THE LAST OF US Episode 1: EASTER EGGS & BREAKDOWN

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The Last of Us is finally here! HBO’s adaptation of the perfect naughty Dog game enhances the story of the original video game by adding easter eggs to the original and The Last of Us 2. But it also expands on the lore by fleshing out Joel and Ellie for a new medium. In this video we break down all of the hidden easter eggs and references and explain what it all means.
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Written and Hosted by Ryan Arey ( / ryanarey )
Edited by Harriet Lengel-Enright and Randolf Nombrado
Special thanks to Pavel Terehovsky (pavel8866.wixs...) [e-mail]
#TheLastOfUs #EasterEggs #Breakdown
I’m going to break down the episode, and the similarities to the game. But don;t worry if you haven’t played the game, I’m not going to spoil anything for you, except for this: Joel and Ellie are the core of this series, and become important to one another.
So here we go. First let’s talk about what this show means, and what it is trying to say. One thing that makes the Last of Us stand out from other zombie stories is that the zombie virus serves as the theme that drives the entire show. The Last of Us is about people losing their humanity and letting their primal, violent urges take over their minds.
We see this in 3 forms. One, with Joel. he loses his daughter Sarah and becomes a hard man, who doesn’t think twice about pointing a gun at a kid. The zombie outbreak cost him his humanity. Second, we see this theme expressed in the environment itself. Twenty years after the outbreak, the civilization that humanity has built has been overrun by nature. In the show and in the game, we constantly see where the growth of nature has destroyed the works of humanity.
And obviously, we see nature conquering humanity with the zombie virus itself. It's important that the cordyceps virus is naturally occurring. The fungus wasn’t made in a lab, or form an alien-it is a mutated being from earth that threatens both human civilization, and the human soul.
And this process is expressed brilliantly in the opening scene, in this talk show from1968. I love all the little details here, the giant ABC network camera, the ugly brown ashtrays-the fact everyone is smoking. If the people here look familiar, the scientist Dr Newman is played by John Hannah, who played Holden Radcliff on Agents of shield. And the talk show host is John Brenner, AKA big head from silicon valley. [big head drinking].
I love this opening for a few different reasons. One, it calmly explains how this new zombie virus works [clip, alter our minds]. And it tells us that the fungus will be relentless [needs to eat]. While also letting us know that it will behave a bit like the undead zombies we know any love [preventing decomposition].
But also, they slyly blame humanity for the rise of the fungus, by blaming climate change [if the earth gets a bit warmer]. And this is when they stop framing shots like this is a talk show, and film it cinematically. Dr. Newman is framed with a tight close up as he pretends the doom of humanity [clip, no cures]. And that line, no cures, is meant to implant a kind of false despair. Because Ellie is immune, and she could represent a potential cure.
And the ending line [what happens, we love]. Is just perfect. It elegantly expresses the entire theme of the show. Not just that humanity loses-but that Joel loses his humanity.
So this show was created by Neil Druckman and Craig Mazin. Neil Druckman is the genius who created the Last of Us series at Naughty Dog. And many of us know Craig Mazin from his brilliant work writing Scary Movie 3 and 4. [clip].
Doug: Person? He also created HBO’s Chernobyl, a devastating and intricate look into another disaster of mankind’s undoing.
I know buddy, I’m just kidding. We all gotta start somewhere. [high five]
The opening credits of the show are very similar to the opening of the game, except higher budget and in color. They depict the cordyceps fungi spreading outward, growing a city-like structure to symbolize how nature is overpowering humans. This spreading symbolizes how the fungus spreads across the world, and into our brains. And then the last two fungal growths are in the shape of Joel and Ellie.

[@ScreenCrush]

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[@DJMarcO138]

MORE DOUG!

[@isaacperez9330]

@@DJMarcO138 ff

[@jaymeejaymz]

Sarah/Nico Parker is Thandiwe Newton's daughter

[@ТимурТыква-г9е]

We know that, Zombie, its like Walkers from The Walking Dead, but they can only run.

[@jamesgardner6707]

John Hannah ....Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D .... that is where you are citing him from? 😆....Not like he's ever been a key part of a box office smash massive film series, where most people know him from.

[@ageb9811]

My favorite small detail from the episode was when Joel walks in the house and says “You locked the door for once,” which showed that Sarah was sensing danger after her experiences throughout the day.

[@instantchildbirth2746]

liked that too

[@Beksultan9]

I usually do it too

[@Ben-ek6pj]

@@Beksultan9 not about you :)

[@solvseus]

Good catch

[@occheermommy]

I agree you could tell she was scared

[@CoachShrugs]

For all the TLOU players, I noticed a couple easter eggs / references to the game. 1. After Joel and Tess break into the locked building, they both take off their backpack and kneel down to get their flashlights, just like they way characters in the game would interact with their inventory. 2. Near the end of the episode when the FEDRA officer discover Joel Tess and Ellie, the audio cue of getting caught out of stealth from the video game plays in the episode. 3. In the beginning part of the episode, when Tommy Joel and Sarah are in the car driving in the town, there is a truck that nearly hits them from the left, but it stops and honks before it hits them. I think that was another one of those "we're like the game, but we're being different" references too.

