The Last of Us Episode 5 BREAKDOWN - Spoilers, Reaction, Ending Explained, Easter Eggs!

[@RetroPowered]

I love how Grace allows herself to get emotional in her reviews. It's rare on YT, and it makes me keep coming back for her insight, as she wears her heart on her sleeve.

[@josephazzam3563]

I agree 100%! You go Grace.

[@avieg.3177]

Sam was Deaf, so when he turned he was a different type of infected. That’s why after he changed he was just looking out the window, he couldn’t hear. He didn’t react until Ellie touched him, even though she had called out to him. I don’t know why she called out to him if she knew he was Deaf. Were her instincts trying tell her he probably already changed since she knew the situation of Sam being bitten and she fell asleep?

[@opalrhue9032]

I didn’t think about that! I was like was Ellie just a quiet sleeper, why didn’t he attack her earlier…make so much sense now thank you!☺️

[@_M41KU_]

That’s actually a good observation

[@hallo9062]

I also liked that he was sitting in sunlight. When the fungus takes over the mind of ants, they climb up to bathe in sunlight and let the infection spread faster due to the warmth.

[@1000greyes]

Ohhhh

[@gatranlenggana8613]

Oh my god that was so brilliant!

[@jessecandiver3391]

I was really impressed with the actor who played Henry. Never seen him before but he was excellent.

[@troyspencer2143]

He's also Kofi Jones in "Your honor" a show on Showtime .. he's great in that too

[@InnerRise]

@@troyspencer2143 what? In my mind kofi was like mid teens and so young. I cant even put that together in my head.

[@Jaksi-a]

I agree, hopefully he'll be picked up by marvel or DC

[@rachel2880]

Grace, you’re killing it with these reflective breakdowns. You really are catching all the perfectly woven layers of writing and characters and narrative so well. Thank you for pointing it all out for us!!

[@MrJoshuaGray]

When a critic can illuminate why a story is so good is one of my favorite things about KZbin ❤

[@UniqornGleek29]

“Let’s talk about Kansas City: what a horrible place!” HAD ME ROLLING 😭😭😭😭

[@Junior6288]

It’s even funnier out of context too. Such great delivery by Grace. 😂

[@sarad2659]

It's such a typical shady Grace moment, and I adore her for it.

[@Musiclife-nw8qp]

Yeah and the way she just blurted it out after being emotional about Sam and Henry looool😂😂😂

[@simpleplanfan011]

Grace, that hideout is from the game. That was a whole section about a survivor named Ish who built a settlement with other survivors that eventually became overran with infected. They included a drawing of Ish on the wall if you look closely. This adaptation is so great, I’m constantly impressed every week. Henry and Sam really broke me! Seeing Ellie try to be Sam’s hero with that transfusion was so devastating because you knew it wasn’t going to work. Also, Kansas City is screwed because of that sinkhole from the last episode. When you think about it, the informants who were executed are the lucky ones.

[@maunglay8833]

I’m really glad they didn’t show more of the story of Ish in this episode, reading from notes is already sad enough, I didn’t want to see it. I don’t have the heart for it. It’s so tragic.

[@batalorian7997]

I was really glad that they kept a drawing with Ish on it. I was really hoping to see him or at least a reference to him in the show

[@alexlazzerly3677]

I've played the game many times, and I can say without question, this episode was better than the game. Absolutely perfect.

[@spinningbackkick6021]

Damn!!!

[@ShinyRyuji]

Seriously I knew what was gonna happen and still felt it more than I ever did in the game

[@carljameshaywood4572]

Interesting, I find the game version of Henry and Sam a little bit better.

[@reignrl]

@@carljameshaywood4572 i liked the actual characters better in the show but i agree, how everything went down with them was a little better in the game

[@ReluctantSpirit]

dare i say better than the episode 3

[@hallo9062]

To me the saddest scene was Ellies innocence to believe that she could heal him. It really underlines the fact that there is no cure for humanity. Even if people use Ellie to create a vaccine it‘s gonna be used for power not aid.

