Episode 3 - “Long, Long Time” | The Last of Us Podcast | Max

[@alexlazzerly3677]

Casting Nick Offerman who is known for being super manly and masculine as Bill was a stroke of genius. Especially after we get to see the more vulnerable and intimate sides to him in this episode. He was perfect in the role.

[@PeriodDrama]

Is he known for being super manly and masculine?

[@malmaller2375]

​@@PeriodDrama Have you never heard of Nick Offerman before?

[@trib22]

Manly and masculine, for sure. But also well known for being a profoundly thoughtful, progressive, considered man whose masculinity doesn't get in the way of his humanity. As someone around the same age as Nick, I aspire to his human excellence in all things. He is an ideal casting for Bill, and not just on the way he looks.

[@PeriodDrama]

@@malmaller2375 Ive only seen him in Devs and he wasn’t very masculine in that, I don’t watch the US version of the office, I think it sucks.

[@RandalReid]

@@PeriodDrama He was in Parks and Rec, not The Office

[@MrCaoilan]

These guys just continue to prove that they know how to expand upon the story and not ruin the source material. Bravo guys.

[@pickledparsleyparty]

Yeah, it's fun that there are major differences between the two. It makes it fun both to watch the show and to play the game.

[@Evilshtt353]

Well Neil is heavily involved so of course that'd be the case.

[@harrydubois6619]

I will never understand people who think the last of us 2 was good

[@mattewmock9366]

I will never understand people who don't life it. See it works both ways. People need to get over it. If you don't like that's fine, just stop bringing it up.

[@Wolfsburge]

Sincerely.. I was so worried about this show .. but this just proves that games can be on the screen besides cutscenes.

[@xikaryo6735]

Nick Offerman absolutely killed it. My wife was crying like a kid during the strawberry scene. It’s impressive how little action there was in that episode and the hour flew by faster than the previous two episodes for me. Just another perfect example of how masterful storytelling can really elevate a show more than action could, and I say that as an action fanboy who has Mad Max: Fury Road, The Raid 1 + 2, and the John Wick trilogy as his favorite movies in the last 10 years lol. Brilliant, brilliant episode. I recognized the other guy from White Lotus, who did great too, but Nick Offerman really deserves an Emmy here or something. 👍

[@ShonuffDaMasta]

Sir I just wanted to say you have great taste in action movies. P.S. I’ll throw you a ladder if you fall in my hole.

[@ashleyhoughton8592]

"Not on the strawberries"

[@megalodonenthusiasts3991]

Rest in peace Annie Wersching, my condolences to her friends and family. Another brilliant and beautiful episode. I can't wait for season 2.

[@lawbinson]

This is crazy… Rest in peace

[@liamstanley5599]

RIP

[@Shaun72]

Episode 2 hurts a lot more now. 😔💔

[@Oregonduck09]

Let's finish this season. Why are you all so obsessed with getting to season 2 so quickly.

[@MisterK-YT]

Who’s that? What happened?

[@Pradatiz]

Unbelievable that many people still don’t believe that bill was indeed gay within the game. Bill referring to Frank as his “partner”, as well as Ellie commenting on the male pornography she found, both allude to this conclusion. “Why are all the pages stuck together ?”

[@str8upndown856]

It wasn’t an automatic thought for me to be honest.. cause a ‘partner’ could have been somebody he was just surviving with and the magazine could have just been a random in a pile. I didn’t automatically assume.. but I guess this is confirmation

[@Joeah89]

@@str8upndown856 I’m pretty sure that’s why they made Bill pause or hesitate when he says “partner” but Ellie holding up the gay magazine probably should have made it more obvious, haha.

[@deadfisher0000]

They don't want to believe, because it's uncomfortable. Uncomfortable to admit that the people who made this work of art they love are people who support and support gay/trans rights. I'm glad we have such brilliant creators championing stories like this.

[@boomshine87]

Bill was not originally written as gay, but the mocap actor made illusions and suggestions to that nature. They then changed the line from "bye bye ladies!" to "bye bye dudes!" when Ellie threw the magazine out the window.

[@MatiZ815]

@@boomshine87 The actor had the impression that Bill is gay so he asked Neil about it. To which Neil asked him "What do you think?" and he answered that he thinks he's gay and they ran with it.

[@machomancake]

There a full length movies with less emotional impact than this episode packed. I had literal tears - no, not the turn of phrase - LITERAL tears. These two actors absolutely nailed it. It’s one of the most powerful emotional moments in ANY show or movie. Very, very well done. Hats off to everyone who worked on this episode. My god.

[@milosav7314]

Are you literally also gay by chance

[@machomancake]

@@milosav7314 I am not no. Not even bi-curious. Lol it was just well told compelling story-telling that was acted beautifully. The story between Bill and Frank was told in a way that transcended the relatability of my heterosexuality. It was simply beautiful for what it was and it was done really well

[@milosav7314]

@@machomancake nice

[@josfur1977]

IT WAS GAyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyEEEEEEEE ASF mate... hated it! boring and GAY.... 2 deadly nono combo!

[@dlaniganohara]

@@milosav7314 I mean, I'm sure gay people also cry at straight movies

[@PastelN01r]

"Save who you can save" is such a beautiful running theme for this show. I'm so excited for the next episode!

