The Last of Us Episode 3 is HBO's Magnum Opus

A review/analysis of episode 3 of The Last of Us taking a look at how its HBO's Magnum Opus. I also wish I could marry Nick Offerman. Based on the 2013 video game developed by Naughty Dog, the series follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a smuggler tasked with escorting the teenage Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptic United States.
Letterboxd link: letterboxd.com/SupercutDelight/

[@ATX_C_Hawks]

I saw someone say that Bill knew how to survive and Frank knew how to live. That’s what made them so wonderful together.

[@morimetz]

The show's creators said that in the offical podcast 👍🏻

[@taylorgayhart9497]

Your comment made me cry all over again!!!!!! When he said Frank gave him purpose it broke me!!! 😭😭😭😭

[@ibebrett]

It's suuuch a perfect way to describe it too🏆

[@desertgrowndank7256]

So unnecessary considering this is a adaptation to the game and it adds nothing to the furthering of the story until the end of the episode, anyone who's played the game or saw the trailer knows this is a brutal story about ellie and joel so why try to make it like a Disney soapy pc episode and their whole dialog felt so unnatural and forced, this was litterly a filler and why not show the extremely tense moment from the high school and trying to jump start it as your dealing with a horde of infected and get introduced to the bloater which feels far more likely to happen than Bill randomly falling in love after a dinner at the first encounter. And Bill from the game is a survivalist not a husband lmao

[@Sydcindy8293]

Oh my word, YES! Now I’m crying again. 😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@TRH711]

I think this was the first time I’ve ever seen a happy queer relationship between two older men on tv before. It made me realize that I had never thought about getting to their age, and had never imagined this kind of love and intimacy. I have never ever been able to picture my life being happy and gay after age 35 until watching this. I think this episode will stick with me for a long, long time.

[@corbeaublanc20]

Yeah, because medias are good to repeat the same "tragic, gay, impossible to be happy" for so many years! Like it can only happy a bad Romeo and Juliet repeat. But it's not the reality. Happiness, companionship, family and getting old together is possible for anyone. I hope you find your special one, dude. I found mine ;)

[@jaynewatkinson4986]

I really recommend severance if you want more old gays! also just a great show anyway

[@iii7878]

Today's woke Hollywood couldn't show homosexuals in a negative light. They have to be "husbands" that love each other and die together rather than, "partners" who can't stand each other. It's the new brainwashing download for 2023...

[@TRH711]

@@corbeaublanc20 this makes my heart so full thank you

[@sofisofi3228]

yess, this episode is such a good representation for love, the circumstances of their situation and the piano scene was so good, it was so beautiful it was flawless

[@noraunhappy]

There’s a particular scene that I don’t think gets enough credit, both for the writing and the acting, and it’s the end of the piano scene. And I get it, in an episode full of incredible moments this one is kind of easy to miss. When Bill finishes singing and Frank asks him about the girl he’s singing about, and Bill just tears up and says “there is no girl,” you really get the impression that this is one of the first times Frank has ever been honest with himself about being gay, and it’s probably the very first time he’s been honest with someone else about it. It’s such a soft vulnerable moment that’s conveyed so subtly.

[@chubbydinosaur9148]

Oh yes ❤ I also loved that first spark between them when Bill poured out the wine. The acting was so subtle and amazing.

[@lindak3030]

@@Doctorg3231 No one gives a shit about what's in the BIble. Go away.

[@xxKEVZxx]

oh yeah, I got that too! that moment can be easily missed and it's so nuanced, what a beautiful moment!

[@jillcnc]

I think you mean it's the first time BILL has been honest with himself. Frank, I think, has always been out, and so his "gaydar" was set off by the impeccable neatness of the house (set off by the "guy-ness" of forgetting about dusting). The meticulousness of the meal and the seductive nature of making an elaborate meal to share. The way Bill poured the wine and said "I know I don't look the type." One thing piles on another to check off boxes for Frank so he knew he'd be safe moving in for a kiss. It was a brilliant setup and an unforgettable relationship portrayal.

[@Sturzfaktor2]

Yes, I was already wondering if something was going on when Bill hesitantly laid out the clothes for the showering Frank. His body language during the dinner was also so well acted. A heartwarming episode in the middle of the apocalypse.

[@bossrutgob7609]

I have never cried this much when watching a series. This episode hit so close to home. My dad is bisexual and now lives a happy life with his (male) partner, but he went through hell to get there as did I (and my sister). My mother died of cancer and my dad was fucking broken after and it took him a long time to find love again - finding it in his partner, whom we all love. So the combination of this episode an the fact that Frank got sick (reminding me of my mother) just hit all the fucking buttons. Couldn't have cried more if I tried. What a fantastic piece of art.

[@SlamDunkPyro]

I’m sorry you and your folks had to experience that kind of loss

[@ybplays1629]

@@JDawg7077 get a job bro stop hating 💀💀💀💀💀💀

[@ybplays1629]

@@JDawg7077 you think they care?? 😂😂

[@noone6223]

​@@JDawg7077 wage war like no tomorrow cause hell there won't be one

[@listerinesmoothie841]

​@@noone6223 for all who deny the struggle the triumphant overcome

[@Dutch_chess]

I love that Nick Offerman was able to still play the grumpy survivalist but also play emotional scenes. Goes to show how great of an actor he is.

[@bothellkenmore]

I almost feel like I owe Nick an apology because I did not expect this performance.

[@Hamantha]

He is a legendary actor

[@ggt47]

@@bothellkenmore He did a good job at playing the Gruff man's man but could more human and emotional. Like that when he first met Bill,the piano scene,the strawberry scene and Frank's suicide.

[@JohnSmith-bw6pv]

The guy who made this video is obv gay.. :|

[@redred222]

@@JohnSmith-bw6pv im not gay and i loved the episode and anyone i know that watched the ep loved it, you just hate gay people

[@painfulVeracity]

The final scene is so special, honestly. The window left open like the note said, looking out on the truck leaving, and we never see Bill and Frank dead and that kinda feels…right? Very respectful and just beautiful direction.

[@vangmx]

I’m not gonna lie - I was expecting to see the bodies of Bill and Frank when the camera was pulling back from the window, so I had to look away. Instead, the director chose not to show them to us. It’s like what another KZbinr said. We saw Bill and Frank at their best. There was no need to see them at their worst (meaning dead in bed and visually not appealing to the eye). Great episode!

[@brandon17760]

Considering they OD'd it would be an awful sight. It wouldn't have been them in each other's arms all romantic. They wouldn't of just died, they would be covered in vomit and probably asphyxiated on it. I'm so glad they didn't show it.

[@kithugomusic]

@@brandon17760 Considering how bad the food had gotten when Joel and Ellie arrived there wouldn’t just be vomit but also two bodies swollen and well into the process of rotting 🙃

[@brandon17760]

@@kithugomusic yeah I would of been annoyed if they just showed a romantic embrace lol so I'm glad they skipped that altogether

[@antr_]

Part of me wanted to see how they died, but I feel like what they did was way better, they basically iternalized Bill and Frank in our memories. Showing their corpses would break that symbolic feeling or what not. I am not very good in interpreting stuff but that is what I get from it. Applause to Naughty Dog.

[@maianation]

To me the core of the game was human connections in a postpocalyptic world. Not the zombie killing. And this series has only bettered it. Bravo.

[@iii7878]

That's what every zombie film is about. They're always about how society reacts to a break down of complex structure of law/order and global supply chains to a more localized form of law/order with a supply chain of what you can grow and barter with.

[@thepredhulkchronicles5934]

@@iii7878 Yes, but the film’s ratio of zombie to human interaction is more largely skewed towards the latter, which is rare for other such works in the same genre.

[@jonnyc429]

Yes, exactly. The game was about human connections in a time of horrific loss. I always felt terribly sorry for Bill being alone for so long and the one person who cared about him, and he cared about, ended up hating him. This episode gave him the story he really deserved.

[@sillythygoose]

@@thepredhulkchronicles5934 that’s typically due to the time period they are set in. Most zombie movies or shows are set directly after the outbreak so the main focus is on the zombies themselves. TLOU is 20 years after the outbreak so it makes more sense that the infected are no longer the biggest threat.

[@veezbeez4015]

Agreed.

[@erin1569]

I want to underline the importance of the line "I wasn't afraid until I met you" said by Bill to Frank. It ties really well with Joel's evolution as a character, from being the scared father to being a hardened man who doesn't fear anything, to the character who gets panic attacks whenever Ellie is in danger.