[@miguelitoreyes5514]

This episode flawlessly set up the end of Part I AND the entire thesis statement of Part II. Such ingenious use of parallel and foreshadowing. The multiple segments ripped right from the game were executed PERFECTLY. I'm FLOORED but how magnificent this episode was. ENDURE AND SURVIVE

[@jrm371]

Completely agree.

[@maximomedrano3143]

I AGREE

[@jonathanramirez3109]

I can see the seeds they keep planting for part 2 throughout the season and my heart can’t take it ahhh

[@torrhenstark5876]

Right?! And not just the Kathleen/vengeance stuff, but how badly Ellie wants to help people with her immunity. Without spoilers, the rage that drives her in Part II and the schism with Joel over that is really well set up by that.

[@InnerRise]

How did PART 2 SET UP an episode from LAST WEEK? How?

[@kacektv9405]

Something so heartwarming, and of course compounded the later sadness, was how Henry would include Sam in conversations it was small but meaningful. He would of course know how old Sam was but like when he translated Ellie for him making him an equal part in the talk instead of talking over him and just doing all the conversation bits for him. Allowing him to converse instead of merely conversing about him

[@iaani_]

Noticed that too when he wrote 'tunnel' on his board. So many well thought up details that add up.

[@MrRamonLuiis]

Grace PLEASEEEE don't make me bust out in anymore tears!!! This episode was definitely a 9/10. I knew what was coming and here I was still praying that the writers changed it somehow 😞 The kid that played Sam broke my heart. He's going places.

[@_M41KU_]

I think he’s actually deaf too. What a talented young actor.

[@LITBRO3200]

@@_M41KU_ he is

[@MrRamonLuiis]

@@_M41KU_ And listening to the podcast, he was literally a diamond in the rough! The best out of 5 actors they scouted and this is his first time on screen. Such pure and natural emotive talent. Just astonishing and beautiful in my book 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@user-hp7qn1em5m]

Yeah He will be put in more tv/movies. He can act.

[@youlknowmyname]

Same!

[@jamiegdubois]

4:11 Grace, I completely agree about Keivonn Woodard’s performance as Sam. From his backstory (I’m a childhood leukemia survivor myself), to his bond with Henry and Ellie, to seeing such wonderful deaf representation on screen, I was *devastated* when I found out he’d been bitten. Then, to watch Ellie try to heal him with her blood (which, despite not playing the games, I was pretty sure wouldn’t work)……I was basically a puddle of tears at that point. He did such a phenomenal job and I hope this is only the start of a very long and successful career for him.

[@reignrl]

hes gotta be in a quiet place 3

[@killler240]

Not many options for deaf actors, but I hope so

[@matthewk3685]

Sam and Henry was the moment I realized this game was special. When I saw the sniper I smiled because I had completely forgotten that set piece! I will say I think the morning scene was done better in the game, you could see Henry realizing what he had to do and deciding to kill Sam. However, setting up Joel’s resentment for Henry prioritizing his family over the greater good is genius.

[@itsalexvargas]

I really love seeing you get so visibly emotional in these recaps... you being invested makes me invested

[@GoldeneyeDoubleO7]

Grace getting emotional and still going on with the review is something that not many can do. Well done

[@Valordar]

Endure and review!

[@GoldeneyeDoubleO7]

@@Valordar right!?

[@Brawlypython244]

This is her job she’s been doing for like 15 years I think she’s fine

[@GoldeneyeDoubleO7]

@@Brawlypython244 are you saying she's faking or are you commending her for going on with the review?

[@Brawlypython244]

@@GoldeneyeDoubleO7 I’m saying she’s used to this and that it is her literal job to get through it

[@staroath7123]

The phrase “if you turn into a monster is it still you inside?” Is something Riley asked Ellie too when they got bitten…

[@novaphoenixx4049]

Killing OG Tommy basically the same way Joel dies if a bloater gets to him in the game was wild.