[@ThePokestopPapi]

As good of a theme or phrase as "When lost in the darkness, look for the light" and "Endure and survive"

[@TheFreshTrumpet]

@@ThePokestopPapi shoutout “you keep finding something (/someone) to fight for” and “you’re my people”. I’m so excited to see these stories brought to life with such a great cast and crew, what a treat man

[@ClueFinderDirtDigger]

I was a wreck the entire episode. Absolutely beautiful, completely tragic. Both actors brought Bill and Frank to life in such a believable way. Wow. This one will be on my mind for a long, long time.

[@bretwilliams249]

I cried way more than is reasonable for the run time. So well done

[@JordonTheo]

Thus. That's such a big, memorable, and enjoyable part. It's not really even Bill. What was his purpose here?

[@jedmosely6423]

I think I cried for most of the episode. It was really so good.

[@TheWindsofWonder]

@Amy while that’s true, I think I’m okay with having that be something for the game and then the show give us this masterpiece. Both stories serve the same purpose for Joel’s development, but this take is truly beautiful.

[@traviscue2099]

@Amy I was like that at first.. But then we have the game, which is perfect.. I think we're going to see a lot more character stories like this.. Which makes sense, you can't just follow Joel and Ellie for a TV show for 75 minutes each episode.. It works amazingly in the game, but it wouldn't adapt well to a series.. I think we might even get a Sam and Henry story too.. as well as perhaps a Tommy/Maria.

[@mycattypedthis2827]

Knowing Frank's fate in the game I started sobbing immediately and didn't stop till the end of the episode. But when they turned their story around and removed the falling out, it made everything hurt ten thousand times more. Now Bill isn't just another tool to help Ellie and Joel on their quest, he's an important thematic linchpin to tie the story together

[@nickv1212]

A big part of the game and themes are literally "the last of US". This series isn't just about any two characters, it's about all of us, humanity. That's what all the notes scattered around the game world are there for, to give context and tell the stories of all that have come and gone. The fact the first major note left from someone we got to see was from Bill, just makes it all come together. I hope with this, we're able to see Ish's story. The fact we're jumping between characters like this this much will also make season 2 much less jarring.

[@dreamcoyote]

@@nickv1212 I agree. I didn't expect it, and only 3 episodes in it may not go further that way, but we see the deeper levels of "The Last of Us" inside Tess and Bill. It's a phrase that can be taken a lot of different ways but I really, *really* like these character pieces. Doesn't hurt that the actors are knocking it out of the park as well ;).

[@Nornwoo.inline]

@@nickv1212 you said it BEST!!! its The las of US ('us' all humans, not only the main characters. like how the rest of the world is doing, how is humanity working, how is something as simple love and care works in the worlds end... ) man.. i wish i would have found your comment sooner! thank you!

[@stevenseufert2520]

@mycattypedthis I'm surprised your cat knows about a character from a game, let alone was so moved by what would happen to human characters. I can't blame it though. It really was a very moving episode, and a well-done deviation from the game.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓🥺💕💕😭💕😍💕💕

[@michellewang3270]

This show not only raised the bar for video game adaptations, it raised the bar for television. Congrats to the team.

[@deebee4575]

Raised the bar for pushing a political agenda that affects about 10% of the population on 90% of the population.

[@Ren_Davis0531]

This episode combined with Annie Wersching’s death made for such a bittersweet day. R.I.P. Annie

[@MisterK-YT]

Who’s that? What happened?

[@PeriodDrama]

@@MisterK-YT She played Tess in the game.

[@ChristianVillamil]

@@MisterK-YT She played and voiced Tess in the game. She died of cancer.

[@MisterK-YT]

@@ChristianVillamil 😢

[@machodgdon]

As soon as I saw that final dinner scene playing out I realized just how different and beautiful this adaptation is, and this makes Joel as a character hit even more because first he lost Sarah, then Tess, and now Bill without those final interactions. It makes you think what else is he gonna lose?

[@rupertpumpkin4877]

It will hit 100x more when u realize how long Tess and Joel had been together

[@OsaculnenolajO]

@@rupertpumpkin4877 That's what really got me. They were together for over 13 years. Pedro is killing it as Joel. And I'm so glad they have changed the story and the relationships around, as it allows us to get attached to a different Joel all over again. It's reeling me in all over again.

[@rupertpumpkin4877]

@@OsaculnenolajO my only gripe is not seeing the Joel Ellie Bill banters and also wished the Frank Bill story wasn't that long so we can get more main story because remember we only get 8 or 9 episodes this season. BUT that said, this is still a great episode.

[@OsaculnenolajO]

@@rupertpumpkin4877 Yeah I was sad not to see Joel and Ellie get to interact with Bill as well. But honestly, most of Bill's section in the game was exploration gameplay, and we had basically an entire episode of that last week. This was a really smart and honestly heartbreaking way to do Bills character justice. It was also a perfect way to depart from the game and give fans something new and expanded to enjoy. I know we will get LOTS of time with Joel and Ellie going forward. We already know that's going to be great. I'm really interested in the side stories we never got to fully explore in the games. And this was an amazing way to do that.