[@gaspanda]

Yes, I think it's meant to mirror Joel and Ellie's relationship in a way.

[@DJ_Cub]

I want to underline how unimportant this episode was to the show.

[@gaspanda]

@@DJ_Cub the OP gave a reason, but you didn't. I can give you a few more why it was important - the letter to joel, the fact Bill talked about "looking after" Frank. The links to the theme of the story and a nod to the open window were well signposted

[@DJ_Cub]

@@gaspanda no line in this episode is something groundbreaking. people like this episode because it panders. It’s really not that great of a love story. What makes it a great love story? Because they are gay? It’s Not good writing. They meet and fuck the first day they meet. Then are together until they die because They have no other options. They can’t leave and there is no sacrifice made to stay together and no obstacles that would tear them apart. The show runners masked their inability to write something great by making it pander to the “gays” pretty basic bitch stuff here. A gay love story is fine I guess. I mean i get nothing from it but at least make it about something.

[@DJ_Cub]

@@gaspanda you want a good love story? One that will really tear at your heart strings? Guts and Casca from Berserk. Compare the sacrifice, loss, overcoming of insecurities etc etc. and compare that to Bill and Frank. You could literally sum up their entire relationship with one word: Convenient.

[@yostr1]

I don't think Bill ever had meaningful relationships with people in a pre-apocalyptic world and didn't make one until he met Frank when society had collapsed. That made the story even more heart breaking to me.

[@timk6181]

Yes, it's all in that first kiss, you can see the years of repression and fear and overwhelming relief at finally connecting with someone... goddamn the acting in this episode...

[@Y0uKnowMyName]

The world ended twice for him.

[@epiidemiktv1761]

Heartbreaking? I think the opposite. They lived 20 years happily together.

[@zyonhenderson67]

@Tim K Yeah that shit was passionate af

[@ragnarok283]

@@timk6181 I know cringe af

[@laykni]

I think the reason Bill was out there in the rain shooting at Raiders is because Love made him careless. He was so panicked about losing what he had. He ran out there.

[@bendgeddes]

I feel that’s just how we found him in that moment. 2 seconds before, maybe he was in a fortification A and now was moving to B. He looked cinematic AF in the middle of the road though. Great TV. 👍👍

[@alvinacho8099]

I think the reason Bill was out there and shooting at the raiders was probably to draw fire away from Frank.

[@CDSAfghan]

Or just poor writing.

[@trailoffiends]

Lol the excuses people make, it was for the cool shot and that's alright. Not everything needs to be justified. If Bill was panicking then he would take Frank first to the bunker. You know, the secret compartment underground? Use your heads.

[@YourSocialistAutomaton]

Mf he got shot for 0 reason

[@Persal07]

The entire franchise is named "The Last of Us" It just makes sense for the show to develop and display how humans had endure the end of civilization, even at this level of detail. It's silly to think it's all about survival and zombies. It's about humans, all of it, beauty and horror.

[@murrproductions9654]

The Last of Us part 1 is about finding humanity again but specifically for Joel's character through the relationship he develops with Ellie. Episode 3 lacks that character development for the main protagonist instead opting to rewrite Bill and Frank's backstory. Yes Bill and Frank were most likely in a relationship canonically but it was a toxic relationship. Bill's character in the game symbolized what may happen to Joel if he continues being hardened by life. The Bill segments also helped naturally progress Joel and Ellies character growth something sorely lacking in episode 3 and the rest of the season feels like it's playing catch up instead of having a solid pace and natural progression between the two. That's why it's hard to defend episode 3 even though it's a well acted and well written episode.

[@logicss2893]

​@@murrproductions9654 huh? "Most likely"?

[@murrproductions9654]

@@logicss2893 have you even played the game? It's never stated they were in a relationship. It's just heavily implied.

[@judewatts6942]

​@@murrproductions9654with all due respect- what? No offense but that doesnt make any sense at all.

[@murrproductions9654]

@@judewatts6942 exactly what part are you having trouble comprehending?

[@GDQ]

Bill deliberately stood in middle of the street and in clear view of the raiders so that they see and shoot at him instead of the house. He was protecting Frank.

[@jgonsalk]

Fuck you're right and this makes it even more beautiful

[@dificulttocure]

He can't protect Frank if he's dead.

[@GDQ]

@@dificulttocure Bill knew the raiders themselves could not get pass the fences but their bullets did. Frank was safe as long as the raiders didn't shoot at their house.

[@goosy6052]

That sounds like copium. Why would the raiders start shooting at a random house?

[@GDQ]

@@goosy6052 Because the raiders panic and a well kept house is where the owners would live. Joel also mentioned that they would come armed and prepared to fight.

[@NateDynamite]

My spouse has been sick for almost a decade now. This episode absolutely broke us, we were a sobbing mess.

[@omu6740]

not that it means much, but i hope the both of you are having a great day ❤️

[@tedbear1971]

Hope that your spouse get better

[@aleksamarkovic2671]

"For to fear death is a fools choice, like fearing waking up. It's inevitable. Love Life. Love now, fear never."

[@trailoffiends]

Some of us don't even get to find a significant other. I hope you're both having a good life regardless of the struggle and ofc, I do hope he gets better. :)

[@dont-touch-mepg1392]

That's funny because u have a comment claiming something else that would make no sense if this were true.

[@Brandonhatesmayo]

The small details are awesome like Ellie not knowing how to use a seat belt and Joel leaving the guns thinking hes coming back.

[@youngnat]

Those aren’t small details that’s about all we got from them this episode 😂

[@whiteboynick6506]

He puts the gun back because it was almost outta ammo and I believe he stated ammo for the gun is hard to come by

[@cantgameright]

@@whiteboynick6506 Which is absurd if you know a thing or two about how people call 5.56x45 "America's Caliber" it's everywhere and everything but rare. Aside from that, I think Episode 3 was VERY good.

[@justusP9101]

@@cantgameright well its 20y after the outbreak so FEDRA would have hoarded all the assault rifle ammo

[@cantgameright]

@@justusP9101 that might be giving FEDRA a bit too much credit. I just see it as a way of grounding Joel back a bit to either make it more like the game or limit his firepower for the dramatic effect of future encounters.

[@soicysoicy]

Joel going outside and reading the rest of the letter broke me. This episode is a masterpiece.

[@supremeteen1975]

Same here. I cried 3 times watching this. Started watching this show yesterday night and goddamn, it's one of those shows that manages to get me emotionally. Any show that makes me get emotional or game, it's amongst the hall of greatness for me.

[@raunchyavocato]

lol what a clown

[@lacountess]

Same with me. I held myself together until then, then choked up when Ellie stopped reading and Joel saw Tess’ name in the letter. When he walked out and broke down away from Ellie that was it for me. Waterfalls. 😅

[@Doctorg3231]

A masterpiece in hell!

[@jacob9919]

I literally sobbed. Balled my eyes out like a baby, for this exact reason…

[@WilliamSebren]

This is the best hour of television I've ever seen. I watched this episode with my husband and neither of us had EVER seen a story about two men falling in love and growing old together. It's all I've ever wanted, both on film and in my own life. I'm 33 years old and even someone as young as me has had to grow up believing that being gay meant you would be sick, sad, alone, or all of the above. When Bill and Frank went out together like that, I was sobbing. If I get to fall asleep in my husband's arms when I'm old and feeble, and we both slip away together - I will count that as a perfect life lived.

[@aviatornic2839]

Bill in the game was always meant to show how miserable Joel will end up if he stays stagnant/doesn't accept love into his life. Bill and Joel are very similar people, and they can tolerate eachother because of that. In the show, they flip the message perfectly, showing how fulfilled Bill is loving Frank mirrors how Joel can end up if he accepts love into his life. It's the same signal that Joel needs to start changing and opening up to Ellie, just told in a different way. And I think that's why it's still a great adaptation, because they adapted the theme of the "Bill arc" while telling a story that only the TV show could tell.

[@hattchetman_2128]

It had nothing to do with ellie other than the fact that Joel is replacing Tessa with her. He failed to save tess like Bill did with frank.

[@seifrules]

@@hattchetman_2128 Bill saved Frank, Joel can do the same(not in the same way exactly duh) with Ellie, and he did, he made her happy

[@hattchetman_2128]

@@seifrules bill didn't save frank in the game kid. He failed to keep him alive.

[@LeonardTaylor700]

I so appreciate this comment, I never looked at it this way and I’ve played the game over 4x now 🙏🏾💯

[@naftulzvi3353]

@@hattchetman_2128 Clearly they're talking about Bill and Frank in the show. Try to keep up.