[@Soulkeepertube]

A wonderful nod to the game.Not the first time. They are expertly placed.

[@jrm371]

I thought the same 🤣

[@InnerRise]

Also.....what happend to Joel's head in part 2 and what happens go this guys head here.❤

[@socomkastleS1]

@Marc S It depends, Joel died quite a few times in the Last of Us for me. Maybe he didnt die at all for you. Good job here is a cookie.

[@genericwhiteguy2910]

Like the game, you'll know exactly when Ellie becomes the main character... trust me. They make it VERY obvious. They set Joel up as the main character in the first part of the season just like they set Sarah up to be the main character at the start of the first episode. However, this will be Ellie's show two episodes from now.

[@blackdragon6]

Joel is just Ned Stark 2.0

[@randomgeekcrap]

@@blackdragon6only his better and when his gone u feel bad

[@Ryan_JD]

I've played the game several times and yet the final moments between Sam, Ellie, Henry, and Joel totally destroyed me tonight. It was a strong change to make Ellie aware of the bite...wow. Incredible.

[@MarkArnoldMusic]

13:25 yes, the children's hideout is in the game - not in a cutscene though, but lots of visual storytelling and dialogue during gameplay. And a few stalkers.

[@AlexxaSick]

It was a heartbreaking story what happened to the people in the hideout too

[@BenFrankarts]

Grace, when you broke down as you described how Sam died, I was right there with you, squeezing your hand and giving you a warm hug. I love how you connect with us, and thats why we trust you with these reviews. You are a rare gem in this sphere.

[@sarcasmxkate]

I don't agree with how Henry went about getting the medicine for Sam, but I also understand the panic that Henry must have felt. Could he have tried other options? Sure, but he chose the path most likely to guarantee getting the medicine. I absolutely understand why he did what he did and the choice to have Henry know his actions were wrong is why I don't need to forgive him. I'm not going to pile my judgment on a kid who's already never going to forgive himself.

[@evanmoore9559]

Grace your pause talking about Sam turning alone…you got me crying here 😭

[@--Avi--]

After the events of the first game, you see that people are able to carve out a decent life in this world. There are kids that are able to live safely. Don't worry Grace, there's still hope!

[@passiveaggressive6175]

Thank God🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@Utopia39]

I never played the game so I was in shock at the ending and just sat there in silence. This show is amazing from top to bottom

[@TheKDogBrand]

The last 15 minutes of episode 5 really made me cry. Great acting from Lamar,Keivonn,Bella and Pedro in this episode.

[@kyleannen731]

There was something about the shot of Ellie's hand on Sam's leg with the glow of the lamp behind them that was so tragically beautiful to me. It felt so earnest yet naive, and it wonderfully helps build Ellie's character for the final act of the show (if you know, you know). Such a great addition that was absent from the game.

[@shockmesane4158]

I think it's important that the show doesn't feel like a complete death march. People sometimes forget that GoT was actually pretty funny at times, I still remember that scene where everyone moves the chairs around in the council chamber without saying a word and it was both hilarious and riveting TV. GoT was pretty grim as well but I think the fact that it did have lighter moments was extremely critical to its overall success.

[@jasonibanez9855]

I disagree. There are a few moments that everyone cry that played the game. One of those moments is the ONLY positive moment and the reason its so emotionally impactful is because out of an entire death march, its carthasis. But that happens once. And that moment is beautiful, because its the only moment.

[@jp3813]

@@jasonibanez9855 No Pun Intended Volume Too, adult magazine, Ellie vs Bill, "Warning Infected Inside Do Not Open", the high five, trying to whistle, giraffe scene, etc... were lighthearted moments from the game. Even Schindler's List has a comedic scene w/ Oskar auditioning potential secretaries.