[@rupertpumpkin4877]

@@OsaculnenolajO agreed. If they did this on Bill Frank's arc we're in for another rollercoaster next time with Sam's story

[@packerkats7578]

Using the woman’s dress as the transition/through-line from Joel/Ellie’s story to Frank/Bill’s was a genius bit of storytelling.

[@joeokabayashi8669]

"I was never aftraid unitl...: is truly a core concept of love for another. Well done!

[@Hechicera86]

😭🤧❤️❤️🥺💕💕🍓🍓

[@Ren_Davis0531]

At first, I was hesitant on how they would handle Frank still being alive in the show as that dramatically changes Bill’s narrative purpose. After watching this episode, I have to say that they re-contextualized how Bill fits into the narrative in a way that I think works just as well. I think it’s another example of a well thought out deviation from the game that dug into the characters a little more, while also still serving the main characters’ arcs. Quite lovely episode.

[@Alpha_beef]

You described it perfectly. Very elegant and beautiful way of bringing new ideas into the narrative. This episode gave me a lot of faith in the writers and directors

[@SidPhoenix2211]

Exactly!! In the game, Bill is a cautionary tale about living without love. Here, Bill is a reminder of the beauty of love, and the lengths one would go to protect it.

[@chand911]

lol, "Bill's narrative purpose" Yeah, how would the writers ever divine another way to get a truck.

[@Ren_Davis0531]

@@chand911 That’s the point A to point B purpose. The actual narrative purpose is to serve as a cautionary tale to Joel about only focusing on survival at the expense of living. Bill is Joel’s extreme. He is a good survivalist, but he’s fighting to simply exist in a town full of Infected as opposed to any meaningful human connection. In the show they opted to have Bill start as that cold-hearted survivalist who learns to open his heart to experience what life has to offer, having that ultimately underpin Joel’s story. So yeah Bill’s narrative purpose is much more substantial than “give Joel a truck.”

[@Nornwoo.inline]

@@chand911 bills narrative purpose for this episode is not only to get the car and load up for drive, it was to show us and show Joel the burden, the fear and the responsabily of protecting someone else more than himself.. as Bill said "i was never afraid, until you showed up" : )

[@tonycutty598]

What I love so much about these podcasts is that they explain things for me. I am Autistic, and, as such, I completely miss out on the significance of all the interpersonal details and subtle interactions between the characters. What this means; what that means. Why 'he' feels like that about 'her'; why Bill is relating to Joel even though he doesn't like him. Because I can't read body language or 'read between the lines', I miss out on all that richness and detail. So these podcasts fill me in on all these things, and make the experience so much richer for me too. The podcasts, if you like, make things so much more 'accessible' for a person with what is really a disability: the inability to understand human interactions. So I want to thank you for them. Thank you Troy, Craig and Neil for making this rich content so much more accessible to me ❤

[@patrickcabanillas4282]

If we all remember carefuly, in Frank's letter in the OG game he said that he was so mad with him because "he wanted so much more from life and that Bill never understood that". I like to think that the amazing love story we've just seen in episode 3 is like an alternative universe where Bill actually understood Frank and let him love their town the way he wanted to for both of them. How freaking poetic god damn it. The game and the series rime like a f*cking beautiful poem. I love this universe.

[@finntrew9184]

By god, I’m an emotional woman generally, but I was a wreck as a result of this episode. I cried through two thirds of it, I’m still crying twenty minutes later! Seeing the look on Joel’s face as he realised he’s lost people he loves again… pfffft I sobbed like a child. The changes made to adapt this to TV have been done so beautifully, it brings back the same emotions felt while playing the game, but elevates them to a whole new level. I feel so much connection with every character shown so far which wasn’t possible with the game and the sole focus on Ellie and Joel. I felt connected to Tess even, and I feel that the way she was brought into this episode gave such an insight into how truly lovely she was. How poetic that on the day her original, incredible actress passes from this world, her character is shown in such a beautiful light, and given so much weight in Joel’s heart. I love this show.

[@Hechicera86]

Amazing episode I cried 😭💖🥺🍓🍓💕💓💓😭

[@blakedubey3868]

I love that little window detail. Now every time I open the game, that window will always remind me of bill and Frank’s end. Even though that’s not the way it happens in the game, that’s the way I’ll think of it from now on.

[@thehoopman88]

Deep af

[@shumayelkhan8154]

The window when they’re in the shop (Joel and Ellie, and Ellie sees the clicker) looks EXACTLY like that window from the game opening menu

[@blakedubey3868]

@@shumayelkhan8154 just rewatched and I see what you mean. Only thing it’s missing are the drapes lol.

[@Hechicera86]

💖💖😭💖💖

[@TwilitVoyager]

I cannot believe how beautifully the film team took a blip in time from the game and turned it into a fully fleshed story of loneliness leading to deep love then release. As a gay man, this is the angle of representation I have sorely been unable find in modern media. I don’t really feel like any of the gay people I see in film. Seeing Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett play out the story of these two characters was nothing short of breathtaking. It made me feel good to be me just as I am, regardless of adversity faced, inner-community included. Thank HBO for allowing this story to make it off the writing table, thank you for casting Bill and Frank perfectly, thank you to the whole film crew for making this perfect. Thank you for giving us (even us gays) a reason to observe hope in such a bleak setting.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓💕💕🥺🤧😭💓💓❤️❤️❤️

[@AlexRN]

Can we take a moment to praise Craig’s imitation of Nick at @6:50 ? Uncanny!