[@fiixedx]

The last shot gave a whole new meaning to the first game’s menu 🥺

[@binaryum]

Holy shit you're right!

[@etoinedevries7583]

I was thinking of the title screen too when I saw that last shot from this episode!

[@fiixedx]

@@binaryum i’ve spent too much time standing just watching that screen 😂

[@fiixedx]

@@etoinedevries7583 gotta love that menu, those little easter eggs in the series are just too much enjoyable

[@tretretre1111]

The window shots are symbolic for a brief moment of peace.

[@mm-gk6xg]

this episode resonated so deeply as well with queer viewers specifically, lines like "it means we're still here" hit so close to home with a lot of people in a very very queer way. just getting to see a couple of old dudes love each other and live long happy lives together, and even die on their own terms rather than be ripped from each other by tragedy was so refreshing and emotional

[@skpark13]

Even the scene where Bill sings "Long Long Time" absolutely broke me as a queer person. That feeling of wanting love but never finding it, and almost accepting the fate that you may never find it -- it's all too familiar to queer folks who often feel completely alone in the world.

[@GingerJesusSaves]

Wise up, it was fucking disgusting! 🤮

[@brandyngivens]

These are things all people of all races and orientations… those feelings thoughts and sentiments can’t designate with one orientation over another. Humanity is humanity no sex prefernece needed to comprehend thise emotions

[@liamwalton4183]

Yeah not to take it away from you, but those are universal feelings. Saying it hits harder as a 'queer' as you say rather than a straight person, kind of makes it seem we're a different kind of people, which is bad and creates more of a divide. We're all just human. You wouldnt like it if someone said "As a straight person, the family values really hit closer to home for me" I'm saying this as a bi person. Please don't use a universal love moment and change it to become a gay thing. Make it normal. Which it is. I hardly even noticed they were a gay couple in this episode. It was only half way through I was like oooooh shit I didnt realise I was watching a gay couple. Which is how it should be. Normalised. If you point it out and make it a bigger thing, then you're making things worse for everyone. Please dont. If you want a clearer explanation and reasoning, reply to me and I'll explain in more detail. I just dont want to type too much in one comment and it get ignored

[@liamwalton4183]

@@brandyngivens You know what youre talking about! Thank for realising people are people

[@elfarmy2514]

Bro I was sobbing for HOURS after watching this episode. Their life together was awe inspiring.

[@Lafawnduhs]

6/10

[@jimjambonks4205]

Why would you want people to know you cried dramatically over fictional characters 🤦🏾‍♂️ your just letting us know how mentally unstable you are

[@jesterinmocrazy8686]

You are weak.

[@damikey18]

@@Lafawnduhs 10/10

[@ratreptile]

@@jimjambonks4205 Its called having a soul, being attached to characters in shows and movies and books is literally the reason you watch them at all.

[@moopsten]

I think one of the best parts of the episode is the anxiety it gave me. Bill is constantly prepping for things to go wrong, and as he says to Frank "I wasn't afraid until I met you." In that same way we as the audience are waiting for things to go wrong, either we played the games, or we know how Zombie media goes. No one gets a happy ending. But then in a way that shocks even Bill himself, and moreso the audience. They do. He decides to go out on a high note, living a happy and fulfilled life, satisfied. This was not the tragic ending to a play.

[@epicgamerzfail4575]

It works especially well for gamers because in the game we know how Frank's story ends, so it felt like waiting for the inevitable but to see here how frank and bill had a happy death was a nice twist

[@thorthewolf8801]

I kept waiting for Frank to betray Bill.

[@epicgamerzfail4575]

@@thorthewolf8801 the argument scene was definitely a nice fakeout in that regard

[@marcellaboehler9543]

Yes!! The suspense during all the episode going like “the tragedy is coming isn’t” just to get that heartbreaking sweet ending.

[@toffee3944]

@@epicgamerzfail4575 fr gahdamn, I kept feeling sad since I knew how it ended ingame, great they diverted though.

[@crazychill6263]

I cried like a baby by the end of this. It felt like seeing a full human life play out in several short minutes.

[@opal9583]

Exactly it was insane

[@jasonn9907]

🙄

[@caronstout354]

Love in the time of Cordyceps

[@blaken2651]

There’s no way you actually cried from this….

[@opal9583]

@@blaken2651 ?

[@jessejagg3d]

This episode is brilliant. It feels like a love letter to humanity; a glimpse into why we keep going when it seems like we shouldn't and an insight into knowing when enough is enough.

[@francescapatti2934]

"a love letter to humanity" what a wonderful thing to say! It does feel like it though, we constantly see death and destruction on the game and show (duh it's post apocalyptic) and that makes these moments so so special. I am excited to see what they do with Ish! That has the potential to be very sad and beautiful as well, and show how we find small glimpses of hope and humanity even in terrible situations.

[@gastondelacaze4863]

One of the greatest love stories I’ve ever watched. Beautiful acting and writing.

[@raunchyavocato]

lol what an absolute clown

[@ratreptile]

@@raunchyavocato Do you always talk about yourself in third person?

[@raunchyavocato]

@@ratreptile no, only when I talk about woke clowns like you

[@mayamarie3367]

10/10 acting from both of them. My brother passed away from a chronic illness in November, and my bestfriend(His wife) and I were broken by the end. Frank's speech in the morning before breakfast, "love me how I want to be loved" pierced me. I heard him say so many things that echoed this sentiment. Bill's heartbreak, then swallowing it down to do what he's got to do, was perfect. Watching someone you love slowly decline while you're helpless to do anything, and can only make them comfortable, is probably the hardest thing someone you can endure. And that was captured perfectly.

[@proskillzx92]

My condolences Thank you for sharing this

[@ParodyWhitney]

🥺 just when I thought I was done crying for the day…

[@1981troyboy]

@@proskillzx92 joel kills some fireflys and the doctors working on the cure to save ellie as she would die from making the cure. abby the doctors daughter comes to jackson to kill joel with a golf club to the head in episode 1 of season 2

[@1981troyboy]

@@ParodyWhitney joel kills some fireflys and the doctors working on the cure to save ellie as she would die from making the cure. abby the doctors daughter comes to jackson to kill joel with a golf club to the head in episode 1 of season 2

[@doodadamlol]

@@1981troyboy nice try man, season 2 details are still all speculation

[@NOSE-em2xb]

I was simply blown away. The hardest scene to watch was when Frank asked Bill to help end his life. The searing pain in Bill’s eyes overwhelmed me. This was gut-wrenching and incredible to watch.

[@Benjaminduduu]

The acting before he drank the wine and after it was sublime. hits you hard

[@michaelwolf8690]

Nick Offerman is astoundingly versatile but I don't think I've seen him do Dramatic stuff on this level before. He's just super raw and vulnerable.

[@Svol09]

I think TLOU will remain in history as the best apocalypse/zombie game as well as the best adaptation show. This is so freaking amazing how well they changed some things to just make the story of an amazing game even better. The use of more zombies and less human encounters so far is amazing too. I get it in game but irl nobody will dare go out near those Z-bois. I love this so much.

[@SordidusFellatio]

“Omg omg omg there’s gay people in this series omg omg I must worship and meatride the shlt out of it by saying it’s the best thing ever made in the history of mankind omg omg omg gay people !!!! MUST.SHOVE.AGENDA.DOWN.PEOPLE.THROAT !!11!! “ - you definitely

[@St.CrimsonTweets]

This. The thought of him ending up alone was heart breaking, I assumed he'd fill each glass with the pills, but he went a step further and loaded the bottle, which, after the marriage, just hours earlier, was the total ultimate display of unity.

[@lyoinfires705]

My boyfriend cried yesterday as we were watching this episode. We both love the games very much and we would have never imagined Bill and Frank to have such a beautiful backstory in the series. My BF isn't really prone to crying or expressing feelings all that much, but this really resonated with him. It's just incredibly beautiful and humane.

[@bradwilliams3278]

You probably should just break up now. In a few years your bf will co.e out as gay & tell you he has to leave

[@gamer-fj6sf]

​@@bradwilliams3278 so someone cant find the episode emotional without being gay??

[@bradwilliams3278]

@gamer 5 No ofcourse not but guys that cry with other girls are usually gay

[@illvminatvs3194]

​@@bradwilliams3278 wtf?

[@nameofthegame9664]

@@bradwilliams3278being outspoken homophobic is often a sign of suppressed homosexual feelings. So odds are high you’re a miserable homosexual. Do yourself a favor and accept who you are and step out of the closet. It’s ok to be gay.

