Murray Bartlett's Wonderful Love Story in “The Last of Us”

“The White Lotus” star Murray Bartlett and Nick Offerman are acting out a post-apocalyptic love story in their new series, “The Last of Us,” airing Sunday nights on HBO.
#Colbert #TheLastofUs #MurrayBartlett #HBO
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[@alloralou4722]

Episode 3 felt like a movie in only one hour. It was perfection. No wasted dialogue, every line perfect. I was stunned.

[@martinw2235]

It's up there with Ozymandius and The Body on the short list of the best episodes of tv ever.

[@alloralou4722]

@@martinw2235 agreed!

[@psicologiajoseh]

It felt like an entire series in only one hour. I was left heartbroken and wanting so much more of those two.

[@travel_adddictt]

It was so good

[@lmm9772]

Exactly. Whatever awards this episode is eligible for, it should win. Actor, supporting actor, director, cinematography, editing, set design, screenplay, musical score... All of it. Just everything. It was sublime.

[@indiafoxtrotbravo]

The Bill and Frank episode was easily one of the most moving depictions of the painful beauty of learning to trust and love another person.

[@jessetorres8738]

I'm not the 1st person to point this out, but in the show the apocalypse began in 2003 when George W. Bush was President, which means gay marriage wasn't legal in the U.S. yet. So, theoretically 1 additional reason why Bill & Frank chose to live on their own instead of the Boston QZ was because they were a gay couple & they might have been discriminated against for that.

[@OldRaver]

It was beautiful, and so well written. Even the end was beautiful, even though tragic. Great writer and director ❤️❤🏆

[@synocrat601]

It reminded me so much of my pain in the ass husband who isn't even nearly as handy as post apocalyptic Ron Swanson.

[@portigoza]

and of getting old :/

[@snapgab]

@@jessetorres8738 yeah, seeing what that military government was like makes it a fairly safe bet that they're incredibly homophobic.

[@the_real_rascal]

He was absolutely amazing in The Last Of Us. So good. I'm glad they showed us more of Bill and Frank that we didn't see in the game. The changes they've made to the story have been perfect for the medium.

[@harryr2431]

As far as I remember, I don't think Frank was a character in the game at all. I think he's a new addition. Bill was kinda a dick still and a gun nut but in the game there was definitely no Frank.

[@Ren_Davis0531]

@@harryr2431 He was already dead and we only see his hanging corpse in the game. We only ever hear about Frank from Bill’s perspective and can read his letter that he left for Bill. They didn’t end on good terms in the game.

[@harryr2431]

@@Ren_Davis0531 ok cool that makes me like it even more because it's not simply fabricated for the show

[@Steepphheen]

@@harryr2431 Definitely in the game, check the wiki article for it, it can be easy to miss if you don't explore everywhere near Bill.

[@Shax117]

@@harryr2431 Frank was just mentioned and they show that he hung himself and left a note for Bill how he hated his guts.

[@vanadyan1674]

My wife of 28 years and were watching this together, hand in hand, weeping, because this was one of the most beautiful, moving, even heart-wrenching pieces of art we have ever witnessed.

[@JayJMarshall]

Haha - my girlfriend of 8 years and I did the exact same thing. It was a beautiful story and incredibly emotional. A story that everyone who's every truly loved someone can understand. You could really feel the tension and the heartbreak of the 2 characters - especially when you've been in a relationship that's had similar ups and downs. One of the best TV episodes I've ever seen.

[@johnsimth6587]

That was amazing art. Everyone was at their best from production design to the writers and of course the acting. I mean think about the scene with the strawberry, they had perfect sunset lighting.... do you know how hard/how small of a window you have to film that type of stuff? They went full throttle on every level of production, we're still in the hangover kinda phase but I think we can see the argument of that being one of the best hours on TV.

[@thend4427]

I bet u didn't know it was based off a video game lol

[@vanadyan1674]

@@thend4427 I did know that! I am an OG gamer, I was rocking Pong and Atari 8600 in the 70s. I hadn't played Last of Us, but I was very familiar with it and was looking forward to this show because I had heard what an amazing narrative the game had.

[@johnsimth6587]

@@thend4427 Video games are art.

[@charlesdavis545]

That episode made me weep. Man rescues man. Men fall in love, build a life, and stay together until the end. Brings new meaning to Till death do us part.

[@jessetorres8738]

I'm not the 1st person to point this out, but in the show the apocalypse began in 2003 when George W. Bush was President, which means gay marriage wasn't legal in the U.S. yet. So, theoretically 1 additional reason why Bill & Frank chose to live on their own instead of the Boston QZ was because they were a gay couple & they might have been discriminated against for that.

[@AdamFeuerauge]

@@jessetorres8738 they would still be discriminated against today so it’s understandable that they’re just tired of human bs and want to live life on their own terms

[@matias.]