[@kybercrow]

God, when "On the Nature of Daylight" kicked in I was in tears 😭 Not just that music combined with what happened in the scene, but on the back of Annie passing away as well...I'm a wreck this evening.

[@Rashomon00]

Couldn't agree more. That song paired with such a beautiful story is devastating.

[@LaMancha958]

@@Rashomon00 Absolutely!

[@flecks_piano]

I'm so familiar with that piece I recognized it on the first note. I was so glad they used it for the whole montage of their final day. Truly a beautiful episode.

[@Wildo87112]

Ugh same... I'm coming to the conclusion that it's not the "sad" scenes that make me cry much, it's when there's overwhelming beauty and joy. It was the same case at the very end of Schindler's List when the film goes from black and white to colors

[@Tulku]

I was really skeptical about Frank being a living person but filling in the backstory, and altering the end in a respectful way to how you just told the story was good.

[@chand911]

What a dumb thing to worry about.

[@williammccormick984]

It was very meh

[@LuigiTheItalian]

Why were really skeptical about Frank being a living person? Because he's dead when we meet him in the game? Is that why?

[@LuigiTheItalian]

@@williammccormick984 Are you telling yourself that, or trying to convince others to think the same way as you?

[@williammccormick984]

@@LuigiTheItalian I took two seconds to comment on a random Last of Us video to say I thought the episode was alright. Two days ago. I don't really care what people think. I'm pretty sure how I feel about it. We done?

[@jessicacolgrave4082]

The lighting during the strawberry scene was a great nod too, Bill finding the light in his darkness.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓😭💖💖🤧

[@Snarkysean]

My husband and I were sobbing. Fantastic work - knowing when to stray from the original story to improve on it.

[@khimaros]

Tell me about it. Our daughter spent the last 30 minutes consoling her mum, "it's okay". So sweet but quite amusing role reversal! I was in bits for most of it.

[@str1xt]

@@khimaros So sweet.x

[@Hechicera86]

🥺😭🤧❤️❤️🍓🍓

[@Mariusgabben]

Rest in Peace, Annie Wersching! This was an brilliant episode both in the series and podcast :)

[@RenegadeLK]

I love how the show develops on characters you won't spend many episodes on but still connect on the same level as the main characters. Truly amazing work from the writers!

[@smittyvanbonjohnson]

I didn’t expect the episode to move me the way it did. The moment they play that piece of music that I’ve also heard in the closing moments of Arrival, I was a mess. This was the best example of a deviation done right…done perfectly. RIP Annie Wersching

[@mossyteethbones]

I'm glad other people recognize it from arrival as well. It is one of my favorite movies and pieces of music. The fact that they played it here as well breaks my heart. I couldn't stop bawling.

[@mr.l6332]

for those reading this thread, the piece is On The Nature of Daylight by Max Richter. Also recognized it and was quite pleasantly surprised.

[@smittyvanbonjohnson]

@@alejandromangieri1495 Great taste ☺️ Arrival is a wonderful movie.

[@smittyvanbonjohnson]

@@mossyteethbones I also keep forgetting this was also used frequently in Shutter Island! But that example leads to dread 😟 This episode crushed me. The second I heard this and saw Bill and Frank at that piano exchanging rings, I ugly cried. I’m usually stone faced during most sad scenes. Not the case here lol 😭

[@smittyvanbonjohnson]

@@mr.l6332 Had to look up more of Max Richter after this. I keep forgetting this piece was in Shutter Island as well!

[@daisyp3748]

I loved last week’s podcast so much that I rushed over here to tune in. It is now officially a part of my weekly ritual after each episode viewing. The Last of Us universe is so damn interesting and I love hearing insight from those involved in production. This week’s episode is another testament on how comedic actors nail dramatic roles. It’s nice to see Nick Offerman in the leagues of Adam Sandler, Tom Hanks, Bryan Cranston, and Bob Odenkirk. Also, Troy! You are such an intuitive host; you were the best choice to carry this podcast.

[@MaryamofShomal]

ALL HAIL NEIL DRUCKMANN 🤗🥰

[@cristiancarpio1814]

I have not cried over movie in a very long time, and virtually have never cried over a TV show. This hour episode was enough to have me sobbing alone late at night. As a long-time TLOU fan, this was a perfect episode.

[@IHamilton9320]

This episode has given me a massive sense of relief, as much as I was confident in the first two episodes this one really impressed me. Showed how much thought has gone into the actual underlying themes of the show and what they want to tell through their story. Bill and Frank’s relationship was real and beautiful and I feel that it fit into the story very well because of its execution. I can go into the rest of this season with zero worries about the quality

[@Decide.Conquer]

Well put.

[@MaryamofShomal]

Yup. Neil Druckmann is one of the greatest living storytellers, without question. It’s been such an honor to watch his masterpiece transformed in another medium, and I absolutely LOVE the change to the Bill and Frank story.

[@armitage1950]

This episode broke me. I have never shed a tear for a freaking TV show. Mind you, the episode is kind of personal for me, still though… bravo to everyone involved!

[@thedude_-_]

I never shed a tear for a game until The Last of Us. Awesome to hear you have such a connection with the show too!