[@JoePizzeria007]

The last of us does have moments of humour and hope, the fact just last episode ellie was cracking jokes and we saw Joel finally warm up was heartwarming and funny

[@staind687]

Honestly this may be my favorite episode so far, truly incredible.

[@MineralTown]

Tied with ep 3 for me. Excited to see how they up the stakes

[@larryclowers]

The finding of the underground hiding area is pulled directly from the game. And it actually has a much darker and sadder story to it. You find letters written by the survivors and they are heartbreaking

[@Vitali87]

I think the part with Ellie and her blood, she just tried to take away his fear and give him hope

[@catdaddysoprano]

Ish’s hideout (the underground school) is in the game, Grace. It’s up to the player to pay enough attention to pick up the storyline but it’s pretty in your face

[@DarianBluHeartDiamond]

Wow the comment Grace made about Sam, Henry, and Ellie during the night of Sam's turning is such an eye opener I didn't even register that outlook, that makes that moment so much more impact full.😲🥺

[@DavidM_10]

The infected rushing out of the hole was great. I knew they were coming, but the speed and ferocity with which they appeared was scary and unexpected. It instantly reminded everyone that they're the primary threat in this universe, despite their absence over the last couple of episodes.

[@emiliosanchelihonmayorga8965]

Grace, I think you are right about the meaning of THE LAST OF US as being about the end humanity, but I think it also means the last pieces of us that remain from the trauma. Every character is incomplete or in danger of loosing a key part from him or her: Henry tragically looses the brother he protects (would Bill consider Henry a protector as Joel and himself?) and the last of him isn’t enough to continue, Bill also faced loosing the love of his life and decided the same. Joel, instead, is gaining a someone to care. And by the way, Henry and Sam are mirror images of Frank and Bill in one other aspect: Bill and Frank are old and their death has agency because they choose it making their fate somehow harmonic and even romantic, while Henry and Sam are victims of situation they can’t control (Sam being bitten, Henry loosing himself on his despair) making it truly tragic and brutal. Finally, I see this show as an allegory, an exaggerated version of what we may loose someday (hopefully latter than sooner) and what we will gain. We are in the loosing part of the story. Oh, and as someone who has played both games several times already, this episode topped the videogame. Big time.

[@vokasimid5330]

Or in other words "Violence and emotional toll of that violence "

[@emiliosanchelihonmayorga8965]

@@vokasimid5330 The toll of life. Sadly, bad things are bound to happen.

[@fatine88]

Seeing Ellie and Sam playing in that preschool room and get a few hours of that innocence that they never got was really moving to me. Such sophisticated story telling.

[@adavidtoremember]

This episode was Breaking Bad level. I've not come across a TV show as good as BB and this episode got it. We'll see how the season goes but it's so...... astonishing to watch this after playing the game like 4 different times.

[@JoePizzeria007]

Better call saul is just as good btw

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

I remember after episode 2 you said that Neil shouldn't have a hand in this. This episode had a lot of his writing from the game. Him being so heavily involved in this is what is helping it be successful. He understands when to deviate from the game and understands when to give fans the right amount of service. Also, Sam dying is to show that the world of The Last of Us isn't suited for "good" people. There are no happy endings and people will die. Ellie trying to save Sam is her wanting to help, which is going to be a bigger theme in season 2

[@charleyc2501]

I feel like that is such a strange thing to say this is literally Neil's, we wouldn't be watching this show today without Neil and the team at Naughty Dog

[@mike4539]

Ellie “trying to help people” is the theme of part 2” ??? Are you on crack? Ellie in part 2 is a complete psycho, she turns into Rambo. Nothing like her perfect character in the original game.

[@AnthonyMcNeil]

@@charleyc2501 I agree, but Grace felt that he shouldn't be this heavily involved...you see a lot of his writing and scenarios in these episodes. So he is integral to the success of this show.