@@jessetorres8738 Discrimination against gay couples isn't gone just yet, we live in 2023 and still got homophobes on IMDB writing 1-star reviews because two men kiss on their screen. This is the most realistic and genuine gay couple on TV I've seen, loved the episode personally.

[@flyingfrog7847]

@Jesse Torres Shut it dude, stop spamming. We get it, you don't like Bushes - neither the politicians, nor the genitals.

[@ariadnepyanfar1048]

They won the apocalypse. Lived well, close to a 20 year relationship, even made friends and had backup trading and medicine available, got to die peacefully on their own terms after a rich and fulfilling life. Bill knew how to survive and Frank knew how to live. Together they built a life worth living.

[@blupunk01]

I really appreciated how this one episode managed to capture the underlying theme of The Last of Us about someone who has spent years just surviving learning to actually live and care again through the power of real connection with another human being.

[@jaystaggs9123]

If you watch the Kimmel interview with Offerman they celebrate the beauty of the episode. Colbert talks about 3 years ago. He and Fallon are really the worst

[@matias.]

Humans are flock animals, so imagine how lonely Bill actually would be after so many years on his own. Looking at clickers walking into traps for 20+ years on your own isnt the way to live.

[@vickylikesthis]

@@jaystaggs9123 oh come on. Colbert did still celebrate the episode.

[@VictoryGR]

The game captured that already 10 years ago with Ellie and Joel.. Thit episode was unnecessary

[@vickylikesthis]

@@VictoryGR with that logic, none of this show is necessary at all. lol. just let people enjoy tv shows they like, let them be happy.

[@peoplecallmetweety]

He and Nick had an amazing chemistry. It's so beautiful to see a queer story about people getting older together, living and loving, even in the apocalypse. This episode will win awards big time and it will be absolutely deserved.

[@dougdeveloper8850]

The makeup also hits me in the feels. Just seeing them get older in large chunks of time over an hour long episode reminds me that life is really short and time goes by in the blink of an eye. The best stories make you look at life differently.

[@rika6767]

100%!

[@eliteteamkiller319]

It was excellent work, no doubt. Very believable.

[@Paschita]

You hit the nail on the head. Even your comment brings tears to my eyes. It’s so true. Life is so short…..and this episode (3) was so beautifully written.

[@EternalFiresky]

Him crying after his first kiss with Bill was so beautifully done.

[@dalewears2151]

He did an amazing job. I never cry at TV but I cried like a baby at their episode on the last of us! Well done!

[@misterderp4566]

"Scene?"

[@artdjesus6267]

it's Pixar-style emotional rollercoaster

[@dalewears2151]

@@misterderp4566 I just couldn't think of the correct word to use at the time. I changed it 😅

[@dirkbogarde44]

Hilarious.

[@sunshineflicker6120]

yeah this is a mood

[@GeneThundersnow]

“I’m old. I’m satisfied. And you were my purpose.”

[@basicsimp8798]

"I was never afraid until you showed up" This is how adaptation should be, it should improve it not just copy paste the entire thing. Love that Bill went from someone who loved that end of the world and being alone for years but met Frank and learned that's not how to live. It's a great parallel to Joel who even after reading his letter to him tried to close himself even from Ellie. Sad that some people are already hating this episode because gay characters exist. I'm not surprised, though. The Last of Us is more about realising that human connection is all we crave for even in the Apocalypse. From Ellie to Joel, and Bill to Frank. JUST GIVE THE SHOW AN EMMY ALREADY!!

[@chazharris]

That line absolutely wrecked me.

[@jackiekreutzer166]

Well then those people aren't gonna be too happy when they find out Ellie's gay.

[@WyattWinters]

This episode has been my favorite so far (probably the most affecting of television I’ve ever watched), and while some of the hate stems from homophobia I think a larger faction is just upset that they chose to spend so much time on characters they believed “don’t contribute much to the story”. They’ve taken things at a very surface level and likely don’t see how the episode echos the themes of the entire game through and through, despite barley focusing on Joel and Ellie

[@chazharris]

@@WyattWintersYes! *SPOILER WARNING* It was the thematically strongest episode - after two episodes that showed us what there was to lose, the story of Bill and Frank showed us what there is to live for and ultimately served as motivation for Joel to shift his mission/purpose to protect Tess into protecting Ellie. "You were my purpose" speaks directly to Joel's arc and change at the end of the episode as a result of Bill and Frank's letter. It really is masterfully interwoven.

[@pisceanqueen1]

"Who's the girl you were singing about?" "There's no girl." "I know."

[@tipsyt1909]

His “well yeah, NOW!” Is such a well delivered line, hilarious man.

[@jadedkitty728]

Murray Bartlett just has such a warm energy about him. He was perfect for that role.