[@katsuLucas]

I was expecting that car crash man, i like the way they did. It was different, but not that much.

[@fernandopacheco1795]

I honestly think the whole town chaos part was better in the show , those planes man wow. goosebumps!

[@katsuLucas]

@@fernandopacheco1795 fr

[@NekoHibaCosplay]

3. I laughed my ass off at that, I was expecting the incident and that subversion was really funny

[@rummyG]

#2 was so well done I almost thought I imagined it! Great stuff👍

[@cam-asherbond5316]

The opening scene with the epidemiologists floored me completely. Instantly, the threat of the Cordyceps Brain Infection feels more rich and terrifying than it did in the game.

[@ryancbarrett96]

There's a wasp that does something very similar to ants. It was a great opening.

[@kindnessasgreatasthesea1158]

Yeah, the threat is actually real. There already is and there's gonna be a rise in fungal infections and antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections in the coming years, due to both inappropriate use of antibiotics and climate change.

[@MungeParty]

I thought it was a waste of screen time to just tell the audience something you're going to show them later. Typically considered hack writing to do stuff like that but to each their own.

[@kindnessasgreatasthesea1158]

@@MungeParty No, I disagree, it was a great addition and really made the situation more realistic and dire. It also showcased the human vice, that is indifference to future consequences of our actions as long as we can satisfy our desires today.

[@ariamattias468]

@@kindnessasgreatasthesea1158 totally agreed! Your point that the scene highlights human’s weakness to vices is underscored by the fact that the epidemiologist is smoking, despite the mountain of evidence that came out in the 50s and the official surgeon general warning in 1964

[@key5168]

Pedro: Finally, I get to play a character that’s not wearing a helmet and isn’t a smuggler/gun for hire that’s protecting someone with special blood. Also Pedro after reading the script: Well, at least I don’t have to wear a helmet.

[@dr.wahnsinn9913]

His, Got-character would have prefered the use of a Helmet. :D

[@irvbarkley]

No helmet and no gas mask is probably in all his contracts moving forward

[@Quantity444]

he prolly would need one for the next season SWING!!!!!

[@kosmic_overdose]

instead it's just a few layers of makeup

[@arcturionblade1077]

I'm sure the writers took the cordyceps spores (aerial contamination) and the need for gas masks/hazmat suits into consideration. It's difficult for the audience viewing the show to see the characters emoting behind a gas mask, and so the writing conceit of having to ingest or otherwise make physical contact with the cordyceps (a bite) was implemented instead. Treating the cordyceps as a true biohazard threat with full decon/hazmat measures a la deadly radiation or anthrax would've been too restrictive for the show's storytelling.

[@williamthomas6106]

Anyone else notice that neither Joel, Sarah, or Tommy had flour that day? No Pancake Mix, No Biscuits, No Cake. In the game, there is a news paper in the bathroom that indicates that the infection started with contaminated grain. This is not outright mentioned in the show (yet), but they make quite a point about the three of them not having pancakes, not trying the neighbor's biscuits, and Joel forgetting the cake. I think it's safe to assume that it was tainted flour that started this.

[@Kaptinhowdy]

Did you have to actually eat the flour? I never played the game but I remember the husband pushing the biscuit mash back into his wife’s mouth eww

[@dancedancedance2458]

and the neighbor making raisin cookies instead of chocolate chip, so sarah didn't eat them

[@DaBatinBuddies]

Also, the outbreak starts in Jakarta, which is home to the world’s largest flour mill.

[@Frostwolf_103]

They had pancakes for like two weeks and I think that Joel forced to follow the diet since something freak him out but can't show it on pilot episode? I think Joel and Tommy knows more than they let on, but for what? The fact that there is epidemic going on and they follow the news from CDA or WHO? Then there's a good chance they caught on the news that food stores must be recalled from contaminated products like you mentioned. So there's good chance that the origin of infection didn't start in South America like Brasil, but in Asia by country Indonesia? Indonesia as you must know, they are in the top 5 with flour goods importer and coffee beans producer. This country also have the right conditions for fungus to evolve naturally in year 2003 which have reported one of the hottest days ever recorded. The most likely fungus that infect people by ingestion is Ergot that spreads in the air via spores. Now that's actually odd because the showrunners suggested no spores. However that's okay, with evolving with fungus you can probably spread to insects like usually and infects the crops on both rye and coffee beans. In the game, it is mentioned South America, Central America and Mexico. But it started on isolated locations in Indonesia and spread via cargo ships towards half of western hemisphere, take two weeks to deliver and build up the boiling cauldron until finally erupt with Outbreak Day.

