Thank you so much for this podcast as well. Great to hear every little thing about the show from Craig and Neil.

[@darryle4066]

Loved it! So many little scenes that call back to game perfectly. Great job!

[@Ripperoni]

Shot for shot I loved how much they used that was EXACTLY like the game. Obviously they had to do more for the show but I really enjoyed the details. Sarahs necklace, Tommy’s voice on the phone, even Joel’s watch is broken identically to the game.

[@JADub87]

I love TLOU1 & TLOU2. This universe always delivers in my opinion. HBO...you guys did this! I'm about to rewatch it in a minute. Thank You HBO/Sony/Naughty Dog! 🔥👏🏾💯

[@ronpodolfo2381]

@LikeNobodii Imagine not letting people like a videogame, L take. The fact that you're still salty about that game is factually, straight up, 100% coping.

[@fl1490]

@TheFillion739629015TFIt won GOTY, cope 😂

[@Jack91790]

@LikeNobodii Projection. You're mad cause that smeer campaign is going to wane with time.

[@Namzzi]

@@fl1490 Everyone knows Ghosts of Tsushima was objectively GOTY. Game journalists are pressured to conform to "woke" media. The writing for TLOU2 was drivel, but your standards for entertainment are too low to see that. It was written 7 years later by someone inept and incapable of directing the franchise. Cope

[@fl1490]

@@Namzzi Lmao I can’t take anyone seriously who use the word “woke” unironically 😂 If GOT was better, it would’ve won GOTY

[@Treeshousepodcast]

CURRENTLY PLAYING LAST OF US 2 AND NOW WATCHING THE MOVIE AM JUST OVERWHELED WITH JOOOOY... THANK YOU LAST OF US.. I WISH I COULD BE IN ONE OF THE CAST

[@Sunny-ip7um]

Six Feet Under! Yes Neil, I am so glad you're a huge fan too! My favourite show and why I love your creation, TLOU. ❤️

[@superwaynem]

Glad to hear they kept the first episode as it was rather than splitting in tow parts. It’s kept me thoroughly engaged and that’s coming from being a massive fan of the games. Felt like I unlocked an extended directors cut of the game but obviously on tv. Can’t wait to see the next episode.

[@Thundernoob98]

“ a cutscene is usually 1-5 minutes long” *Hideo kojima has entered the chat*

[@TheBearAspirin]

Months later, let's acknowledge the unsung hero of the nucleus of this amazing show: Shannon Woodward who played Dina in TLOU2 and Elsie in "Westworld" who is buddies with everyone involved and introduced these geniuses to one another.

[@jason-gf8dg]

I can't wait to see more of bella ramsay this was excellent introduction.

[@melissak8419]

I remember watching a video of an insect being taken over by a fungus a while ago, and someone in the comments mentioned how it happens in a video game called the Last of Us, and finally it's here. Love seeing Oberyn from Game of Thrones, Pedro Pascal (also from Narcos and Mandalorian), and Bella Ramsey/ Lady Mormont from GoT as well. With great actors and the stunning dystopian cinematography, I think HBO has a hit with this pilot, a new take on the zombie genre, giving us the cause at the beginning with a fungus being the cause this time.

[@musicprodoctor8145]

I have no words to what i just saw. One of the best adaptation, if not the best ever. All the scenes, the direction, the details, the protagonists .. damn damn and damn ! This was amazing, cant wait for next episode

[@xavierrobinson8810]

Wow they did an amazing job on this just like the game can’t wait for next week.

[@kallistoindrani5689]

That scene with the dead child and Joel putting it in the fire is heartbreaking!

[@GottaLookInwardToSeeOutward]

awesome freakin ep can't wait for next week

[@nibhanraheem]

I love how much addition the show is going to bring to the actual lore and the world building of the TLOU universe, everything has more weight now, even replaying Part 1 again

[@chocolate9747]

I love the first episode. They stayed true to the original, and even when they took liberties, they made sense and were amazing. The actor that played Sarah bro, 😭😩🥺 I wish she stayed in the series

[@Shaun72]

I thought Nico Parker was *amazing* 👏👏

[@stardust6840]

Absolutely agree, Nico Parker did such an amazing job!

[@wiseman_4u]

I absolutely ADORED this episode in every sense of the word, one of the only small nitpicks I have is that I wish they didn't show the opening credits until after Sarah's death scene. In the game, after Sarah dies we get the opening credits and it really helps you just sit and process what just happened for a couple minutes before going back into the story. In the show, they go right into the timejump after she dies which felt a bit abrupt imo. I hope I'm not the only one who felt this way!

[@ddomi008]

Loved the opening with the scientific fungus info. Great idea to set the stage.

[@dionnewallaceii5879]

“Bits of bread crumbs” literally hinting at one of the details in the first episode. How the outbreak started. There’s so many obvious details where our main characters avoid bread/flour.

[@PeterDB90]

Despite the fact that Bella doesn't look very much like Ellie, she nails the part, she acted very well, but when it comes to Pedro Pascal - I really like him as an actor, but he seems like a much less gritty version of Joel. Pedro is portraying a Joel who is just doing enough to survive, someone who is not afraid to bend rules but is still cautious about it. The Joel in the games is much more raw to the point that he's shown to not be afraid to be violent to get his way. The way he and Tess beat up and kill Robert in the games shows that Joel is a tough, get-it-done no matter how many people have to die kind of guy. It's subtle, but the change is there - I still absolutely love the show though and can't wait to see where they take it next. Episode one so far has me sold on it.

[@nessew7835]

This is peak television. Best pilot episode i’ve ever seen

[@Kickstop_]

"there's a hardness to her" exactly how I felt watching her on screen. Anna Torv was brilliantly cast and bringing Tess to life was a beautiful thing to see.

[@KidAstronaut]

I LOVED the intro scene. New content and context inside the story is my favorite aspect of what we’re gonna see.