[@Etheral101]

It was some of the best TV ever. Amazingly written too. To go from complete stranger to an old couple.

[@o.b.7217]

@sonofsin73 wahwahwah

[@Etheral101]

@@o.b.7217 Sound like Trump

[@cs5384]

The scenes between him and Nick Offerman were just beautiful. They managed to capture true emotion and love.

[@fayesouthall6604]

Perfect. The moment Frank realised Bill was taking an overdose too, he wasn’t angry, he was surprised but, said it was a romantic gesture. So beautiful 😍

[@twh1815]

It is an AMAZING episode of television and Murray Bartlett is just so charismatic and sympathetic throughout the whole thing. Standout performances from both him and Nick Offerman in such a beautiful and uplifting story in the seemingly bleakest setting. Very difficult to describe adequately - it's just something you have to experience!!!

[@danp6897]

I couldn't agree more!

[@oleggold]

Are you talking about the 3rd episode of The Last of Us?

[@lynday]

@@oleggold Duh

[@oleggold]

@Lynda Y Duh? Seriously? You get that not everyone is watching an episode right after it comes out? Or that thought is too difficult for a "duh" person?

[@lynday]

@@oleggold Well, seeing as how the description says what the episode is about, it's not too bloody hard to figure it out when there's only been 3 episodes on so far.

[@jenniferj.9973]

The third episode of Last of Us was an emotional rollercoaster. A Pixar prologue in long-form.

[@jenniferj.9973]

@sonofsin73 No it did something more important than making the story go go go. This episode was about character and world building. It gave even more depth to Joel's character (protective instincts, motivations, difficulty in becoming attached, etc). A hard ass like Bill told the *love of his life* to call Joel for help. And most importantly, it lets the viewer know that finding happiness is still possible despite the whole cordyceps apocalypse thing. There's still hope for humanity. Otherwise, why would Joel bother carting Ellie across the country?

[@o.b.7217]

@@jenniferj.9973 Don't worry about sonofsin73...that guy has some serious issues. He's all over the place crying.

[@luis_g_77]

"The Last of UP"

[@arlom5132]

@sonofsin73 It's sad that you don't think this love story has deep meaning. You can have no understanding of The Last of Us without understanding of this episode. There is a companion podcast that explains it well, if you care to educate yourself

[@gatorarman12]

@sonofsin73 Dude, life is too short to spend it being so unhappy. Go outside. Spend time with people you love, and be happy. You didn't enjoy the episode, that's fine. You don't have to be negative to others because they like something that you don't like. I've seen a couple of your comments on this page, and honestly it sounds like you have some things you need to work through. Maybe consider seeing a therapist. It might make life a little happier for you. Best wishes.

[@kvnbrn132]

The most beautiful love story I’ve ever seen on tv.

[@grayden4138]

A devastatingly beautiful window to love, vulnerability, acceptance, and trust in a world where loss, despair, and social disconnection are the new norms.

[@camillecarter179]

Beautifully written. Wish I had written it.

[@Hahahanoyes]

Oh yes the blowjob scene was devastating

[@MetalArcade]

I'm not one to cry during movies or shows, but tears would NOT stop streaming down my face during this entire episode. My entire shirt was soaked with tears. I think if you have someone that you care about that deeply, it is impossible not to imagine them during this episode and my lord was it heart wrenching to watch but SO GOOD. One of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen and some of the most incredible acting put on screen.

[@Jacob32905]

God, you people need an award for acting with these dramatic ass comments . It was a good episode of television. That's it.

[@sgtmian]

@@Jacob32905 let people be affected by good storytelling, jacob. i didn't cry, but i wish i did, that's the whole goal with storytelling, it's supposed to move you. those are the stories i keep going back to. being upset it affected other people and not you is weird, you should keep that to yourself.

[@Jacob32905]

@sgtmian It was a great story and a very good episode of television. I just feel like this is ridiculous. 😂😂

[@SublimeMind]

@@Jacob32905 I feel like you don't feel as much as you claim to.

[@Jacob32905]

@SublimeMind your words sank like a dagger and as the tears flowed from my eyes they would not stop. So much so that I had to ring the water from my tear soaked shirt and then I drank that water from the cup of my sorrow so I could feel the pain forever. It's so hard to be so deep and passionate and reeeallll.

[@alistairt7544]

Goddamn, that episode was one of the most beautifully written love story I've watched in a while. I was literally ugly sobbing at the last dinner scene. I'm an avid fan of the game, having played since release back in 2013 and have played and re-played countless hours. But I actually prefer how they told Bill and Frank's story in the show, how they interpreted and transformed their relationship into a deeper and more meaningful relationship. Such a beautiful and bittersweet episode.