[@dancedancedance2458]

@@Frostwolf_103 what are you talking about? maybe i'm wrong but i don't remember that from the game, and as stated in the pilot episode joel doesn't even like pancakes, but sarah wanted to make some for his birthday.

[@musicIistener]

Another little Easter egg if you can call it that is the old lady neighbor is described as completely deaf a few scenes before sarah walks into the house calling out their names-explaining why the old turned woman didn’t immediately jump up and chase her. Even though the fungi keeps people alive and strengthens their bodies from mental disabilities that might affect their motor functions it can’t bring back her hearing.

[@colbycoles6983]

The depeche mode song at the end could also be referring to the smuggler's code, where 80s songs represent trouble, symbolizing the trouble that Joel and Ellie are gonna run into on their journey

[@SamLanena]

GO THE MODE🤘✌️

[@Hirnlego999]

Will they use Route 66?

[@Ghost_-nz5dy]

It definitely does signify trouble considering they show us a shot of the two skyscrapers and we hear screeching from the infected I don’t think we’re going to be going to the skyscrapers in the show but we definitely are going to be encountering some infected especially in the museum

[@_al_7210]

My thoughts exactly. Mr Arey completely missed it.

[@Haobey]

Was going to write this. Thank you :-)

[@HenryT316]

As many times as I've played the game. I still wasn't ready for what happened to Sarah. Breaks my heart everytime

[@xFersureMatt]

same.. i cried a little. or teared up.. maybe its because we have played the game we know how much that hurts him.. I was watching with a friend and she didnt cry or tear up at all.. I assume its because she has never played the game

[@BunnySulcides]

" I am not gonna spoil anything from the show but this story takes place around Ellie and Joel" Yeah kind of a spoiler..........

[@psychosis4432]

my 30 yr old baby father covered his eyes with his shirt and covered his ears lmao he never played last of us while I played 3 or 4 times through

[@tateheartheart2230]

@@BunnySulcides barely though

[@xFersureMatt]

@@psychosis4432 baby father? Wtf is that? You mean, husband? Boyfriend?

[@juicestains52]

I just love how the show uses background noises to make you feel uneasy. Stuff like when Sarah is walking outside and you hear the jets in the sky, it’s one of those things you’d see every once in awhile and think “that was really loud and close…is something going on downtown…should I be worried…”

[@ryancbarrett96]

Would you say it was extremely loud and incredibly close?

[@carloida000]

this is how it is in the game

[@juicestains52]

@@carloida000 games having ambient sounds is a standard and nothing new but you rarely see it in movies and shows this way. Usually background noises are designed to not detract from the focus of what’s on screen but in this first episode you’ll get entire conversations between characters that aren’t on screen and it never switches to their perspective so you never get the full context. Again it gives the show this uneasy feeling that something is always happening even when we’re not necessarily seeing it.

[@danieldiaz9948]

I can tell this show is going to be a hit because of how much attention to detail the team has. Especially reading all of the Easter eggs in this comment thread, it’s like every little thing and sound is meant to connect with someone. For me the part I appreciated was the daughters agonal breathing, it was happening off screen and it’s a detail shows almost always miss when showing people dying because it’s hard to get actors to mimic such an unnatural sound. It added to the scene as well because the brother being a combat vet wouldn’t just stand there if someone was shot, but he saw her and heard her agonal breathing and knew she was dead. I feel like if this was the Disney or amazon shows that have come out lately they would’ve missed that detail and we’d all be wondering: “why didn’t Tommy do anything? He had the knowledge to help and didn’t, I hate that guy” lol Details matter.

[@DoctorFatality]

the episode was fantastic, pedro and bella and all the others are so expressive and I was in awe of each of the performances

[@BEATmyguest31]

Did Joel have a mexican accent in the game? Why does Ellie now look like a foot? Surely they auditioned hundreds of girls that had Ellie’s look right? Her acting was…. pretty bad so far. It COULDNT BE because she is helping to promote the agenda of TPTB? (She says she sees herself as a boy & a girl, mostly as an excuse because she is not pretty)

[@668771]

This show will only survive if they drastically change the storyline. I loved the game, but if they kill off Joel in this series, its dead and will not work. This is the warming to the writers, remove Joel and the show dies, its great but its NOT a video game. I'm NOT playing as Elle or Tommy, I'm watching a story that I cannot interact with. Joel is essential to the survival of this show. One of Joel or his original daughter must survive, since his original daughter was killed the ONLY character left is Joel. EVERYONE else is secondary and the show dies with Joel. I hope they listen to me.

[@amounguss6008]

@@BEATmyguest31 lmao

[@justintime3384]

@@BEATmyguest31 Not sure if serious or not.