[@memicoot]

I like how they showed Joel actually struggling w losing Tess. I honestly couldn’t even remember if they were an item in the game because their relationship was so flat I remember them as just friends. Last of Us is such an emotionally riveting game, I cannot WAIT to see where this show goes, it’s obviously going to do amazing things (and already has)

[@digger450r]

There was nothing that eluded to Joel and Tess being romantically involved in the game, same for Bill and Frank. If i remember right, Frank was never seen alive in the game. Rather, you find him after hanging himself due to being bitten.

[@liseanettegranheim4404]

@@digger450r There was definitely implied that Bill and Frank was in a relationship (him calling him his partner, letters found, to a lesser extend a gay porn magazine that Ellie found). Tess and Joel was a bit more uncertain, wether they were friends or more.

[@francescapatti2934]

Tess death was one of the few things I found lacking in the game. The game itself was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed it! But it felt like they moved on so fast after Tess death!

[@angelgjr1999]

Tess in the game seemed like a “friend with benefit” sort of scenario.

[@roryschussler]

Their relationship really is interesting, as portrayed. They're business partners. They're probably in a sexual relationship. They do ultimately care very deeply about each other, but we never see them act towards each other in a remotely romantic manner. It builds up the world they live in and the life they have in it. They can't really be vulnerable or affectionate, because there's no place for that in a deadly career like being a post-apocalyptic smuggler. Which makes it more meaningful what we see when he does lose her.

[@keithrobicheux4749]

Seeing the whole story of Nick Offerman's life and death makes it feel earned when Joel and Ellie get a ton of free stuff to help them. It's not just a guy that he knows where they get everything they need

[@Michaelonyoutub]

didn't think about it from that angle but you are 100% right, definitely elevates the story

[@DJMooseKnuckle]

Bill anguishing over the words Frank is telling him on what he wants to do for his last day is truly heartbreaking. Nick Offerman gave such a fantastic performance in this episode

[@jaymea8907]

Hahahaa yeah so true to the hate filled letter Frank left Bill in the actual game. But hey we’ll still call it the last of us.

[@antoniomoongia9478]

@@jaymea8907 waaaa waaaa the tv show is actually using the different medium of storytelling to expand the world waaaa why is it not exactly like the game... L

[@jaymea8907]

@@antoniomoongia9478 then call it something else hahaha then change every mother trucking thing about it if it doesn’t matter 😆😂 why even have any of the same characters. Make up new ones, oh wait they did make up a new character but just called them Bill to con the fans of the game

[@jaymea8907]

@@antoniomoongia9478 and who made the queer squad the judges of what’s good? Ohhh wahhh if it’s exactly like the source material it’s dumb and sucks wahhhh

[@somethingthatisntcringe757]

@@jaymea8907 artistic liberties aren’t allowed anymore, according to this guy. You understand that if the show was just a let’s play of the game that would be boring, especially if you’ve already played the game, you’d already know everything that would happen. It Doesn’t not take a genius to figure out that Bill and Frank we’re partners before Frank left him. The makers of the show have already said that it will will deviate from the games a lot. So I suggest you stop watching the show before everyone witnesses a toddler throwing a fit.

[@lisamann]

The script and the acting were SUPERB. That episode deserves an Emmy.

[@DJ_Cub]

The acting was great. What about that writing was unique in any way? Make that same couple straight and no one gives a fuck. Can’t give awards for pandering to the most powerful privileged group in the world.

[@202cardline]

A gentle addition; since disabilities are not represented in apocalyptic survival stories, it was very impactful to see Frank live a life of love and relative stability in an apocalyptic world, and that Bill the hardcore survivalist would choose Frank and his vulnerabilities every time. Life is hard, their love is easy. The assisted double suicide narrative kicked in very quick after a brief surprise of seeing them actually live disabled, but that's neither here nor there. Brilliant acting all around.

[@blaykjord6171]

The letter from bill was amazing because it tells joel that he has a greater purpose and someone to care for.

[@TheDrakGP]

Also i dont think Joel got anyone else left now that Tess is gone, bill and Frank died, what would be next for him,he only has his brother left and this little girl, he kinda needs that calling for a cause to make throught the loss, Ellie is pretty much fixing the pieces

[@itsyedino874]

I think it add more to Joel and Elie’s final episode monologue after everything happens, considering he’d be quoting from the letter.

[@veronicagross7458]

and a nice detail, since in the game we mostly know about Frank, through letters you find.

[@Moxypony]

Earl Brown (Bill's VA in the game) is a family friend, and I was bummed that he didn't get the role in the show, but God damn did Nick Offerman do a killer job. If we had to lose Earl for anyone, at least it was him.

[@boydrobertson2362]

Do you think that Earl at least feels like his character was done justice?

[@dylantortosa7678]

@boydrobertson2362 I can't speak for him. I don't know him personally, but I'd like to think that if he knew that his character is the main protagonist in one of the best rated shows in a long time enjoyed by new fans who never played the game before he would crack a smile

[@kcmet79]

As in W. Earl Brown??? Great actor!!

[@blueface6069]

This episode is definitely a 10/10 for me. The acting, the writing, the cinematography, all perfect.

[@independentmissile200]

it was a complete deviation from the game which fell flat in the end. Bill was a lesson to Joel in the game and it just completely eliminates a whole plot from the story. i’m quite happy this episode is getting review bombed. This show is made for the casual watcher like you but I digress

[@tinyforreal]

@@independentmissile200 couldn’t have said it better

[@gaving7587]

@@independentmissile200 definitely did not fall flat bud, change is good and this definitely is better then what they would have given us if they stayed true to the game, would have been a bland episode with no taste

[@independentmissile200]

@@gaving7587 found the casual watcher yawn

[@gaving7587]

@@independentmissile200 and how are you not a “casual viewer” please explain

[@Michaelneiss]

Besides a beautiful relationship, this episode is also telling us much about a way to remain human under the most adverse of circumstances. Initially, it took a capable man like Bill to save this remaining patch of civilisation, albeit rather by accident than by design. But it was the determination of Frank that turned both of them into custodians of the little world that the murdered ones left behind. Even though it is not spelled out explicitly during the episode, it feels to me that the small acts of appreciation that Frank and Bill came to bestow upon their physical memories also served to restore the very dignity that their own government denied them when it chose to dispose of them back in 2003. As a result, the whole neighbourhood becomes a shrine which preserves the last remnants of the same civilization that we only spot in a state of total ruin elsewhere. Therefore, it feels twice as heartbreaking to know that Bill and Frank have gone for good and that the place is doomed to fade like the rest of the world.

[@francescapatti2934]

Wonderful analysis. You just made me cry! It felt so different from everything we've seen so far and that made if feel special. Also that scene where Joel, Tess, Bill and Frank are sitting in the garden?! It had such a mundane feel to it. Just a couple inviting some friends over. Even if the matter was discussing trade deals, it still felt almost funny in a way, especially to see Joel in that situation. I loved this episode a lot

[@Michaelneiss]

@@francescapatti2934 Thanks for your kind reply - you made my day!

[@Afinati]

Is it? It lives on in Joel and Ellie.

[@benbritt3623]

Bill’s line where he apologizes to Frank for aging faster also hit hard. That’s an underrated statement about love between two people with an age gap. Also, ironic since it’s Frank’s body that ultimately failed first. Excellent writing.

[@ari_california8873]

I honestly thought they looked the same age lol

[@RGC_animation]

Bill's probably 75 by the end while Frank is probably 65 or a bit older.

[@nickvanderlinden7165]

I think bill ment he was getting older faster in terms of mindset. It wasn't litteral

[@nullenski]

I broke when frank said this is my last day. My girlfriend struggles. From constant chronic illness and I just couldn’t imagine life without her. I felt bill on such a deep emotional level i am bawling writing this. Give them both awards.

[@antr_]

Now you are making me cry

[@GrandmARKGamerLady]

🫂

[@phillipwiltz7842]

When Frank said something about “I’ll die in your loving arms” it absolutely crushed me and couldn’t hold it in. God damn it makes me tear up thinking of it

[@Kevin-gb8gb]

Gay

[@scrapmetol6617]

@@Kevin-gb8gb congrats buddy nobody cares

[@jsull81]

Now This is how you deviate from the source material! By adding depth to characters that need it & improving apon the story while still hitting all the same narrative beats. Truly well done

[@DJ_Cub]

It’s how you pander to people like you who will fawn over anything gay. It was basic bitch writing.