[@samantharodriguez2283]

Yeah Seriously I shed Two Tears when they Drunk the wine 😢

[@williammccormick984]

Watch more TV. This wasn't anything special

[@TheCaliforniaHP]

@@williammccormick984 It was special but they still should watch more TV

[@Hechicera86]

😭💓💓🍓🍓🥺💕💕😭

[@_M41KU_]

I really liked this episode. Usually gay characters are written in such a lazy way, they want you to like the character for what they stand for rather than for their personality. Refreshing to see a show depict same gender relationships in such authentic way.

[@rottingroll]

right! this was simply a love story between two people and they did it perfectly

[@soggyscarecrow]

Totally agree

[@mossyteethbones]

beautifully said

[@elderrusty541]

Because simply put, it’s just a love story, you could swap out Frank with a woman and it’s the same story

[@williammccormick984]

Nah, this was pretty lazy

[@mariejae]

In-game Bill reminds me of my stubborn ex. I love that they made HBO Bill more open and compromising, he actually loves and is kinder. Very in tune with his partner and decides not to live without him 💞

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓💕💕🥺💕💕

[@Mandy_Moo]

This episode was the first time as an adult I cried at something I watched in a movie or on TV. Not just some tears down my cheek, no, full on crying. I don't know how anyone who's ever been in or felt love wouldn't fall apart at this episode. That scene with Frank in the wheelchair telling Bill today is the day he's going to die was the most impactful piece of media I've seen in a very long time. I literally still think about it weeks later. I've been recommending this show to everyone ever since.

[@HZDAloyRules]

You know they’ve done a good job when you bawl your eyes out more at Bill and Franks story than Sarah’s death. As someone who played the game I expected losing Sarah. Still cried but I sobbed uncontrollably at the beautiful love story between these two human beings.

[@alejomiranda95]

Having played the game, I didn’t cry with the first episode, I was expecting “that” moment. But I did cry (quite a bit, to be honest) with this episode, I wasn’t expecting this. Well done.

[@pickledparsleyparty]

Yeah, I'm going to be debating with myself which version of Bill is more emotional forever. The show gives us a Romeo/Juliet story. The game's version of Bill's story is way more bitter and uncomfortable. I'm not sure which affected me more.

[@alejomiranda95]

@@pickledparsleyparty I like how the show is exploring a more emotional side of the story, I like both versions but this episode hits a very emotional note where as the game is more depressing and ambiguous. I personally like the show’s portrayal better.

[@Hechicera86]

🤧🥺😭🍓🍓💕💖💕

[@RealJustinCrow]

As a Gay man, can I just say a huge THANK YOU to everyone on this episode and the show. For years, Gay on TV was camp, feminine and skinny. It was drag race, it was Will and Grace etc and for years I looked for me and never found me... Until Bill. I am such a Bill and this show showed me that I can be a gay guy who is also the handy man, the stocky man, the wild man. I finally found me and as such an emotional roller-coaster this series is, the emotional and mental boost that episode, and 5, has given me is priceless. Thank you cast, thank you creative, thank you production. I AM WHO I AM, AND NOW I KNOW I'M VALID ❤️🏳️‍🌈

[@ParUhDroyd]

As a fan of the game series, this episode feels like a big twist like the red wedding because I was so excited for this episode to see how the comedic dynamic between Ellie and Bill play out on TV as that's one of the high moments in the first game for me but then when i saw what we got here and how we wouldn't see that dynamic be shown at all, it just felt like a huge twist from the filmmakers to the gamers and I'm here for it. It's like what Neil said in the BTS, if a change plays better than the source material, go with it. This is one of the best episodes in TV history in my opinion, definitely deserves to be on the top list with Ozymandias of Breaking Bad, The Rains of Castemere of GoT and the 407 Proxy Authentication Required of Mr Robot. I'm not only excited to see where the show goes in general but to also see what more changes for the better have been done.

[@Kickstop_]

Why'd you do this to me??? I was bawling my eyes out. It was so well done hats off to Murray and Offerman!

[@Hechicera86]

😭🥺🤧❤️🍓🍓❤️❤️

[@UniversalLevelThreat]

RIP Annie Wersching your performance will stay with me forever!

[@junjiito6298]

This show is getting better and better. The “changes” they have made still fit great with the characters of the game. What an episode. RIP to Annie as well. An overall sad day but let’s remember there is something to live for.

[@gothgirlhours7927]

What a beautiful, bittersweet love story. They created in an hour what some seasons-long shows fail to achieve. Bill and Frank demonstrate how love is a human emotion, beyond any arbitrary boundaries we draw in the sand. It doesn't matter who you love, and how you love them. What matters is love itself. And it made me cry like a child.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓🥺🤧😭💕💓💓

[@MichelliFR]

It warms my heart to see the people running the show being so thoughtful about the characters, the storyline, the fans and the representation! I am enjoying every decision and am excited and hopeful that you will make a huge improvement in industry standards! Thank you! 💙👏

[@spacechannelg6843]

This episode was one for the books! a 10/10 honestly

[@thedarkknight2221]