[@herrschneider5310]

Same, ugly crying through that whole last day. But somehow in the end I was very happy for them, and I wouldn't have been for the grumpy asshole we knew from the game. Completely changed my mind on this guy, and the performances were brilliant

[@KidAstronaut]

Ah such a beautiful episode. It’s hard to know which one I love more.

[@charliehutchinson4196]

@sonofsin73 average reddit take

[@o.b.7217]

@sonofsin73 Playing a game is a very different experience from watching a TV show. Sitting in yourliving room, watching actors fight through a school of cordyceps, instead of steering the fighting yourself via your controller, would be awful boring. Btw: why are you even watching a TV show, if you know the story already, that will unfold (in your opinion)?

[@whiterabbit1632]

it ruined the show

[@Teddy-rh8vl]

Murray and Nick might've been there for just 1 episode, but damn they stole the show ! Not a single moment passed by where I thought about anything else, I even forgot about Joel and Ellie watching them together. Kudos

[@o.b.7217]

@sonofsin73 "Steal the show"? Hey, educate me: it's still a show about Joel and Ellie making their way through the US, right? Looks like someone's got some issues...

[@ah2522]

@@o.b.7217 most of us wish its about Bill and Frank. They can bet he entire show

[@whiterabbit1632]

ruined the whole series for me! Last Of Watching It

[@ah2522]

@@whiterabbit1632 your dad liked it though

[@AnhH88]

I don’t think they stole the show-the format is similar to Station Eleven where you get a background story for each characters and how the weave together in the world building of that universe. It’s a break from last episode of gun fighting. One of tv’s best episode, on par with San Jupinero tbh.

[@psychicriver]

"achingly beautiful" is a great description for what we saw on TLOU episode 3. Coming to the show without any knowledge of the game I was not expecting that type of episode but I absolutely loved it.

[@Jantonvid]

That episode was a straight up masterclass in writing.

[@yannijavier3883]

Tess’s line “Save who you can save.” will always be brought into my mind

[@deirdremorris9234]

The episode has profound elements. Who would think they would meet the love of their life and gain a dear friend at the end of the world? Bill, as hardened and planned as he may be, was just as volnerable to love as anyone. The intricasies of Bill and Franks personalities were well laid out: artists, strategist, lover, fighter, strength, weakness. Rather than focussing on their decayed bodies, the wind blows through the window, gently fluttering the curtains, giving an air of hope and newness.

[@jamiemobley9400]

Beautifully said!

[@coolcat8b]

You are very eloquent.

[@DynamiteProd]

@@coolcat8bI do wish they showed them laying in bed right before they died holding each other

[@sonnyankau9239]

this is one of the greatest episodes ever aired on TV. don't think i'll ever forget it.

[@flaggerify]

No it isn't. It added nothing to the main story. A filler only three episodes in.

[@JonathanGonzalez-wv8mc]

@@flaggerify what do you mean? It advanced the story. In the game, the point of getting to Bill was to get supplies and the truck. Which is exactly what happened here.

[@flaggerify]

@@JonathanGonzalez-wv8mc Joel picking up the supplies is all that happened to the main characters and story. We didn't need to spend 40 minutes on a couple we'll never see again.

[@LoneLionLeo]

@@flaggerify it actually expanded the world. It made the tragedy of what’s at stake more powerful

[@flaggerify]

​@@LoneLionLeo How so? Bill and Frank have a very easy life compared to the vast majority.

[@worf7271]

How have I never heard of him before White Lotus? He was so good in that and even better in The Last of Us. Fantastic actor.

[@boxcpl]

Played Dom in Looking if you choose to go through more of his work.

[@MochenLiuUX]

Bc you are not gay probably. He played several roles in other gay TV shows

[@TheBambinoitaliano]

He is on Welcome to Chippendales, Physical and Looking( A gay centric series). Only recently he gotten notice for his work. An amazing actor who is generous with his acting partners.

[@Feanaro5503]

He was in an episode of Flight of the Concords. Did a great job playing an Australian named Mark.

[@MartijnPennings]

Maybe because he has mostly done tv work (lots of shows just one or a few episodes, in soap opera Guiding Light (257 episodes) and tv-movies). He has done some "gay" tv-shows, like Looking and Tales of the city, but those are mostly watched by gay people I think. For some actors their breakthrough to bigger audiences just comes later in life.

[@sophieamandaleitontoomey9343]

It’s probably one of the most honest portrayals of love I’ve seen onscreen in a long time. It was just incredibly moving. And the two of them KILLED every scene they were in together.

[@AJB9806]

I have not stopped thinking about last night’s episode for more than ten minutes.

[@johnsimth6587]

I woke up and my first thoughts were back to the episode, it was a little too much man. So fucking heavy. Really great art like this stains you. It stays with you and touches your life in ways you wouldn't expect, its hard not too when someone is able to draw so much emotion out of us.