[@wingy200]

This episode caught me off guard and I cried like a baby when Frank told Bill the final plan. It 100% captured me, especially since I never played the game so I had no idea who these guys were going into it.

[@AngryShooter]

The fact that they managed squeezed in 27 minutes of relationship development between Joel and Ellie, just goes to show how brilliantly edited this episode was.

[@michaelhiltz7846]

What relationship development? This show has had 0 development compared to the game, nothing at all.

[@tylermorrison9467]

@@michaelhiltz7846 it’s episode three dawg, they just met like a few days ago in the actual world of the show lmao. Also things will pick up after what happens in episode 4 if they stick to what happens in the game.

[@TOAOM123]

@@tylermorrison9467 Which typifies the reality that this was not needed here "Its only episode 3" and you want catharsis this early? Its ludicrous And 100% disrespects the brilliantly subtle way the game played a far more heart-wrenching and thematically cogent tale

[@gloriasomma4036]

@@michaelhiltz7846 so at what point do YOU think the game started developing them as characters?

[@Groovy_Bruce]

There is a 2 hour directors cut… I hope HbO releases it at some point.

[@Dcampbell829]

Their last meal and wine pairing was the same as what they had for their first meal 😭 Insane episode

[@szeptacz5342]

even the wine

[@charcole400]

And he sits next to him instead of at the other end

[@Tjmalloy2]

The song in the truck when Joel and ellie are leaving is the same song Bill plays for frank on the piano as well

[@jonfreeman9682]

Yes their story ended the way it started. It is truly sad but also very fitting. Without Frank Bill may not have survived as long.

[@Goldmember1208]

A 20 years old beaujolais must be enough to kill you, no need to put pills in it.

[@deannewman2710]

This was not just a piece of television, but a love letter to humanity

[@YojimboJames]

The look of contentment Frank has on his face before his last dinner KILLS me.

[@uberd0gAlpha]

Nick Offerman giggling over a strawberry was my favourite "small moment" in this episode

[@TheRealKjareFox]

Ikr

[@kenzz9682]

It was so cute

[@jjones9822]

They murdered Ron Swanson.

[@elmamahd6924]

It was funny as hell😂

[@smacdad]

I told my wife at that moment that I love Nick Offerman's giggle.

[@skunky74]

One detail that hit me hard was that Frank and Tess connected in 2010. That means that Joel and Tess have been together 13+ years when she gets infected. Losing her takes on a whole different level of pain. Joel is only continuing on for the sake of Tess. Bill didn't have that obligation, so he can go the way his heart tells him.

[@nokturn882]

My wife never played the game or even heard about it. She bawled her eyes out when the daughter died. But she didn’t when Tess died, until I told her that Joel knew Tess longer than he knew his daughter. That’s when she realized that Joel lost two people that he loved.

[@agrant4701]

Joel has a brother "who is in trouble," remember. Having a brother in a world like that would make anyone long to connect with them. I'm sure Tess gets the character through the tough days, too, though. I played the games, so I won't say much more.

[@DDoubleEDouble]

@@nokturn882 I understand what you’re saying but most parents would say that losing a child is WAY worse than losing a partner. Even if you “only knew” your child for 5 years (aka they died at 5 years old), most parents would say that that is a worse pain than losing a partner because at some point you expect to lose your partner. But you NEVER expect to lose and outlive your own child.

[@nokturn882]

@@DDoubleEDouble I’m not denying that losing a child is harder than a partner. In most circumstances, I agree with you. However, joel already loss is daughter and probably still grieving all these years, the fact that he don’t know the status of his brother , and now losing Tess.

[@alexbattaglia8297]

I could not stop crying at the end, god what an episode

[@UnknownUnknown-wc9yp]

I know, they trashed the show

[@alexbattaglia8297]

@@UnknownUnknown-wc9yp do you not know how to read?

[@dunkey7739]

@@UnknownUnknown-wc9ypme when gay people 😱😱😱😱

[@TheEnchantedPickaxeHDGaming]

@Unknown Unknown you literally have less taste than water.

[@tt-ir4im]

@@UnknownUnknown-wc9yp oh no the little boys that bombed part 2 are back :(

[@aplix747]

The great thing about this is that in both the TV show and game Bill exists as a way to tell Joel the importance of love and living, rather than just survival. In the game we see what happens when a man just like Joel continues to push others away. He survives, but lives a bitter and meaningless life. It's almost like Ebenezer scrooge looking into a miserable, loveless future. Right after this Joel starts to make an effort to bond with Ellie, and it leads to him finding meaning amidst the misery of survival. In the TV show, the exact same message is said, but on the opposite side. Instead we see a bright future where a miserable and bitter man like Bill was able to find joy and happiness through love, which leads to him dying an exceptionally rare peaceful death, something that then motivates Joel to do similar. The tragic thing about Joel is that love eventually overpowers everything else and he commits a horrific massacre to keep Ellie alive. This eventually leads to bitter and hateful repercussions due to the love he stole from others, which also ruins Ellie's life in the process. Neither Joel or the Fireflies/WLF are truly to blame for their actions and both are justified/wrong at the same time. It goes to show how excellently tragic the writing in both games is, and I'm glad that the TV show has managed to exceed expectations so far.

[@Liiicek]

you said it perfectly

[@Splucked]

Beyond poignant, right down to Linda Ronstadt closing out the episode with 'Long Long Time.' We got an entire love story from beginning to end, Joel's explanation of the plague, he finally got a truck and he's starting to thaw out towards Ellie. 'Magnificent ride' is a great description of this episode.

[@mr.doctorcaptain1124]

It's funny how much I disagree with the thesis of this being a magnum opus. Everyone was more invested in Bill and frank than Joel, tess, and ellie. To me that should be a red flag, not a high praise. Bill and frank had nothing to do with the story, if you cut them out completely it changes nothing. That's an absolute violation of chenkovs gun and was a filler episode. Also, frank making Bill kill him in the end was messed up.

[@bubandlisa]

Yeah, i watch a horror show for its lovey dovey drama 🤣🤣🤣 i hated ep 3 as it was just sidetrack horse shit and an excuse to show old dudes make out but disguised as a modern.romance and a lil fuck you to straight white male maga.. it was dead obvious thats what the director was going for . Now at least thats over and they are fucking dead and we dont have to go back down.soppy woke street again

[@nickydarling5208]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 I dont think you understood the episode, try a rewatch : )

[@leelee9417]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 How is that a red flag? Are we not allowed to get invested in a certain story? Does being invested in one story automatically mean we aren't invested in another story anymore? Your comment is a red flag, pointing to the idea that you believe other people aren't allowed to like the stuff you don't.

[@INGORPG]

@@mr.doctorcaptain1124 that episode shows their relationship with Joel and how they believe in him, i.e. the raid scene. At the end, it sets Joel's future mindset in protecting Ellie. what are you talking about?

[@Ak3am]

At some point during this episode it occurred to me that this might be one of the best hours of TV ever made, brutally intimate, masterfully written and perfectly performed. This is what it looks like when everyone is doing their job to an expert level.

[@kfurgie999]

I will riot if no Emmy

[@Ak3am]

@@kfurgie999 I was just thinking how House of the Dragon was pretty much guaranteed to sweep every awards show... now I think Last of Us will do better! What a year for TV!

[@nbr6116]

@@Ak3am I don't know anything about the deadlines and rules for the Emmys. Is The Last of Us still eligible for the awards?

[@21scavage]

I could see how you would feel that way if you are a gay. For me it was really annoying how long it dragged on and managed to barely move the plot.

[@damatar]

Same, as the episode progressed, I realized I was watching a master class. I think the 8.2 on IMDB comes down mainly to homophobia or source material purists.

[@A.Useless.Goddess]

i think its impressive how they didnt shy away from their relationship but also werent disrespectful. it was just a nice little story

[@merchantarthurn]

What I loved about the exchange where Joel tells Ellie about the theories re: the start of the outbreak is he mentions pancake mix - which from the first episode, is what he and Sarah nearly would have eaten. He still remembers the small details of the last day with his daughter twenty years later and is recalling them now when talking to Ellie. Re: the lower review score for this episode - whilst both factors you mention might be contributing, it's important to not forget the flat out homophobia that's been kicking around. There's no shortage of review bombing when minority identities DARE to exist in media that "isn't ours". It's upsetting really - I'm a gay dude, and this episode moved me greatly because it wasn't just a fantastic romance, but one of the best queer romances I've ever watched play out. The first base game was kinda tiring in that regard - there were some frustrating tropes Bill and Frank played into - but they scrapped all of that in this episode and went above and beyond with making it relatable to all whilst still taking the time with allusions to queer tv/cinema and touching on things that will be near and dear to our community ("older means we're still here" hits different when you barely know and gay men over a certain age because of the AIDS crisis etc). Plenty of people who are big ol' homophobes who could ignore B&F's deal in the game cannot ignore it in this episode and got pissed. Which is silly cos Ellie is literally a lesbian, but then people's homophobia does manifest very differently between gay men and lesbians in my experience.