I cried once every 15 minutes this entire episode. This is one of the most beautiful and emotionally powerful episodes of tv I’ve ever seen. This felt like a movie that I guarantee would be on every critic’s shortlist for best picture at the Oscars. Neil Druckman said in the BTS video after the episode that he and Craig Mazin had this philosophy on the show was “when should we deviate and when should we come back, if it’s kinda the same or worse then they stay (completely faithful to the game), if it’s better we deviate”. I’m SO DAMN HAPPY THEY DEVIATED! And I’m so happy that it ended with them dying together instead of Bill just forever living alone like in the game. Also I loved the Mortal Kombat 2 cameo. And of course Ellie’s favorite character would be Mileena. Tragically yesterday Annie Wershing who played Tess in the game passed away at 45 due to cancer. So when they showed the flashback with Tess and Joel I cried. Rest In Peace Annie Wershing.❤❤

[@Hechicera86]

😭😭🍓🍓💓❤️💓❤️

[@charlottelouise6433]

For me this show has been a massive love letter to the source and the fans, old and new. As someone who first played the game at 13 when it came out to now a decade later, just amazing. How lucky are we to fall in love with this story again? We'll never be able to play tlou for the first time ever again but this show is giving me that exact same feeling I got 10 years ago

[@franciscojavier8326]

I like the strawberry detail. Frank trades an instrument of death for a tool for life - the seeds-. That's Frank. He represents the protection of life and the preservation of love. That can also be seen when they get raided: Bill goes guns blazing, while Frank is only worried about Bill and makes him go inside and tend his hounds. Brilliant episode, 10/10.

[@Hechicera86]

😭❤️❤️🍓🍓🤧💖💖🥺💖💖💖

[@themegjake4000]

This was the episode for me. The first 2, I had my reservations. I didn’t know how I felt about not staying 100% true to the game that I hold so near and dear to my heart. But this episode I finally was like “this IS The Last of Us”. It told us a somewhat new story while still having the same emotional depth that the game has. That same Raw core feeling I get when I play as Joel and Ellie. This sorta beautiful sorrow. Seeing Bill take Frank back to their bed somehow felt both new and fresh, but also could have been straight from one of the games. It strikes that balance so incredibly well. I can’t wait to watch next week.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓🥺🤧😭💖💖😭💖💖

[@khateleesi]

I'm so grateful for this podcast, because it truly does help me fall in love with the story even MORE, and see it in the amazing light as the ones who poured their hearts out into the show.

[@ssotkow]

Great interview Troy Baker. Love it when the host interviewer lead off with insightful questions and just let creators talk without interruptions.

[@stardust6840]

I absolutely love how this podcast adds so much information to every episode. As I am not at that age yet and didn't have the luck to see my parents have such relationship, I can now look at some things in the episode from another side after listening to Craig. And the episode itself was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. You know how when sometimes there is some (even moderate) hype around something, you are afraid to be let down (and I was afraid quite a lot due to their story in the game too), but it was perfect. No wonder the reviews were telling us to anticipate this episode.

[@TheKevsquirrel]

I do not understand how a heartbreakingly beautifully story of two people falling in love, and sharing a life, has caused some people to react so negatively. So much so, that they had to comment due to their discomfort. And yet not speak on the overwhelming pain of seeing the remains of a murdered mother and child.

[@joeracer302]

Lots of people have unfortunate circumstances, never know love, become hardened and bitter people, and I think they look at a love story like this and it just serves to remind them that they’ll never know a tenth of the love Bill and Frank had. They’ll never be able to love and express themselves, and they are afraid that no one will ever love them. I honestly feel sad for them.

[@Hechicera86]

@@joeracer302 💕💕💕💕

[@Hechicera86]

💓💓❤️🍓🍓❤️

[@MinersLoveGames]

Arguably one of the best episodes of modern television I've seen since Ozymandias.

[@liamstanley5599]

Absolute facts

[@sanneannelies843]

I love that it was there own choice to go out the way they did. In this series, a lot of people's lives get taken from them. It is so powerful in this dangerous world that they had a different choice. That people got to have a life and have love. It makes it more powerful to me. That the human side to all of us is never really gone. ❤️

[@Hechicera86]

💕🍓🍓😭💕💕

[@bretwilliams249]

Thanks for making me weep for 30 minutes straight.

[@jonathanbooker281]

Frank having MS or ALS makes so much sense. My girlfriend has MS and fears the condition that Frank was in. It was literally what popped in my head as I was watching. Great scene

[@RandyReviews1990]

iam sorry about gf having that i assumed frank had cancer!

[@phillyjackson45]

Now I see why they said ep 3 was one of if not the best episode yet, loved the changes with Bill and Frank P.S. R.I.P. Annie

[@LeeEverett1]

Bruh that gay love story was better than the first 2 episodes? Lmao this show isn't for you then 🤣

[@Alpha_beef]

@@LeeEverett1 What exactly is bad about a gay love story?

[@dereksimons1525]

@@LeeEverett1 actually I think this show might not be for YOU

[@megalodonenthusiasts3991]

@@LeeEverett1 the show is for Fans of the game/newcomers that understand and are mature enough for an ADAPTATION, be a big boy and cope harder 🥱

[@mathewmcfool]

Be truthful, ep 1 was super slow and boring. I finally decided to fast forward through all the dialogue on ep2.