[@ryancbarrett96]

@@668771 you clearly haven't watched game of thrones.

[@NeilRussell]

One little easter egg I noticed, in the 2013 Ps3 game when Joel uses whiskey to treat Tess' wounds, the whiskey in the bottle would shake up and down... I remember people calling that out as an unrealistic glitch... but if you watch when he does it in episode 1 the whiskey does the same thing, definitely on purpose easter egg!!

[@Some_Guy6]

It's like you move your glass in circles and then sniff your wine before you take a drink.

[@MSKADES]

I don't think they CGI'd the whiskey in the bottle in the TV show to move, I think he just set it on the table and splashed back and forth. The game would have been a cycle of code to mimic the whiskey settling but probably looped.

[@NeilRussell]

Yeah, I know, but I think they set it down purposely like that as a directing call so it mimicked the game as an Easter egg.

[@christalavera5594]

At 16:50 I think it’s cool that the framing of the shot has Ellie in the light completing the phrase when you’re lost in the darkness look for the light Ellie being the light

[@anonymorse1335]

I scrolled down to find this comment cause i couldn't have been the only one to notice that she was sitting in the light as he said that

[@christalavera5594]

@@anonymorse1335 I know same I’ve seen like all of the videos like this one and none of them said a thing I was like maybe I’m just overthinking it

[@casey8270]

I thought the same thing! So cool other people thought that too!

[@wavyseaweed]

I loved the part where Joel lifts the floor boards and takes out a hatchet and a crowbar, and then the camera pans over to a brick. He also uses a wrench to kill the grandma zombie in the beginning of the episode. Those are all melee weapons in the game!

[@kikijewell2967]

Yeah! I said, "why did he throw away the wrench?" My kid said, "it was out of bars. It was used up." Then added, "Joel should have upgraded it with a shiv! It would have lasted longer!"

[@TheNfl100]

17:22 I'm just glad someone is out her letting the world know how good Fringe was. Seriously one of the most underrated shows.

[@TheDestroyer73]

that surprised me as well!! dam was that show really good and the female actor was hot 😅 so it was nice to see her in this show...

[@thejoesco]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned the opening scene when we’re first introduced to Sarah is of the loading menu of TLOU Part 1: The open window seal. Best Easter egg in the episode IMO.

[@buckwild5]

Yes! I just posted that. They had me immediately.

[@_JC_21]

What an incredible first episode. I cried right on cue for that scene.

[@Krillinish2]

Cue

[@NeilRussell]

Everytime.

[@ragedbrickashaw5085]

Lmao

[@zumabbar]

i thought you were talking about when Joel cut the line lmao

[@mobious01]

What scene?

[@gashur1704]

A detail that I think I picked up on was when the guard notices Ellie and tess there’s a subtle sound that plays which is the same audio cue that happens when you get spotted in the games🤯

[@STormnNormn2027]

A couple more that might be hard to see. - The birthday card can be seen on Sarah’s desk beneath a pair of scissors - Behind Joel at Perry’s on the big board of notes are a lot of fun Easter eggs; a message from Malcolm Reynolds to the Fireflies, a recipe for ration gnocchi, an obituary for Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote, a love letter teasing a group out west called the WLF, a memorial to one of my fallen firefighters and the birth announcement of my youngest daughter born during production.

[@ALEJOwhatever]

As someone who played the games, I was like "Sarah dies, you know that, so there's no need to cry". I still cried

[@tygrademello6841]

I ugly sobbed. It hurts every time and had to take a break after that

[@hojocollider5276]

There was one more easter egg from the game I noticed. The title screen window, and drapes. The scene where Sarah wakes up they closed in on the drapes, and I felt it had to be a nod at the title screen with its unforgettable hauntingly beautiful music.

[@6scar911]

I noticed that too!

[@rpaq977]

@8:10 when Sarah took the bus into the city that was actually shot in Calgary, AB. Where the plane crashed was actually Fort MacLeod (pronounced Mac-cloud).

[@AkiZzu92]

I loved the episode! I also loved the fact that in the game you hear a dog getting killed outside when Sarah is looking for Joel. In the series the dog survives - and his/her name is Mercy

[@josephk.8728]

The fact that this came up less than a half-hour after it finished the first episode is astounding, insane, and it shows your non-pareil diligence.

[@SamLanena]

With popular channels, they'll have early access to the show so as to be able to post their wrap up "immediately". It's the thing I loved about being a film critic.

[@josephk.8728]

@@SamLanena Oh. Now that makes sense.

[@John-Doe-Yo]

@@SamLanena you were a film critic?

[@SamLanena]

@@John-Doe-Yo once upon a time, back in the old pre internet days, in a thing called a newspaper 🤣 It was one of the best, if not the best job I've ever had.

[@John-Doe-Yo]

@@SamLanena Well shoot why’d you stop?