[@TRH711]

Perfectly said, thank you

[@Wordbird69]

Or people didn't like a pointless filler romance episode shoe horned into a story that never contained one.

[@TRH711]

@@Wordbird69 you literally just have poor media literacy and I suspect that if it wasn’t two men having an amazing and true relationship, you wouldn’t care at all.

[@Wordbird69]

@@TRH711 I don't like seeing any relationships because almost every instance is a boring trope.

[@Wordbird69]

@@TRH711 haha amazing and true...the only two people around and they start playing hide the weeener...ever heard of prison?

[@EmersonFlemingEmRock13]

The thing I love about this episode as someone who played the game is that you’re waiting the whole time for the shoe to drop. In the game Bill is alone and Frank left, ultimately killing himself and leaving Bill a nasty final note. But the beautiful thing is that this episode doesn’t go down that path, and instead tells a heart-wrenching but sentimental episode that provides some light in the darkness. I think both approaches work perfectly for their respective mediums and stories.

[@joshuajespersen3336]

I was on the edge of my seat nearly the whole episode, it was only when the pills in the wine came up I was shure they did something different about the ending.

[@VonTried]

I love the pace in these episodes. It feels like 3 hours of content in 1 hour but done perfectly. I love it

[@Torakashi]

Its because its a pretty boring episode and nothing really happens

[@locket7544]

@@Torakashi you clearly didn’t watch it

[@hacep160]

@@Torakashi someone here has missed the entire meaning of this video, that comment and the whole episode. Congratulations, that's a triple kill.

[@vintagejock3951]

@@Torakashi no doubt it is a filler. but it was still very good

[@Nick-mp1zh]

The spoon that has the handle at an angle so someone can use it with shaky hands. Needing to get help taking his pills. The cup with the straw, and the way Bill had to help Frank stagger into bed. That's exactly how my Grandpa was after his stroke, and I'm not afraid to say I cried like a baby during that scene. I miss him. I should've visited more.

[@redSaichie]

Its utterly shocking that one of the most beautiful episode in television this year yet has a low rating in IMDB

[@bugra320]

Because we don't wanna see some gay stuff

[@MotivationalLinesQuote]

@@bugra320 because you're fucking 11 years old

[@___.51]

Unfortunately it didn't surprise me for a second, not after watching two middle-aged men lovingly kiss on television. Lot of people aren't ready to confront their pointless bigotry and choose to get angry at TV shows instead.

[@blahblah1287]

Ye cause homophobes are loud and gross all the damn time they can't leave anything with any LGBTQ themes alone no matter how amazing

[@mustardpuddle]

It's all because some angry people can't handle a gay relationship on TV.

[@BennettCharles23]

When Bill set the plate down on the charging plate, turned it so the food presented correctly and poured the same bottle of wine just like he had done all those years ago when they first met, I broke down. That was one of the most touching moments in television history. I literally teared up just typing this because it put me right back where I was when I watched it. Just amazing!

[@ayoayo7730]

Oh Bennett. Bless your heart 😊

[@BranPark-ql9vr]

Are these comments from bots?

[@BennettCharles23]

@@BranPark-ql9vr which comment? the one I left?

[@Zaneomc]

That was really touching and that bill instead of sitting across the table, like the first time they met, sat directly by his side.

[@BennettCharles23]

@@Zaneomc I noticed that too! I watched a youtube breakdown of the episode and they acknowledged that as the "reverse Citizen Kane" where in the movie him and his wife started off sitting right next to each other and throughout the film got further and further away. The episode was absolutely perfect!

[@awkwardbacon2222]

And on top of it all, bill and frank's story fits perfectly in line with one of the main themes of the game: being afraid to love someone. Just the thought of loving someone again is scary to everyone that lives in their world. I believe this story just enhances that theme.

[@jaymea8907]

Lol yeah sure

[@BranPark-ql9vr]

This was woke nonsense at it's worst. Bill is a minor character and his partner didn't even live on the same side of town as him. He hanged himself and left a note talking about how much he hated Bill's guts

[@sludgerat666]

@@BranPark-ql9vr and?

[@Notfakeultra]

@@BranPark-ql9vr cry more Edit: you cannot even define woke

[@patriot459]

Exactly. The game does hunt at this but it goes pretty quick where Joel and bill are really just done with each other at that point and want to move on. But that note bill wrote to Joel to use his gear to keep tess safe breaks my heart because you know Joel is hurting to.

[@ROBIN.X]

I refuse to believe that people didn't like this episode. It was so beautiful!

[@themanipulation4581]

just homophobes didnt like it, great episode

[@DJ_Cub]

It was ok. Had nothing to do with the plot. Replace Frank and Bill with a straight couple… no one gives a fuck.

[@lackofreason722]

​@@themanipulation4581 People are too complicated, saying that only homophobes wouldn't like it is very dismissive. I didn't like it because Bill and Frank's relationship was 10 billion times better written than Joel and Ellie's in the show. Which is bad. Because the show is about Joel and Ellie.

[@themanipulation4581]

@@lackofreason722 how does that make the episode bad? That just means you dislike something about the show. If you look at reviews from that episode, it was review bombed by people complaining about it being gay, which is just wrong. The episode was undeniably great, it’s a shame that people still want to be homophobic in the current times

[@lackofreason722]

@@themanipulation4581 In my opinion it's bad for the whole show, as its own thing its amazing but this is an episode in a show. It does nothing to move the plot.

[@Aerophina]

Not only was the writing so good but the actors really carried it through as well. Also a lot of the camera shots, like the scene where they were eating strawberries.. very good camera work and atmosphere. These two actually beat the apocalypse.

[@_Bear70]

It was such a perfect example of show, dont tell. It was simply the representation of love between two people. No over the top crap pointing out how fancy and supportive it was. It was so well executed.

[@tricursor2481]

Yet people are still review bombing it. This episode was so touching and made me feel something from a tv show for the first time in a while. Politics are so frustrating. People hating entire groups..for what? Because religion or because you find it gross? Grow up, people.

[@MachinedFace88ttv]

It's a terrible episode sorry. . You only like it for being gay. Neil druckman said it was a " trick" to tell a gay love story. This means it's a terrible un original episode.

[@MachinedFace88ttv]

Even a straight couple would make this boring. Episode boring. " Oh bill not on top of the strawberries tee hee 🍓" Absolutely trash.

[@Mystiverv]

@@MachinedFace88ttv you literally only dislike it because the love story is gay. Cope.

[@TealTheDropster]

@@MachinedFace88ttv cry me a river

[@BatAmerica]

Additionally, this episode is a masterclass in tension. Considering what we know from the game, Frank's death was looming over the horizon from start to finish. Hence the bittersweet and refreshingly poinent end being yet another twist to this masterful series.

[@timerevive1511]

Agreed, knowing the game made this episode even better, like knowing the two were going to get together and ofc Frank's death

[@OsaculnenolajO]

Right? What a fucking twist for hardcore fans. Absolutely heartbreaking.

[@johnsimth6587]

As someone who didn't play the game the death of Frank was still something expected, just as a normal story telling device. I kept thinking "man, he's not going to last this is going to be sad" but I had no idea... they'd give us the bittersweet but SUPER SAD story.

[@georgiemac1784]

For me I kept crying cos I was like "they're so beautiful together but they end up hating each other" so I adore the switch 😭❤

[@blabla8159]

Lol there was literally no tension

[@He787878787787]

Bill's note to Joel made him realize a new purpose, protecting Ellie. He says in the note, basically protect those you love. This made him emotional about Tess, but the scene immediately after he reads this, he tells Ellie that they're in this together and sets the ground rules for them. Then (SPOILERS FOR EP5) Joel panics when he tries to shoot the infected and save Ellie. He cares about her and wants to protect her. Maybe Joel realized that if Joel finds that his brother is dead he'll have nobody left but Ellie and he realized it with Bill's note.