[@harrar8]

I was very skeptical, but I gotta admit, they knocked it out of the park with this one. Had a little something in my eye at the end.

[@Hechicera86]

😭🍓🍓💕💕

[@reignwarner]

16 Years of Bill and Frank. Oh the beautiful years.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓😭😭❤️❤️❤️

[@Dcramer710]

Troy is such a fantastic host. I love that the care and attention and love for the game is translating to the show. So happy that Bill got a MUCH better ending than in the game. And honestly, Ellie has the ability to be snarky with so many other characters, so I really did not miss her and Bill meeting. I think this is a moment where the show is so much better than the game. Though, I lost my mom to ALS, so this episode hit so dang hard. Hit very close to home.

[@Hechicera86]

🤧🍓🍓😭😭💓🥺💓❤️❤️❤️

[@lillianesquivel5077]

Omg! This is one of the loveliest love stories I've seen in A long time...I cried so many times. These two deserve an award for their portrail of a wonderful love story!!!

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓🥺🤧😭😭💕💕💕

[@kellenmarlin8150]

This episode made Joel and Ellie’s story even better. The letter and Pedro’s reaction was one of the best moments of the series so far. Joel is a protector who has failed to protect, but we can clearly tell that this won’t be true for very much longer.

[@thegirlonfiredolls]

i watched it back to back with 2 different friends and cried both times! soo good, wasnt expectin what happened (ive watched the games) only right at the end did i start thinkin what might be happening.. it was beautiful and sad. i liked how the story was still similar to the game and more profound by showing us things we didnt know and also different by doing other things differently! cant wait for ep4

[@Hechicera86]

🥺💕💕🍓🍓🤧😭💓💓

[@jonahnichols1]

This episode was so beautifully sad, and it is sadder with the passing of Annie Wersching happing the same day. My condolences to her family and friends. This episode really shows the beauty of life and that is what we should take away from it.

[@Hechicera86]

🤧😭💓💓

[@vinbarrientos2778]

I have not listened to the podcast yet, but i just want to say how beautiful this episode was and congratulation to the cast, crew and directors. Ironically, in the end i was crying because i was happy for Bill and Frank rather than being sad with the outcome. They went out on their own terms and almost lived a full life with the person they love - and that is a luxury in the TLoU world.

[@limnakama]

Great job guys. Sobbed throughout the entire last third of the episode. Been loving this series

[@cocoacoconuts24]

It was like “Up” in the apocalypse. Also, I was not prepared for that tender, bittersweet piano performance from Bill of all people. It reminded me of “I Will Always Think of You” from Bojack Horseman. And their final scene, I was like “Oh, it’s the giraffe song!” 😭

[@jessipeculiar]

When I heard the giraffe song I was just like "Noooo! Not this song too 😭😭😭" the proceded to really ugly cry. It was just too much, taking a song that was so serene and happy and putting it in that scene just killed me. That was really powerful

[@a_lot5163]

The window idea is amazing!!!! I am sure it would have been hard to implement but it would have been an awesome callback to the game and such an enabler of the atmosphere you are trying to push in each episode.

[@perseusjones9464]

Oh man, this was such a special episode. It broke me multiple times on several different occasions. It was tragic, beautiful, romantic and heavy. Loved every second of it. 🙏🏼

[@Hechicera86]

😭🍓🍓😭💓❤️💓❤️🥺

[@najtrows]

I like that they deviate in the just right ways. As a big fan of the games I am glad that there are stuff that can surprise me and that it's not just shot for shot of all the cutscenes. I have cried every episode

[@SunLollyandRainbows]

Beautiful episode. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett were amazing. Beautiful to see the growth of Bills's character and Bartlett's portrayal of Frank who just was the sunshine that shone into Bill's hidden self and brought him out to the light. If you've seen Bartlett in White Lotus and then watch him here, I'm with the creators, Bartlett can pretty much play anything. Superb storytelling.

[@sammijane]

I was crying from start to end, happy tears, sad, happy again. I’ve never seen such a beautiful piece of film in my life as a film studies educated person and just as a human being more importantly. It’s technically perfect, and it’s emotionally beyond perfection. Perfectly displaying imperfection in the world. The way it was started and then tied up with Joel and Ellie too… when Joel started mouthing the song in the car in the end… I just couldn’t cope I cried some more, and then the window, again.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓😭😭💓❤️💓❤️

[@unvergebeneid]

This episode is absolutely unbelievable. Absolute brilliancy on so many levels. Thank you to everyone who made this happen!

[@unvergebeneid]

@Eclectic Humans such as?

[@cookieface80]

One of the few episodes of television to make me tear up.

[@brizliongooner3086]

Just finished watching this, what an amazing episode. Still tears in my eyes as I type this. Beautifully sad, that was a masterpiece of an episode!

[@Hechicera86]

🤧🍓🍓😭💕💕😭💕💕

[@mastpg]

The saying that the only true journeys of discovery come not from seeking new landscapes but gaining new eyes is about as true of this series as of anything else I can remember in the creative space. Certainly surpasses both attempts to adapting The Stand and already seems to be a match for Lonesome Dove. Having through played the game most every year since it came out, I can't imagine seeing it the same way after this series. There is now more context and character in the game and two new eyes seeing it. Thanks, guys.