[@EM-mm1mc]

Same… i think it will leave a pretty huge mark in my mind, and also set a new standard for what i want in a love story in films

[@FunWithGuru]

One of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen. I've played The Last of Us every year since 2013, and I cant believe I'm loving the show just as much as I love the game.

[@bingbong6066]

I've been watching you since the og games. Fun seeing you here haha :)

[@KidAstronaut]

We’re blessed. It’s almost surreal to be seeing these characters transformed and living through their stories again in new ways.

[@folkwhore8322]

AHHH Guru!!! So happy to know that you love the show as well!

[@boundlessrogue85]

All of the changes have been good changes. I love that it still surprised me.

[@sgtmian]

i loved the episode, but i can't deny i'm a little worried about joel and ellie's relationship getting enough development, we're already at the ambush next week.

[@anna-maria1412]

We all just want to grow old with the love of our life, right? That's what it's coming down to, even though we have to face difficult times and the world goes crazy. This story means so much ❤️

[@MelloPintor]

This dude was incredible in The Last of Us, what a performance and what a show

[@hellobecky84]

Murray just kind of has a sparkle about him; very handsome actor and magnificent in The Last of Us

[@BMassey1987]

I love that Nick Offerman was on Jimmy Kimmel last night talking about TLOU too; awesome to watch back to back with this

[@pickledpelican2094]

One of the greatest episodes of a TV show I have ever seen. Just amazing. 😢

[@thedylangirl]

I cried. It was so beautiful. Best couple on tv in a long time.

[@wiinterflowers4277]

Murray was fantastic on The Last of Us! He and Nick knocked it out of the park and Craig Mazin did a magnificent job writing the episode! The humanity, the character development of Bill and Frank and how they were able to lean on each other and fought for each other until the very end was so sweet and beautiful. I'm really liking how the writers are differentiating from the game and giving more development to the characters in the show.

[@AGoodVibe]

While watching this, I remember thinking “This is something very special.” I’m not sure when we’ll see an episode of television quite like this one again.

[@J_131]

Exactly my thoughts. Its like, you remember where you were when you first saw this episode. The intense suprise of emotional roller coaster you did not see coming. I just sat there as the credits rolled sad as fuck, crying over a couple I had only known for less than an hour.

[@megzeppelinn]

What a delightful person! And such a gorgeous episode of The Last of Us! Incredible performances, writing, etc. Give 'em all the Emmys

[@anonamouse.p4115]

Give them all the EMMYs indeed x!

[@whiterabbit1632]

ok if you are gay

[@anonamouse.p4115]

@@whiterabbit1632 no Trolls please.

[@The_Bashar]

Murray and Nick were in one of the best episodes of telly, EVER. 🤯

[@konversion]

I might need to subscribe to HBO Max just for these episodes just because I adore Nick Offerman but Murray seems fantastic too.

[@whiterabbit1632]

you really do not get out much do ya?

[@pinklefoo]

@@whiterabbit1632 why would you need to get out much to know whats good on tv? 🤔

[@nights_over_egypt]

EVER!!!! ❤️

[@DianaandherGuitar]

@@konversion my gf and I subscribed just for the last of us and it is well worth it

[@denisewilliams9304]

I was about ready to, not give up, but say that The Last of Us was an ok show and a show to watch without commercials--until episode 3. What an amazing and beautiful story told in an hour. The acting and flow of the story were superb. Like so many others, I was crying my eyes out several times in that hour. Not only that, but the way Joel and Ellie bonded at the end, the window shot, and Linda Ronstadt's perfect song. Fantastic episode that makes me want more.

[@citizen_wayne]

I have never wept so hard at a love story in my life. At least not that I can remember. The fact that it was a gay love story and I am a straight man made it even more incredible to me. Thanks to Murray, Nick, and everyone involved in this episode. I will be rewatching this until I literally fucking die. One of the best episodes of one of the best shows in television history. Mark my words.

[@dirkbogarde44]

Probably not so straight.

[@thenecrosanct4906]

@@dirkbogarde44 Projecting much?

[@popcultureinc.853]

@@dirkbogarde44 bro out here hating on gay people when he looks like that in his profile pic lmaooo

[@jenniferdavilla5149]

Watch tell you die...? Excessive weeping too. Maybe you got some stuff inside of you,you need to work out just saying. It was a decent ep but that's a bit much.

[@vanessaalbert9515]

Well said. This is a wonderful comment.

[@hunterwhitley9582]

Give Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett both Emmys for their performances. Make this the first year where there are 2 for best supporting actors, just so they get what they deserve!!

[@kake2000]

Easily one of the best TV show episodes ever. Beautiful and heart-breaking

[@latebloomerabroad]

I wish Murray Bartlett and Nick Offerman would tie for best actor at all the tv award shows next year! I just can't imagine a more beautifully acted show than that.