[@MoMonarch]

I love that the show isn’t some huge action series like the game but instead a post apocalyptic drama with many development and complexities about it

[@zacharycolon2476]

My parents, who had little to no knowledge of the game prior to show, were in tears, sobbing by the end this was so brilliantly done

[@Frosted_Over]

You had a different experience from me, I was really enjoying it and I found out that my mother hated it for a certain reason… it was a beautifully crafted story though, I just wish some people could see that and disregard their own opinions.

[@ari_california8873]

My parents are sending me to Catholic boarding school because of this episode 😐

[@Frosted_Over]

@@ari_california8873 💀

[@5446isnotmynumber]

@@Frosted_Over guys kissing each other, just ain't right

[@randomahnameisthename3147]

@@5446isnotmynumber everyone asked.

[@chrishellize]

I dont watch a lot of TV but I am seriously struggling to recall any episode of any tv show ever that touched me as this one did. Everything about it was perfection. Also, my two teenage sons have played and loved this whole game series and they thought the episode was fantastic.

[@misanthropicservitorofmars2116]

Great besides seeing the sexual encounter stuff. That was just propaganda. You don’t need to show sexual encounters between two lovers in shows. It’s almost always a waste of time and a wasted chekovs gun in the script.

[@alexanderwilliams799]

@Misanthropic Servitor of Mars The show is rated TV-MA; They kissed, had a towel drop [with no nudity], and a man went on top of another man shirtless. The sex scene was implied, but they didn't beat you over the head with it. In my opinion, it was a beautiful addition to their story. Now I am curious: when you watch those other shows, and they contain straight people having implied sex, is that propaganda, too, or is it only the gay ones?

[@thchiefe]

@@alexanderwilliams799 guarentee you its only the gay ones he has an issue with

[@senorpoodles1755]

You "feeling something" was you being manipulated by actors, music, and editing. Pretending like gay "love" is normal and should be celebrated is cringe.

[@thchiefe]

@@senorpoodles1755 it is??? It’s in nature

[@shaunthomason3712]

At the end of him explaining how his last day would go... when he said I'll fall asleep in your arms... immediately burst into tears at the same time as Bill 😭

[@hartdr8074]

This episode hits so hard for me. My partner is much older than me and I don't know what I'll do and what I'll become when he inevitably leaves me. I wish I'll be gone before he goes but I don't know. I sincerely felt what Frank and Bill felt at that last scene but rarely things like that happen in real life.

[@beenannon]

I think that we really needed the Frank and Bill story to bring more closure and meaning to Tess' death. The fact that we know the game does move on quite quickly, and there isn't much time for mourning and reflection, Bill and Frank's arc gives us this time and fleshes out the waves of love and loss experienced in this world. I think this is solidified by the tying in of Tess at the end in Bill's note for Joel. It brings even more significant meaning to this idea of Joel being a protector, and to him eventually opening up to Ellie. The fact that we see the experiences and emotions behind Bills' final words of advice to Joel, passing on what he learnt about the world and his purpose despite being bitter and closed off. We understand the weight behind this message for Joel, and can grasp how much of an influence it would have on him since we've come to know Bill as much, if not more intimately, than Joel did. This lays down a meaningful and authentic foundation for his eventual fatherly love for Ellie.

[@Sindrijo]

It also underscores the amount of time that Joel has spent with Tess, which is at least 13 years.

[@Shishkebarbarian]

it also gave us insight into how long he's been with Tess and that she did mean a lot to him, even if he's been completely closed off emotionally and suffering from grief of his daughter still. While it takes the viewer on an emotional journey of love and loss, it mirrors what Joel must be feeling reflecting back on Tess. Bill's note also puts perspective into Joel's world because it is coming from someone he respects and shows him even as Bad of a MFer that Bill was when he knew him, he had the capacity for love. This put's Joel's purpose - Ellie - into focus, mirroring Bill's journey.

[@beenannon]

@The Shishkebarbarian you articulated that perfectly! Thanks for being open minded. Seems some other people in these comments think they know better than Neil himself because they are big fans of the game 🙄 also homophobes 🤯😡

[@MasterSkywalker..]

I'm glad the show is giving more depth to some side characters, this episode was painful too lmao

[@ahfjkmnehty]

But why tho they both end up dying in the end so why does it matter this episode was just filler

[@developer8602]

@@ahfjkmnehty you clearly don't understand dramatic tv

[@anaxlouise]

@@ahfjkmnehty the last of us is an entirely character driven story. if you can’t handle having character exposition then don’t watch LMAO.

[@didyouactuallyexpectaname7438]

@@ahfjkmnehty Everybody boo this man

[@SuperChristian808]

@@anaxlouise he's right it's filler a full episode to explain why 2 gay guys are dead so Joel could get a truck it's filler the game was more action packed they made the wrong choice

[@girlygamer2662]

The scene with tess, joel, bill and frank sitting around eating and having a normal moment is such an amazing addition!

[@allisona941]

this episode reminds me so much of the relationship between my great uncle and aunt, who recently passed

[@spiralistichope9216]

The parallel of Bill and Joel finding something to protect, to live for, as emphasized by Bill's letter to Joel, was also a really fantastic touch. It adds thematic resonance to Bill's narrative and character for the wider story of Joel and Ellie, and what happens down the line with their relationship, so that's another brilliant augmentation of the game's content in many ways, even if Bill was already gone unlike in the game.

[@akelly4207]

Nick played the hell out of Bill and it was incredibly moving. As someone who lost my partner suddenly it was especially touching. I also filled in the relationship between Bill and Joel.

[@topdogrlg]

This was such a beautiful episode. I can't remember the last time I cried, but this had tears pouring from my eyes for a good 20mins. The performances were amazing and I think this is the episode that establishes this series will take characters and stories in different and interesting directions to the game. The showrunner and Neil Druckmann have done an amazing job.

[@royalewithcheese1000]

Anyone here wish they had a bond as strong as Bill and Frank?

[@TheNukaColaQuantum]

The more I think about it, the more I think the ending was more and more sweet in its bitter sweetness. Bill and Frank got to live a life many would envy even in the pre-apocalypse, both with somebody they truly loved, and in the end they got to die peacefully in each others arms, on their own terms with each other with neither having to live out lonely and sad. Their lives started with the apocalypse.

[@veronicagross7458]

THIS! yes, is implied Bill lived with his mother, represed and kinda akwardly social or even avoiding people as much as possible... the world had to end for him to fully live his life.

[@98tofuyi]

@DCA Not everybody lives in countries that teach english in class my guy, staying in school would do nothing to make my english better

[@veronicagross7458]

@DCA are You sure that's their first language? Sometimes, when somebody makes mistakes or speaks a broken language, it's because they speak more than one.

[@helloudaboys9151]

@DCA I guess english in the only language in the world

[@GrandmARKGamerLady]

THIS!! YES!!

[@Mububban23]

Apart from raging homophobia ruining your ability to give this episode a chance, I honestly don't know how anyone who likes good quality television and excellent character work could possibly find this episode anything other than outstanding. An amazing love story, that also gives relevant outbreak backstory, shows that happiness is possible if unlikely in this broken world, and still progresses Ellie and Joel's relationship and their mission.

[@youarealwayscorrect]

To me, this episode felt like a generic bittersweet tearjerker that I have seen many times before in media. I also didn't really like the fact how perfectly serene these guys' life was. They had like, what, only one poorly organized bandit attack in 20 years? In a place like this? And completely no problems with the infected ones, the spores, fedra, other aggressive factions and survivors, supplies, weather or countless other potential problems? I understand that they wanted the reader to assume that they had multiple bandit attacks, but I highly doubt that every bandit group they've stumbled upon was this dumb or that Bill was always that stupid and faced them on an open ground with a fricking sniper rifle🤦‍♂. It's really a miracle (more like bad writing) that these guys managed to last for so long. It really feels like this story was originally written as your average award-bait niche drama about a gay couple, with no zombie apocalypse in mind. Still a decent episode with really good cinematography and acting. But it didn't blow me away.

[@SlamDunkPyro]

@@youarealwayscorrect I sort of interpreted the raiders thing as a “you see one, you basically see them all” type deal because assuming there was only one in 20 years because they only show us one over the 16 year timespan they spent together is dumb lol

[@penut6573]

@@youarealwayscorrect i jusr think they didn’t want to show multiple like bad moments so it could focus more on their relationship instead of the shitty world we already know about, but it would’ve been cool to see more of how like legit problems would’ve impacted their lives lol

[@aaronbrown8377]

It simply isn't Bill and Frank. It's two completely different people in a completely different setting and plot. It feels like a detour from the story and lore, not an integrated part of the world. And all of this was changed to create some sort of Wandavison scenario where they succeed because the writer's politics demand it.