[@iainjames03]

19:52 I didn't see that as dried blood - you can see it reflecting Ellie as she tugs on the chain and especially on the window frame and the glass it's colourless. I think it's just showing that the building is old and leaky - as evidenced by Ellie getting dripped on moments later.

[@sirchadwick7210]

They also avoided gluten a lot in this episode making me think that’s how they avoided being infected. No pancake mix, no eating the biscuits the neighbors offered, and eating the raisin cookies

[@Charlie-xu4fw]

That's exactly the case, in both the show and game.

[@arcturionblade1077]

I think it's hinted that grain shipments imported from overseas (South America and Jakarta) are contaminated with the cordyceps, or possibly the yeast (which is a living organism) used to bake bread and other cereal/carb-based processed food product.

[@taramama6658]

Wow for the first time ever I would survive awhile in a situation. I can’t eat gluten! 😂

[@alexoman177]

The Depeche Mode song lyrics are often speculated to really about heroin, David Gahan's addiction to his best friend. I think the open interpretation and darker connotations of the song are very appropriate and foreshadowing as well.

[@aliwantizu]

Loved that they tied the lyrics to one of the greatest songs of all time to the events of the series!

[@Watcher4111]

This song is about drugs or gay friend. Or both

[@SidPhoenix2211]

The guy running the radio is NEITHER Perry NOR Jeffrey Pierce, the guy who played Tommy in the games. Joel had his finger in the safe position (extended flat against the side of the gun, not on the trigger) when he was aiming it at Ellie. He was just warning her to stay back. He DEF would not have shot this unarmed child. He threw her when she charged him but that is only because he didn't realize that she was a child. This is apparent by the look on his face when he looks at her when she's knocked down to the ground.

[@JaneDoe-ks2kc]

This episode was perfection. Loved everyone’s performance , especially Nico Parker, she w was excellent as Sarah. ❤

[@elliottpm5909]

12:16 One thing to note is that Tommy said “some guy was going crazy and attacked a waitress” he went to jail because he got in a fight with him (that guy was likely infected and that’s why he was aggressive)

[@peterdanidson8109]

You don't say

[@elliottpm5909]

@@peterdanidson8109 Well the video didn’t mention that so yeah haha They made it sound like Tommy was just a guy who is liable to get into fights

[@Sefirosu0522]

Absolutely digging it. I'm digging the fact that I can also come and watch these breakdowns every week!

[@kaenna1]

You completely forgot to mention the amazing Christopher Heyerdahl in the opening scene! He's been in everything from Stargate: Atlantis to playing the sherriff in Peacemaker.

[@michellestaley9353]

Another cool butterfly connection - along with the butterfly on Sarah's pillowcase and the butterfly on the window of Joel and Tess' window that we see when Ellie is talking with Joel, there is a very similar butterfly in their kitchen window in 2003 when Sarah tells Joel that his t-shirt is on inside-out. Thank you for all of your insights! 💜

[@andrewswetonic]

Small observation, the item that was being reflected into Sarah's eyes in school by her classmate doesn't look like a watch but rather it appears to be some form of an old Medical ID bracelet. Like for those who had diabetes or something. The kid could have become infected because he had to visit a hospital recently similar to the older next door neighbor.

[@revuman]

-The kid who gets executed coming back to the base mirrors the ants from documentaries. It was even mentioned in the intro. The fungus tells him where to go. Even if he is not fully gone yet. - Also the 80s song at the end is probably the moment Frank got apart from Bill. Foreshadowing.

[@nicholasgarrick8855]

Fantastic premiere all around they did a good job at capturing the actual scene from game ,notably Sarah's death. Pedro ,and Bella were the prefect casting choice for Joel, and Ellie. They absolutely capturing the essence, and personality brilliantly of both characters can't wait to see the rest of this season.

[@jcaashby3]

19:54 that does not look like dried blood. It is wet water from the rain getting inside the old ass window. There are leaks all around once it started raining.

[@Cheesycat948]

When the dog was freaked out then terrified I knew it was gonna be bad. The dog was like “you’re on your own kid”.

[@buckwild5]

I loved the beginning where the window sheer blew in a breeze, just like the start up menu. They had me in the first second. Loved every min.

[@patrickfalls6819]

The fungus may have been spread through the flour. I noticed in episode one that the old lady was eating biscuits, and at every opportunity for Sarah, her father, and Tommy to eat flour, they either didn’t or couldn’t. For example, Tommy wanted waffles but ate chicken; Sarah and her father passed on the biscuits; Sarah passed on the raisin cookies, and Sarah’s father forgot the birthday cake.

[@khyraundayag8625]

Hey, don’t want to be that person but it’s Sarah, not Ellie. Also, if that were true (the flour) it makes sense cause in the game, (correct me if I am wrong) there were reports that the fungus may have spread into certain crops/foods which came from south america(?)