[@charleyc2501]

@@AnthonyMcNeil I love that most adaptions don't have the creator involved the fact that Neil is co-captain with Craig has made this such a well received success. They clearly have had an incredible working relationship and that reflects on screen.

[@thedeathskeleton4957]

It had certain events from the game, but I wouldn't say it had a lot of his writing. The whole deaf Sam, Kathleen, Bloater and horde, blood medicine, etc, stuff was definitely deviations. The only things that really stayed the same was the sniper and them both dying. It's also not like his writing is what made the game great anyway. It was everyone's work that was put into it. (This is quite blatant by how bad the writing in part 2 is)

[@rubenzavala2084]

That moment with the kids table and games is straight from the sewer area in the game. They are such good writers everything came full circle. They don't need a cliffhanger, your damaged emotions are the cliffhanger. Honestly, people feel like we're headed there, that's why its appealling, it reminds us what is important about our species even when everything goes to shit. I really hope they have the scene where Joel gets trapped under a building that's flooded. I always need a breather before playing that scene.

[@SONICgokuverine]

Grace is a very “happy ending” kind of person, so I get why she wouldn’t be crazy about what ‘The Last of Us’ really means. Humanity has been insanely lucky over the ages, but that luck has to run out sooner or later, and there’s only so much you can solve with guts and gumption. One thing the show does that the game never gave us was the intro in the very first episode. I love that scene and it literally tells you right out the gate that we would lose in this scenario. And if you’ve played the game, you know that even the possibility of a miracle cure goes out the window when you factor in people and their attachments.

[@system0fadowner251]

Yeah I preface recommending this story to people with the warning that this is not a hopeful story, nor a happy one. No happily ever afters

[@joselaynes]

Love that the show changes little things so the ones that played the games can have a new experience watching the show too

[@rorschach281]

I say this as someone who has lost someone very close to me, life isn’t always a “live to fight another day” scenario. Sure I love escapist entertainment as well, but I also appreciate something that acknowledges how hopeless life can be sometimes. This show and the game are true art and I don’t think they need to pander to feel good emotions. Not to mention, the memory of the positive impact of the lost characters matters just as much as when they were alive.

[@sammibajrami9846]

When Ellie smeared her blood on Sam's bite mark I don't think that she actually expect it to save him, she just wanted him to believe that it would. She wanted to give him some hope. I agree that she should have told Joel & Henry about the bite for all the reasons that you said. I imagine that she probably hoped beyond hope that maybe her blood would save Sam; that she didn't want to face the alternative. For what it's worth, it's possible that she only fell asleep after Sam did. That he fell asleep as himself, getting to believe that he would remain himself. I think the reason why Ellie said that she is sorry is because she keeps surviving where other people do not. I also think that Bella Ramsey is absolutely fantastic!

[@terryjohnson4906]

As someone who played the game and still knew what was coming with Sam and Henry, this episode still messed me up. 😢

[@reijiriffic]

This breakdown is one of the best you have done

[@BeyondTheTrailer]

I'm so glad you think so!

[@PedroHenrique-qr6os]

Ellie trying to save Sam with her blood is SO IMPORTANT TO Story

[@blackdragon6]

Eh, I get it. But I don't think it proves anything one way or another. Because for one, that's not how medical science works 😂.

[@Literaluis]

@@blackdragon6 You’re concerned about “medical science” in a zombie fiction show? Get a life.

[@PedroHenrique-qr6os]

@@blackdragon6 I dont know if you Played the game but... This is very important for Ellie and Joel’s bow that Ellie tried to save Sam with his blood

[@blackdragon6]

@@PedroHenrique-qr6os I know, but the way ellie tried to administer her blood is a bad example to go by in regards to whether or not you can get a vaccine from her.

[@rodofgodpodcast]

After years of watching BTT I've only commented one time... I'm not ashamed to say it, after this episode I needed a Grace breakdown to decompress.