[@davidfieldsend]

Im not gay, and im happily married, but after that episode, id marry Frank in a heartbeat. That episode broke me

[@ari_california8873]

Maybe you need to take a closer look at yourself

[@j0ellyfish]

@@ari_california8873 You can be straight and make comments like so. Christ people.

[@marccardiff]

@@ari_california8873 No, actually that is how straight men who are confident in their sexual orientation react to beautifully depicted love stories. Your reaction, on the other hand, belies some deep seated fears.

[@ari_california8873]

@@marccardiff you're right I'm so scared 😖 please hold me daddy

[@elt2773]

Frank is a ray of sunshine

[@marymeola2810]

I am completely new to The Last of Us, I don’t game. My son is a huge fan and we are watching the series together. I loved him in White Lotus, phenomenal acting. We watched the love story and the death story the other night and I was destroyed. A year ago my father, who was at the end of his life and on hospice for 6 months elected to end his life with the MAID (medical aid in dying) program and with our family around him drank his bourbon and went to sleep. This is love. 😢

[@msreal5270]

Nah that episode was something else. Brought storytelling to a whole other level

[@cameronschmit6472]

My dad was in hospice this last year and the whole thing with having to give someone helpless pills to keep them alive gave me flashbacks and I cried my ass off for the last 20 minutes of that episode. Not to mention it was like a long version of the beginning of Up.

[@ellenflanagan8582]

He was fantastic in The White Lotus, definitely my favourite character from the 2 seasons

[@GillDawe]

After seeing him on White Lotus I was left wondering "where the heck has this unbelievably charismatic man been all this time?!?!" After the Last of Us episode, he's definitely proved he is a talented and dynamic actor who will never have to look for work ever again.

[@vickylikesthis]

I first became a fan in Looking.

[@thegirlwholovesmusic]

I was not ready for that episode and I’m still crying. 🍓🍓🍓

[@harryr2431]

Awww da strawberries

[@KidAstronaut]

Bill/Nick’s little giggle at the first bite of the strawberry. Tears. Added so much dimension to the game.

[@caronstout354]

Strawberries have a whole new meaning now for many people that watched TLOU episode 3...

[@ninam8583]

One of the most creative & beautifully written, shot & acted TV episodes I’ve seen man, it hit the spot fr

[@SILENTVIXXSIN]

Man I did not expect such a performance. I have a new respect for those two actors. 🤧👏👏👏

[@johnfoughty8501]

That episode of The Last of Us had me weeping at the end. Such beauty and pain and love depicted through two incredibly poignant and honest performances! Thank you Murray (and Nick) for bringing that short story into our lives!

[@ChrisAlbertH47]

That episode was emotional and amazingly acted. Lots of nuance in the portrayals. I would think that come award season (next year's probably) the acting in this episode would merit consideration.

[@DrummerRF]

I love how they touched various aspects of stories, zombie apocalypse, death, love etc but throughout the entire episode i feel it wast mostly about the human experience and people and living a good life.

[@ImpatientTurtle]

I've cried at tv before, plenty of times. But this is the first time I sobbed like a child. At one point I went to breath in and it did that child like hitch breathing they do when they are trying not to cry. The only other time this has happened to me if from the last of us games haha.

[@nights_over_egypt]

❤️🤝

[@SublimeMind]

I had to get a full-sized towel to mop up the amount of tears that were coming out of me. I became dehydrated.

[@marccardiff]

@@SublimeMind Same.

[@josht717]

🍓

[@juliebiggerbear7300]

I wasn’t expecting this bittersweet love story, and totally not expecting to have a Sunday evening cry! The Linda Ronstadt ear worm is just a bonus! 🤣

[@Barlofontain]

This comments section has filled me with joy. So many other other posts about this episode are full of people spewing hatred, at what is simply two people in love, but all of you felt the same way I did I played the game and it is a truly outstanding adaptation, plus now we get back stories like this episode, with Bill and Frank Chapeau to everyone involved with making the show

[@SteveMarzo-ti7fy]

Goddamnit I’m tearing up from that 30 second clip. Such a good episode!

[@shan5963]

The fact that these 2 guys can completely convince us and make us believe and even cry over them in under an hour is amazing!!! They both deserve the highest honors!

[@lucal2067]

Episode 3 was full of emotions, never played the game so didn’t know the story before. While there were so many powerful moment to me the biggest punch was the letter, when Ellie arrives at the point where Tess was mentioned and stops… it was a double punch, 1 for Bill’s acknowledgment of Joel and second gives even more weight to Tess sacrifice. Also the last shot when we see through the window but never get to see inside the bedroom, in story that has violence death and gore being deprived of the view of their final moment gives such a feeling of intimacy, honestly writing and directing for the series are just incredible!