[@patrickfalls6819]

@@khyraundayag8625 Thanks for the correction! Unfortunately, I haven’t played the game, nor do I know the original story, but I am excited to experience the television series.

[@ScreenCrush]

What did you think of the episode?

[@johnnymonsters9717]

Got to watch it first Saw the game story on KZbin with the wife and I'm hoping the show is decent

[@joshuaa7223]

It was great.

[@fdiniz18]

AMAZING! Love how they followed the game but also added new touches, the attention to the details and performances re great. I think we finally have a good video game adaptation here boys!

[@TheBigWheelz]

I don’t have hbo max so I can’t watch it 😂

[@richperez2168]

Continuity error: the episode takes place in 2003; Murderball was released in 2005.

[@bjorn00000]

For the opening, don't forget Christopher Heyerdahl, a Canadian actor that shows up in a lot of sci-fi. (He played Todd in Stargate Atlantis, for example.)

[@bjorn00000]

And "Fort Macleod" is pronounced like the character from The Highlander.

[@maverick06]

AH thank you!

[@JorgenLundman]

In peacekeeper, and Sanctuary etc. I recognised him more than BigHead.

[@aliwantizu]

He's one of those actor who is in a LOT of things in small roles, voice roles, or in unrecognizable makeup.

[@joaonestorgagliardi1985]

Hey Ryan, how about a video of the theory that the Cordycepts infection came from flour on the food? On this episode, everyone that got infected had eaten something from bakery (cookies, cake), and the protagonist doesn't eat anything from that (Joel had forgot to buy flour for breakfast, so they eat bacon/eggs; Sarah doesn't eat the cookie when she found out that was maded with raisins, and so on and on...). Sorry for my English! Much love from Brazil

[@IdleHandsDave]

Two things. My favorite line was when Joel and Ellie are first introduced in the hallway and it's mentioned of what things Joel is capable of and Ellie quietly says, "What IS he capable of?" with a very concerned look on her face. Secondly, was it just me or did Ellie have an almost bloodlust look on her face when Joel was punching the guard to death? She gave off a weird vibe

[@iainjames03]

There was a nice little nod to the 'spores' when Joel raids his secret stash under the wardrobe - as he moves it aside there's a short insert shot of dust motes in the air.

[@aliwantizu]

The ending made good use of one of the greatest songs of all time, and tied the lyrics (which actually are about drugs) to the events of the series. Thanks for breaking that down!

[@BwAaS]

Nico Parker KILLED IT!!!!! Holy hell Mini Thandie Newton Was awesome!

[@azzanna]

18:55 That's not Jeffrey Pierce, who plays Perry. That's Jerry Wasserman, he plays Abe

[@jayladusterhoft737]

They filmed so much of this in my home city of Calgary Alberta! When they were filming you could see all the rusted out cars and vines they put up! It was so cool!!!

[@Nobody18718]

1st episode did the game justice, I hope the rest of the series is like this

[@6scar911]

I knew it would be a great adaptation because the director is the same one that directed Chernobyl, and the accuracy on that show is crazy to actual footage of the tragedy. The show is so far so great. Can't wait to see the rest of it

[@dangfelton]

In the opening scene it ends with the line “we lose” To me this felt like a nod to video game reality where if you die, “you lose” the game

[@GM1440_]

6:20 I haven’t seen anyone talk about it, but that card actually is on her white desk/table in the show! One of the first things I noticed that let me know this was gonna be great

[@buckman234]

I also noticed how they had to get their weapons out of their backpacks like you have to do in the game.

[@Some_Guy6]

Guns tend to be bigger then backpacks after all....

[@jamiesellick4511]

Loved the first episode and thanks for the great breakdown! Just FYI Fort Macleod is pronounced Ma-cloud. I live in Alberta and was very lucky to see multiple amazing sets as they filmed in and around my city.

[@leticiaalvarado3105]

When it comes to the song at the end, I thought it was a reference to what Ellie said earlier “80’s means trouble” since Don’t let me down Again is from the 80’s, meaning that the journey they are about the beginning will be a dangerous one, but now that you point out the lyrics is talking about them that’s interesting too

[@janelist978]

In the flashback part while they're in the truck, I could feel my own heart going mad, I felt truly anxious in that moment, something I don't think any media has ever done to me. It was a hell of a first episode!

[@brandonulloa17]

Love the breakdown! But one major thing was forgotten about the song at the end! It’s a song from the 80’s!!! Meaning “Trouble” just like how it was foreshadowed by Ellie a bit earlier in the episode !!