[@HorrorGeek9]

What a masterclass in story telling. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett deserve awards for their performances here. Definitely my favorite episode so far. In my eyes Bill's story on the show was way better than what happened in the game. This is how you expand and deviate from the source material 🙌🏽

[@elen_jaxx]

Thank you so much, having this podcast is like making the best episode of THE WORLD even longer. I needed this.

[@VicTheFigGuy]

This one episode alone got more emotional punch than many full blown 2-3 hours movies I have watched. Just beautifully done. Phenomenal.

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓😭💓❤️💓❤️🥺❤️❤️

[@jeffreyesguitar5129]

It would be a crime if no one wins an award for this episode.

[@personofpinterest4281]

Me and my friend watched this episode almost in complete silence. It was great.

[@wildel521]

From an emotional episode to an emotional day! RIP Annie 🙏 may your legacy live on forever 😢.

[@transgirl2106]

This episode was breathtaking... Literally, I cried so hard I had to stop watching because I couldn't breathe lol! Thank you, this was one of the best depictions of real love I've ever seen!!!❤️❤️❤️

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓😭😭🥺💕💕💓🤧💓

[@ChildishGambeaner]

Two grown men giggling over strawberries who live with each other for decades and don't have any children together, best depiction of real love!

[@transgirl2106]

@@ChildishGambeaner If that's all you were able to get from this episode I'm sorry. Sometimes love exists between people other than just a man and a woman. Sometimes love means more than procreation. Sometimes sharing the simplest joys in life with your partner makes for the greatest memories. Real love is in the peck you give your partner before bed after you've been together for decades, and the pills you know they take so you get them when their hands are too shaky. Real love is realizing you don't want to exist in a world your partner doesn't. At least it is to me.

[@ChildishGambeaner]

@@transgirl2106 I can't even lie that was pretty poetic lol

[@devin_the_dude_3]

This episode felt like a love letter to the fans. Great from beginning to end. Thank you for elevating this wonderful story.

[@mattt6201]

How? There was no interaction between Bill and Ellie like in the game (which was great) and most of the episode was backstory romance that was only vaguely mentioned in the game. It was a major departure, not a love letter.

[@lucilavi137]

@@mattt6201 Well, the letter was the connection between Bill and Ellie. If you know what happens in the near future, surely that letter will come back to remind Joel what he can do.

[@beautadlock6703]

I didn’t realize how much I enjoyed this episode until the end. The letter to Joel was perfect 👌 The truck ride at the end with Bill and Franks song playing was perfect 👌

[@mindofinception3991]

This was such a beautifully told story of bill and frank, I wasn’t expecting to be chocked up by the end, Speechless…

[@Hechicera86]

🍓🍓😭😭❤️💖❤️💖🤧

[@paolacosta9894]

It's a beautiful episode, you guys made me cry so much 😢

[@Hechicera86]

😭😭🍓🍓💖🥺💖💖❤️

[@SilverInterpolFire]

This is cinema. This episode was so sad but so good 😭

[@joyanna9433]

Just watched the episode for the second time, and i cried again. What a powerful, honest, heartbreaking and heartwarming portrait of love and interpersonal relationships. As a game player I'm so, so happy with the direction you guys took and Bill didn't end up bitter and miserable, but had a full life and a happy end. 10/10 writing

[@Hechicera86]

😭🍓🍓🤧💓💓❤️❤️

[@anonymous4k4k]

Loved the episode and how it deviated from the game in a really impactful way

[@lawbinson]

This was an unexpected and beautiful episode. Thank you ❤

[@mikethemosher]

Love that Troy is running these episodes.

[@skydive-lr5yy]

The last show reminded me of the last shot in TLOU2. Filled me with more dread and hopelessness than happiness for Bill/Frank.

[@Inressa]

It reminded me of the title screen for TLOU1, personally. Looked like similar curtains and the same windowsill.

[@GhostInPajamas]

@@Inressa yea but the way the camera pans out as the car drives away is very similar to what happens in Part 2

[@Inressa]

@@GhostInPajamas For sure. I didn't think about it until seeing this comment but it's probably a direct homage considering how long they stay there to BOTH the title screen and the Part 2 ending if I'm being honest. I just noticed the title screen in it but both elements are there.

[@BrodyReyno]

An absolutely beautiful episode. As a fan of the game, the The changes made were more than justified and extremely well executed.

[@BrittnyShrub]

Gorgeous episode. Bravo. So lovely to hear the behind the scenes of such a tender, heartbreaking, heartwarming episode. ❤️

[@Kimberly-vx7ln]

Amazing episode. This absolutely left me speechless. Words can’t described the power and beauty that was portrayed on screen tn

[@thedmd7743]

🤡

[@alvinzhoufilms]

Episode 3 is the most beautiful, heartbreaking story I've watched on television in my life. Using Max Richter was absolutely perfect.

[@jessicafuimaono3046]

This episode made me so happy that Bill and Frank had a happy ending! That strawberry patch scene was just so cute. I couldn’t stop crying it was a beautiful episode.

[@Hechicera86]

💖🍓🍓😭💖💖😭💕💕

[@jessicarakowicz1627]

I think this episode should be nominated for awards. It’s going on my list of best love stories.

[@wakandaforever616]

I agree one of the best love stories I've seen to date.