[@KidAstronaut]

Play the game(s) they are fantastic and such a great addition to the world if you love the show!

[@ToniGlick]

Agree. They dealt with that last shot so perfectly, it was beautiful.

[@deirdremorris9234]

@@ToniGlick A window with wind gently blowing through, the curtains fluttering, give an air of hope and newness. Im glad they didnt show the bodies, but showed the 'beyond'...

[@whiterabbit1632]

ruined by unnecessary homosexual content

[@lucal2067]

@@whiterabbit1632 I have not played the games but from what I read it was implied that Bill and Frank had been together, in a different medium you obviously need to tell the same story but with different tools and a different prospective, you could just go watch whatever unnecessary straight romance you usually enjoy so you can have a great time and leve people who enjoyed it the fuck alone

[@adamtak3128]

This episode should definitely win the Emmy. Absolutely fantastic.

[@mrp1924]

Episode three was one of the best episodes I’ve ever seen, Great Acting ❤❤❤

[@Terry_Boyeer]

In one hour this 2 actors show us a perfect love story. HBO never misses! And Bill and Frank were INCREDIBLE

[@PILLGATESUBEEZY]

Emmy for him and Nick. What a performance, what a show.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Wouldn't they be competing against each other in the same guest star category though?

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

@sonofsin73 Yes. Both games. And as a fan of the games I appreciate the fact that they're changing the story slightly to give the tv show a separate identity while staying fairly faithful to the main story of the game. You can't have parts of the game in the TV series as it would be incredibly boring for the viewer. The game is there if you want to replay it, this is NOT the game

[@o.b.7217]

@@A-small-amount-of-peas Well said. Sonofsin73 has some serious issues.

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

@@o.b.7217 He or she may be just young and too passionate about the game, it happens as a lot of people who are now young adults played the game as kids so it's a formative emotional experience for them. The second game got a lot of hate from those fans as it didn't follow the narrative they wanted it to so ended up lashing out at a practically flawless game that rightfully swept the boards in game of the year categories. When they get a little older they will hopefully realise their comments will age badly

[@o.b.7217]

@@A-small-amount-of-peas Could very well be the case. However, if his nick is anything to go by, he's a man of 49 to 50 years of age. Not much will change in his life anymore. Not for the better, anyway.

[@carlitos05]

I still choke and get tearyeyed watching any clip from that episode, what a masterpiece

[@sheilamontirad6952]

Bill and Frank was the most heart wrenching episode I've ever seen. By far the best episode of the entire season. They really made you think about what real love is.

[@briobrandon911]

That was such a beautiful love letter to everyone in the queer community. The way it was written was so impactful. I was sobbing the entire time! Both actors did such a great job portraying that kind of love.

[@anton4773]

Dont really think it was a love letter to the queer community. More like a way to bring life into two video game characters that felt kinda dull in the game

[@chazharris]

@@anton4773 For anyone queer it was. We are accustomed in mainstream media to only seeing tragedy narratives and being killed off before living a long happy life on our own terms with the person we love. They managed to show that and give us something different in the show compared to the bleak and bitter tragedy narrative contained in the game.

[@gankt]

@@anton4773 did you play the game? Frank isn't in it

[@anitatapio512]

@@gankt his body is

[@gankt]

@@anitatapio512 the guy said he was a dull character. He wasn't really a character at all

[@alpeterson]

That episode, my god… perfect television. Perfect. There’s no complaints that make sense against it, it’s flawless adaption and variation from the source game, the acting, everything was amazing. It showed what love truly is, warts and all.

[@blackbirdflyyx]

the entire episode has been replaying on loop in my brain since it aired.

[@soyborne.bornmadeandundone1342]

What he was a part of... Was phuckin ground breaking for TV. Dude is a legend now. So is Offerman!

[@bicwhittle7820]

I fell in love with Murray Bartlett after watching The Last Of Us Ep 3. he broke my heart too

[@NancyPower33]

I love him as Nick in "Welcome to Chippendales"! Looking forward to seeing more of his work. 😊✨

[@emmabennet888]

He has such sparkling, intensely charming eyes. It would be hard to look into those eyes and not become either enamored or intimidated.

[@effiejackson3260]

Genuinely one of the best episodes of television that I have ever seen.

[@brownkemosabe]

That episode was so beautiful. Truly. It moved me immensely.

[@dielaughing73]

I've only ever seen him in White Lotus and it's wonderful to hear he won an Emmy for it. He was fantastic

[@grayden4138]

He and Offerman both should get Emmy noms for their roles in TLOU.

[@wiinterflowers4277]

I haven't watched The White Lotus. Is it good?

[@nights_over_egypt]

@@wiinterflowers4277 Excellent. Both seasons.