[@BeyondTheTrailer]

Wanted you to know I saw this - thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and I'm glad I helped you process the episode! :)

[@rodofgodpodcast]

@@BeyondTheTrailer 🤯🤯🤯 Grace replied to me?! 😆 Thank you for doing such great work!

[@sateleim]

well the point by the end of it is to just to hold on to who you can hold on to. its not about overcoming impossible odds but confronting them together and fighting like hell to escape. the miracle cure is really a pipe dream.

[@BALL_BUZZ]

I didn't realize that because Sam was deaf he didn't attack Ellie until she touched him because he couldn't hear anything to trigger a response. This was the best episode in my opinion.

[@righteousrawb7225]

This episode reminded me of myself and my little brother. It was very heartfelt, wholesome, absolutely terrifying and downright depressing

[@joshbourne9679]

How you explained how you felt watching this episode connected with me I legit started to tear up. Consistently one of my favourite KZbinrs. Thanks for all the work you do

[@pauloskinner]

Grace you are the only person that goes this in-depth in your analysis and reactions to pop-culture. You always make me think about a lot of stuff that I hadn't thought of when I was watching the thing myself. Thank you!

[@rody73]

Ellie did grow up here. She really had hope her blood would be a super power😔

[@uhuhuh1966]

Joel is not a monster, I’m sorry people have been telling you that, but he’s not a hero either. Like you said, no heroes or villains, you’ll realize that with Joel in the finale.

[@fuzean1]

He's human, that just it...

[@uhuhuh1966]

@@fuzean1 absolutely, all of the characters are

[@TheZeitergeist3]

Ellie is the hope for humanity tho, with her immunity that's why the continue on through everything. Which makes the games ending even more of a gutpunch.

[@shak_the_technician]

As a fan of the game (who’s played the story many times) this episode was perfect. I didn’t care for Kathleen tbh. The 3rd act was lit! Ellie trying to save Sam with her blood 😢

[@Jayriv95]

Your breakdowns of these Last of Us episodes are literally must see. You’re definitely the best channel on this website and thank you for making this content for us!

[@f12mnb]

In Toy Story when it looks like they were going into the furnace was poignant, sad, and heart rending. It was hard to imagine how the toys will escape but they did - a great scene.

[@heycarlxyz]

Ellie saying that she's scared of ending up alone is so powerful now that I think about it 😉😉. This show is so good.

[@nellicosta7701]

Knowing what happens in the second game. Knowing what Ellie discusses with Joel. This episode was certainly built better for the overall story. He fuels so much of what Ellie will do and become. Yes Grace, brilliant is the word. Your analysis was so perfect that as you spoke all I could remember was Ellie insisting, almost in tears to Joel "My life would have mattered"

[@esinach]

Her analysis wasn't amazing. She can't handle the grey areas of the story.

[@nellicosta7701]

@@esinach Yeah, maybe she can't. I believe she even said it in other words. It doesn't mean that she didn't notice interesting and innovative points that I, an extremely fan of the game, hadn't noticed about the adaptation. It made me think again about the story. And that's the fascinating part about opinions.

[@Kajunmulisha4747]

This episode played out so much better than the game. It had huge shoes to fill, because sam and henry in the game was crushing...this episode, the actors, all of it, it was so much more than i could of hoped for. Well done. I also appreciate grace really reading between the lines and putting it all out there in context for people. Really good commentary.

[@ryans413]

Sam couldn’t survive to see another day and Henry couldn’t endure the emotions of Sam dying to live. That’s pretty epic

[@MichaelJones-wb8sk]

OMG!!!... I Never Would Of Thought I Would Be Shedding Tears Watching Last Of Us.... Episodes 1 - 3.. I Held My Own The Fact Henry Had To Kill Sam Then Killed Himself... I Balled Crying 😢

[@RonnieNimer]

The infected little girl in the car, creeped the life out of me. I was like wtf!! Such a good episode

[@drancealot]

This by far, is the best recap of this episode. I've watched a few videos and listened to podcasts and everyone has missed why Ellie wrote that she was sorry.