[@countryfriedgamer15o]

Let's not forget at the beginning of the show they were playing tomorrow by avril lavigne in which lyrically is foreshadowing that things will change drastically and the uncertainty of how Sarah was feeling about things. Also not knowing if joel could protect her from what was happening Here's some of those lyrics: "I don't know how I'll feel Tomorrow, tomorrow I don't know what to say Tomorrow, tomorrow Is a different day And I wanna believe you When you tell me that it'll be OK Yeah I try to believe you Not today, today, today, today, today Tomorrow it may change Tomorrow it may change Tomorrow it may change Tomorrow it may change"

[@johnford4031]

Ryan, I’m sad that you only credited John Hannah for Agents of Shield. C’mon man. He was Jonathan in “The Mummy” franchise!!

[@NeilRussell]

Thhhhhatttt's where I knew him frooom!!!!!

[@nayelivalenciana2304]

@@NeilRussell IKR 😅😁

[@jackdubz4247]

But, just like Gabriel Luna, John Hannah was very good in AoS.

[@mrpatel100]

Not sure if it’s a missed one, but I had to Google the song at the end and it’s from the 80’s which means danger. Fitting it’s playing as they leave quarantine zone and head out into Boston

[@christinawilson7034]

The Depeche Mode song, in my mind (and besides potentially reflecting the symbolism mentioned in this video), is as direct a message as Bill could get to Joel about what he and Frank were about to do in Episode 3. I guess I was a little surprised that the obvious Easter Egg wasn't so obvious. Love the breakdowns, though!

[@chrisfox961]

It is wonderful to see a TV adaptation add to the original but also stay faithful. For the writer, to be able to make some small changes must have felt amazing as he could see what worked from the game and take 10 years of experience to improve. This is the right way to update a loved story unlike say, adding cheesy CGI all over the original Star Wars trilogy (Talking to you here George!). What I liked most about this episode is the slow build that shows how shocking and unprepared everyone was for the outbreak. It reminded me of some of the best moments of season one of The Walking Dead. I can't wait for the rest of the episodes for this season to come out! Thanks as always for a great breakdown Ryan!

[@matthewsams1038]

The part with the old lady with the fungus tentacles coming out her mouth is how it spreads. It pushes those tentacles into another person, infecting them...

[@rckoala8838]

I've never seen the game, so I'm just taking it all at face value. Thanks for providing all the background. I was going to miss you after Andor ended!

[@bshaddo]

Just look at pictures of Bella Ramsey and Ashley Johnson side by side. There’s no way they weren’t going to cast Johnson in some critical role, but I can easily see the lightbulb going off over the producers’ heads when they realized the resemblance.

[@Aquila009]

I see what you did there. I’m sure their interest was piked.

[@patrickmcisaac3142]

Ashley Johnson in a Critical Role, you say???

[@terriblefrosting]

Bella's performance in this is INSANELY good. That girls has one heck of a career ahead her. I went in not ever having played the game, now I think I kind have to, because DANG, this show is that good

[@oceano87]

1000% pick up a copy of the game! Its a decade old now and it still holds up wonderfully today. A real great experience if youre too eager to wait on the episodes

[@ehotto]

ya maybe they will cast her in House of the Dragon or something

[@MrBlob804]

Didn't it come out 30 minutes ago?!? You work fast, Props to you.

[@SilverSkywalker]

I'm glad they stuck to the script mostly! Finally, a show that does! With TLOU being one of my favorite games, it was awesome that I knew a lot of the dialogue!! Great first episode!! And a great break down of the show!!! Can't wait for the next episode!

[@DogBrainDingus]

Doug trying to relate to 2003 was really funny to me. I never got around to playing this show as a video game, but I will say this first episode definitely has me wanting more

[@nicholasgarrick8855]

Ryan you are the best! Thank you for you awesome in depth review ,and breakdown as always 😊👏🏽

[@brumak2189]

2:05 can't forget about the Swede from Hell on Wheels

[@ShadowOfM]

I really liked the episode, I watched it with my father and he liked it as well. My only fear -not really a fear- is if it ends up with 6+ seasons and lost focus or quality. Keep it up with the great content!

[@dcmonnie]

Personally, I’m not afraid of that. Considering where we’re at in the story now and the prestige of the writing team, I think they perfectly understand 2 things: A) Straying too far from the plot of the game would be absolutely detrimental to the overall quality and opinion of the show and B) This story already has a beginning and an end. To me, the fact that the road markers are preset and known to a large portion of the audience beforehand is reassuring. The pressure from long-time fans will keep the writers in check, I think

[@zimbim7562]

tbh i think they will only do 1 or 2 seasons. which is kinda sad bc every episode has been amazing but also good bc it won’t go on too long and become a chore to watch.

[@Goneinsane616]

I felt like I was watching a video game. And when I’m watching the video game. It’s like I’m watching a movie! And I freaking love it. I’ve gotten my whole family to watch and they loved it. And they had no clue what it was about

[@andrewhaggerty549]

My personal favourite detail was Ellie having the last word when her and Joel are first alone together in Joel's place. She says "you're watch is broken" lol

[@missioncomplete420]

Love Dr sqach. Met him in Cali randomly and was super nice and chill

[@calebwall1041]

That’s what I love most about it. They don’t change the story they add more to it

[@ProPhile]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the 1st scientist in the opening sequence played by amazing character actor Christopher Heyerdahl! He is fantastic - I have been a fan of his since way back when he starred in Sanctuary!