[@moonshineyogi933]

Watch the last of us. He’s amazing

[@wiinterflowers4277]

@@nights_over_egypt Okay.

[@moonshineyogi933]

He’s such an amazing actor. Hope to see more of him in other projects

[@GodsSoldier2]

Him and Offerman are PHENOMENAL!!

[@hammun6]

Murray is fantastic, but it really was Nick's performance in the third episode of The Last Of Us that blew me away. I hope they have him on to talk about it. I'd also like to know what Megan thought of it, she must have been so proud of her husband. ❤

[@katieamarsh]

He said she read the script and told him he had to do it. ❤

[@akguvercin8981]

​@@katieamarsh I love that he called "my goddess of a wife" ❤ Parks and Rec was probably one of my favorite tv shows ever, and Ron one of my favorite characters, so I only watched TLOU for Nick now and didn't regret it one bit. Frank and Bill's story brought me to tears, especially when Bill cried after hearing that Frank wanted to die 😭

[@heathercurry898]

Both actors sold the chemistry of their characters instantly, I saw it even as soon as they met in the hole. And i didnt even know the story cause i never played the game! I was like, omg they are setting up a romantic couple! So happy

[@worf7271]

Right? I've heard people say they thought that he was going to attack Nick Offerman during the piano scene, but it was obvious that they liked each other.

[@laredo2393]

I bawled like a baby watching the end of that episode. It was so beautifully portrayed. Kudos to all involved.

[@aarondempsey683]

Watched him in Last of us last night. This guy is an amazing actor and highly watchable and I feel o could watch him in anything. He was the highlight for me in the white lotus

[@Lashmush]

I never played The Last of Us and have seen that some people felt the third episode was a bit of a waste of showtime. I can understand that but honestly I felt this was an amazing episode. It never felt for a second like it was "catering to a demographic" but was genuinely about two people finding eachother in a very dark world and managing to make something beautiful happen and how that entire story of their lives together ended up creating a message for Joel and the resources for him to commit to his task. I actually caught myself saying "Exceptional!" out loud when it ended and felt a bit pretentious but I really liked how intimately their lives were portrayed.

[@alonzomosley7]

Well said ,I agree about they were not catering to a demographic ,that’s why it worked so well .Its simply a love story told well.,regardless of gender

[@sgtmian]

most of those people are just homophobes, but i do get the worry that the main characters won't get enough development if we dedicate whole episodes to other characters.

[@bulkbogan5849]

As someone who has obsessively played and replayed the game since it came out, the HBO episode was a masterpiece. While yes it's quite a deviation from the game where (SPOILERS) Bill ends up finding Frank's dead body after he got infected & hung himself, in the game Bill and Frank's relationship went south very fast and very badly and it ends on more of a bitter note. Bill is angry at Frank, is hurt by the fact that he killed himself and sees him as kind of an asshole for the reasons I've mentioned. This episode did so much more with their relationship, expanding on it in a way that simply couldn't have been done in the video game medium and giving them a much sweeter ending. I guess the whole overarching motif of TLOU is loss and coping with it, and getting to see a more peaceful "loss" in such a ravaged world is very refreshing.

[@AidilAfham]

Being a really big fan of the game. I really love this episode. Its rare for any show or movie to expand on a character’s back story and adding much to it. Oftentimes we get unnecessary origin story but this one realky expands the theme. I wish people would see how this is a small piece that contributes to Joel’s growth and evetual decision later on .

[@cinty2153]

It was a beautifully crafted episode. Both Nick and Murray were absolutely fantastic

[@Denashi]

Absolutely beautiful episode of TLoU! Even as a fan of the games, I was *completely* surprised and blown away by this story! Incredibly moving story and SO well played by Nick and Murray! I was in tears several times before the end!

[@tommycalzadias1710]

I loved him in the Last of Us. Such a moving, heartfelt, beautiful episode.

[@NightmareGorilla]

the argument scene was so well done, felt like any of the disagreements i've had with my wife over the years. it felt very real. and the "government are nazi's line gave me a genuine belly laugh.

[@jsquirrel9523]

Omg he is such a great actor, i didnt even recognize him from the White Lotus S1!

[@nomadtealeaf1532]

I cried so hard at that episode last night I dislocated a rib, would do it again

[@blowith]

Dude was amazing in WL and TLOU, brilliant actor.

[@VideoGamesAndTheWorld]

He was amazing in The Last of Us.

[@LisaLGruman]

Excellent interview. Loved his wonderful role in “Welcome to Chippendales”.

[@f0rtwunti]

HBO needs to put this dude in every show.

[@ramelep]

I know him as DOM .loved him since then

[@mihaelfitz]

Simple, pure and beautiful episode of why love makes us human even when the rest of the world is not. Feel sorry for those who choose not to see it that way.