[@mikanordin6812]

@@aaronbrown8377 The writer, Neil Druckmann, actually said that they were a couple in the game aswell, although it's only hinted at. And I can imagine they felt it was a perfect opportunity to explore their relationship in the series, since they couldn't really do that in the game because you were playing as Joel. Also, what does any of this have to do with politics?

[@BisexualTeleriGirl]

This episode had me crying like a baby

[@_pachycephalosaurus_]

Literally

[@collinwiedel]

I don’t cry at shows, movies, or anything. This show had me so attached to these two. So invested, so happy, and so heartbroken when they left…

[@PennTankerGuy]

As somebody who played The Last of Us five different times, I can say that I am very happy with the direction that they took Bill and Frank in the show. It makes much more sense for a serialized drama, and the story told was a very compelling and emotional one.

[@matthew46502]

They COMPLETELY skipped over Bill, Joel, and Ellie bonding through the cemetery and high school fighting the infected while trying to retrieve the battery because Frank died and Bill had no help. Bill also shows Joel how to make the bombs. OMG, the BLOATER from the gymnasium would have been an awesome scene. Also, hanging upside down tied to an old refrigerator while trying to fight off infected in first person would have been suspenseful too. Sorry, there was so much potential for an accurate interpretation of the actual story to keep you on the edge of your seat like the rollercoaster ride it is. That's how it feels when you play the game. But this gets done with games over and over again. Some producer or director gets ahold of a script and feels like they can do it better; they should have titled Ep.3 BILL & FRANK!

[@wyattmilliken3320]

@@matthew46502 You must have brainrot. Im so sorry

[@matrixmessiah6083]

@@matthew46502 cry harder

[@DeandreSteven]

@@matrixmessiah6083 talk all shit you you want without the popularity of the game there would be no show. It should respect the original media

[@matrixmessiah6083]

@@DeandreSteven it "shouldn't" have to do a goddamn thing the creator of the game doesn't want it to do. Get over it.

[@andybush]

I directed Nick a few times in some Funnyordie sketches and he was an absolute gem. On top of learning all the crew member's names he hung out with us between takes and made the set feel chill and fun. He really is a no bull professional who takes his work seriously and finds the joy in everything he does. It's great to see him -along with Murray- knock it out of the park.

[@709mash]

That makes me happy to hear that. He always seems to be a genuinely nice and fun guy to be around.

[@claytongoode5715]

The episode took me back to my uncle's last few weeks of his life with his partner unerringly by his side. I thank all involved in this episode for showing what real love is all about ❤️

[@tefoca]

I have watched this episode about 5 times so far, and it still hits hard in the feels man.

[@laurenlikescentzy]

Beautifully written, expertly portrayed. I loved how they fleshed Bill and Frank out. Easily one of the best episodes of television I've ever seen

[@Justin-ye6cn]

the dickriding is crazy

[@Negan2003]

Boring

[@antivalidisme5669]

@@Negan2003 Only between your ears, id est nowhere.

[@jonahbrown5669]

@@Negan2003 Are you referring to most seasons of The Walking Dead?

[@Negan2003]

@@jonahbrown5669 also boring but that doesnt make this series good🤷‍♂️

[@edmo1450]

When Offerman cries taking a bite from the strawberry. THAT GOT ME

[@markmauk8231]

he laughed

[@KonaLife]

He doesn't cry, he laughed like a little girl.

[@raunchyavocato]

hahaha what a clown

[@taylorgayhart9497]

One of my favorite episodes of television of all time. It’s absolutely beautiful, thought proving, layered, and heart wrenching!! 😭♥️

[@jeffreycarman2185]

7:44 another clever trick this episodes play is with color. The beginning of the flashback shows the skeletons of a baby and adult wrapped in scraps of once-colorful cloth, and as the flashback begins it focuses on the colorful outfits of the skeletons as they were worn pre-apocalypse. When Frank and Bill meet they are both wearing very drab, basically colorless clothing. As their story progresses the two get more and more color in their lives, the red wine and vegetables, the flowers, the strawberries, and Frank’s paintings. When the story flashes forward to the time when Frank is dying the colors begin to fade. Their last meal together is the same as their first meal, ending their lives together with the same colors, but surrounded by Frank’s paintings.

[@noahkirschtein8169]

gonna be rewatching this episode until the day i die i think. old grumpy man finds his first and only love in the apocalypse? their joint death? it was so sweet, so tender, so emotional and just as heartbreaking as it was heartwarming.

[@billybobtexas]

The strawberry scene reminded me of the scene in the book The Road, when they find a can of peaches, his son had never tasted peaches, that scene brought me to tears that a simple can of peaches could bring so much joy if for a few moments. Strawberries after so many years missing simple treats in life. Its powerful if you can try to imagine you have not seen or tasted a strawberry for YEARS and as a surprise sharing it with your partner in a world with no surprises except maybe sudden death. Amazing episode.

[@jacobrivera7707]

that was the moment that he became renly baratheon

[@solaireastora8677]

I am kind of upset that they killed themselves at the end, because they were so wholesome together and i just didnt want it to end.

[@cejayhilton3436]

Since brokeback mountain- I’ve never seen a love story between men that made me have the feels like this. I could watch this episode over and over again.

[@antiabrahamicreligion]

Cmbyn

[@april-ludgate-karate-dwyer9556]

​@@antiabrahamicreligionunpopular opinion but that film is overrated, much better queer media out there

[@antiabrahamicreligion]

​​@@april-ludgate-karate-dwyer9556no duck u Elio x oliver ❤

[@april-ludgate-karate-dwyer9556]

@@antiabrahamicreligion grooming 🥰🥰

[@antiabrahamicreligion]

@@april-ludgate-karate-dwyer9556 7 years isnt that much

[@philknight6844]

What I loved about it was just how human and touching their story was. It is irrelevant to me that its a same sex couple. The way the joy and love of the relationship comes over is perfect. I was crying like a baby at the end.

[@jonfreeman9682]

Well not sure if it's in the game but it serves no purpose in a game. Maybe a show for drama but can't believe this adds to the game fun.

[@abielmedina8440]

@@jonfreeman9682 you do know Ellie is gay right?

[@tfgbvfgyh]

@@jonfreeman9682 miss the part where they said it’s deviated heavily from the game. Bills sexuality is implied only in the game as Frank is dead. Also who cares anyways unless ur homophobic tbh

[@TheCarlos1135]

@@tfgbvfgyh exactly

[@SENATORPAIN1]

They did a very good job of making a very boring episode.

[@lessthanthreemetal]

This was like an entire show within a show. Never seen anything quite like it.

[@xFeedss]

Yea it was dogshit and not needed for the main story😂

[@imadedisaccount2commentido693]

@@xFeedss it adds emotion to the characters, everyone liked it, cry about it feedss

[@imadedisaccount2commentido693]

@@xFeedss kinda hard if u have no friends

[@ItsDatGuy969]

@@imadedisaccount2commentido693 The episode gave more depth to Bill and Frank, but killing them off at the end made the entire episode seem pointless.

[@imadedisaccount2commentido693]

@@ItsDatGuy969 no it didn’t, them both being dead mesnt Joel can now use any of his equipment

[@Maarten-Nauta]

I absolutely loved the whole episode. Amazing execution for such a big story in short amount of time.

[@x0Kamix0x]

You must not have a heart if you gave this episode a 1*. It's been a long while since I watched a show that hit me like that. Not to mention it's been days since I've watched it and I'm still thinking about how beautiful Bill and Frank's relationship was.

[@Euph0rical]

I balled my eyes out during the scenes when Frank asks for 1 last good day. Man this show is amazing

[@brandoom9122]

What a baller

[@billpapadimitriou4109]

Paddy Constantine and Nick Offerman deserve recognition for their HBO show roles

[@vipersb1]

*Considine

[@asifrahaman8529]

Nick is only in one episode so i don't he can win an emmy, but Paddy should defo win best lead actor the only other competition is Bob Odenkirk

[@TheJessloveslove]

It’s not paddy lol

[@precepts6097]

@@TheJessloveslove He means Paddy in House of the Dragon, another HBO show.

[@crashnbyrne]

@@keyserjosaid321 Yeah Americans say Pattie. Where as us Irish say Paddy.

[@murky5101]

This was an amazing episode. Could have been a movie all its own.

[@Zephirite.]

0:55 Bill installed a swinging, handle-less door to the kitchen, because he carries his food out so often, and has no one to open It for him. Fantastic detail.