[@3067jon]

The fungus body in the basement - a bit like a couple of the scenes in the film annihilation, I thought.

[@ashleigh_rpg]

7:18 Gotta love that Pedro spitting water meme. Gets me every darn time!

[@Roebuck325]

Did you notice they mirrored all of the major scenes, the burning house, Sarah giving Joel his gift, the rainy room with Ellie, Marlene's wound.

[@Thelastfreedomfighter1710]

"Never Let Me Down Again" was released in 1987 in the show the code for trouble is any song from the 80's

[@plantypittsburgh]

At one point, there is a dust/spore scene in Joel's apartment. Shocked this was not mentioned. It was the spores in the sunbeam from the game.

[@maniaq77]

noticed that and wondered if they would make a big deal out of it - also when they went underground towards the end of the episode and you see Joel opening a hatch - it's covered in mould!

[@ErasMcras]

when i first saw the fungus hanging out of the old ladie's mouth i almost lost my lunch

[@BunnySulcides]

you didn't mention how you see multiple people in the EQZ have missing limbs either from punishment or to stop infection.

[@catarinacebolais5681]

notice how in the scene where Ellie is captive in the room and the wall reads "when you're lost in the darkness" ellie is literally IN the light, as the sunlight coming through the window hits her and lights her up, contrasting with the darkness in the rest of the room

[@LordGavial1138]

Fantastic start of the series ! Can't wait to tune in every week ! Here and on HBO 😁😁

[@HornedSerpent86]

Yeah I'm just hoping every single episode is on HBO since hbo max is a pain in the butt sign up for

[@Davedarko]

16:49 love how Ellie is also the only thing directly lit, so you have to look (out) for her

[@amobvideos1744]

The fungus is foodborne. They made a big deal about the pancakes and biscuits.

[@SnakeActual]

Good catch. The cookies also stand out so much more now, but as someone who likes raisins, I can't say I appreciate the implications about raisin cookies being linked to the apocalypse.

[@Agk3los]

How dare you not recognize The Swede from Hell on Wheels in the opener. Just one of the best show TV antagonists ever. I joke of course, not everyone has seen that show but man... he was incredible.

[@John-nu1od]

Based on the code Ellie broke. The final song means danger as it is from the 80s

[@Welshguy78]

Another Easter egg was when Joel was getting his hidden tools out of his floorboard and the camera lingered on the dust in the air that had been disturbed. Reminding us of the spores from the game. Awesome!

[@nicholasgarrick8855]

Marlene knew kim won't survive If she took Ellie because she has no ear ,can't listen mode.

[@NeilRussell]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@88strange88]

Fantastic first episode and to cap it off with Depeche Mode…this might be my favorite first episode of any show ever.

[@josealejandrogarcia484]

The only thing that, well, bugged me a bit was Joel getting flashbacks when they were facing the FEDRA agent at the end of the episode. If I remember correctly, in the game, hours and hours go by before Joel remembers or talks about Sarah. I remember feeling like he had suppressed her memory, and I was anxiously waiting for a reference. Every interaction made me wonder, "Is he finally going to talk about Sarah?" It was such a powerful feeling in the game; it was one of the things that motivated me to keep playing: the "return" of Sarah.

[@cinne2135]

Well 20 years had passed...

[@TheDestroyer73]

ikr? it does throw you off a bit as thats one of his main reasons why his personality is like that now

[@josealejandrogarcia484]

@@TheDestroyer73 totally! I just wished that people watching the series who hadn't played the game (like my gf) would've had that same anxiety I felt while playing the game, haha. Oh well. I can't wait for ep. 2, though!

[@d_ruby]

First shot of Joel walking downstairs in the show was over his shoulder like a third-person video game.

[@rickyross952]

We say Fort McCloud… unless ur true Scottish then it’s Fort McClood. Love this channel!!!

[@Tsukasa941]

I came here to see if anyone else would have corrected that

[@jackdubz4247]

Gabriel Luna AND John Hannah? This is the Agents of SHIELD reunion that I didn't know that I needed.

[@philly_sports1558]

I was so impressed with this episode. The performances were all great, the tone and atmosphere was identical to the game, and there was some interesting new elements added as well. Coming from someone who adores the first game, I think we’re in good hands here.

[@RenegadeLK]

The show is amazing so far though! Bella is the by far stand out performance. Hope the rest of the season is just as good as this first episode.

[@NeilRussell]

Yeah that one scene where she was like 'why can't I go home' omg the craft she shows in her acting there was amazing