[@bobbiedylan9758]

This was the segment in the game that CRUSHED me! It did the same last night! I’ve followed you for years Grace and this is the 1st time I EVER seen you emotional 😭

[@coss1]

I literally walked away from this episode choked up, not all out crying, but definitely holding back tears with a lump in my throat. My voice was cracking as I described the episode to my aunt. I held it together until she placed the paper saver on the makeshift grave with the phrase "I'm sorry" written on it, at that point I nearly started bawling, although I managed to hold it together. My gosh, what a touching and tragic episode.

[@maseffect123]

Not seen anyone bring it up, but what Katharine was saying about fate and how maybe sam was always meant to die turned out to be true, because of Henry getting in the Meds to avoid leukaemia eventually lead to sam dying anyway which I think was really good writing

[@MrTwessel30]

This is one of the best episodes of television I've ever seen.

[@sefapalu9660]

I'm a year late to this series but I'm alternating between episodes and your reviews as I go along. When you get emotional about certain plot points is my fav from you Grace. Your review of Sam and Henry's ending, was amazing. Keep it up Grace!

[@bryansellner2943]

I think it’s so admirable that you are willing to cover this type of content despite not “enjoying” it for the most part. This story means a lot to many people and we all appreciate it ❤

[@WingStorm]

*Grace I was crying right there with you, this episode had so much in it* 😔❤️

[@samsterx100]

I think Ellie knew she couldn’t save him. But Sam being so immersed in his fantasy world of superheroes - she did it so he wouldn’t be as afraid in his last moments, to give him a little hope. I think she knew it wouldn’t work

[@IshmaelSheo]

Written words that had me bawling like a baby: “Keep Tess safe” & “I'm sorry”.

[@DefMM123]

That Endure and Survive part was such a great catch!

[@shaununiverse]

11:54 I find it SO interesting Grace that you've thought to mention this now, because at this exact point in the game, the night before Sam's death, he asks Ellie if she believes in God. Ellie responds that she goes back and forth. If I remember correctly, that's the only explicit mention of religion in the game (although during Bill's mission you do pass through a decrepit church). Not long after Sam asks this, we learn that he's been infected. In the game Sam asks this religious question alongside his question about if you're still inside once you're infected - together they make his awareness of impending death even more apparent. Also, you say at 13:26 you don't think the underground daycare was in the game. It was! That drawing on the wall of "our protectors" was a reference to what happened down there, a story you're able uncover in the game through notes and an identical drawing you're able to find.

[@florinsandu488]

Henry lost his purpose, he just couldn't process what was going on. I was not ready for that... Frank and Bill's ending was sad, but at least they had a good life together. Sam an Ellie holding on to that last bit of hope that maybe she could help was so gut wrenching.

[@favosys]

This is why The Last of Us is my favorite videogame of all time. Because of what you feel in your loins with this story. I wouldn't call it entertainment, I would never play the game again. I would call it an experience that takes you to places you didn't know existed, an experience that makes you feel things you can't even describe. Thank you Neil for your genius and of course Craig for enhancing this experience.

[@eworksdemonslayer]

I love the fact that Grace got emotional and she's not down to being depressed every episode of this show. I cried at the ending scene of the show and also cried immediately Grace started crying too😔

[@raceydaniels]

I love how Grace is framing this as if it's a reenactment of a real event. "Should have woken up his brother" This woman feels deep

[@TrevorVaubel]

I'm sure you know, but Craig co-hosts a podcast about screenwriting. If you haven't checked it out, you def should. Especially with how much you're enjoying the writing.

[@ngin98]

just finished it… I see where the budget from episode 4 went 😂 the second that truck sunk I knew it was going down 😭

[@nikagamkrelidze6274]

26:35 I just love these moments when you realize something new while breaking down the episode! 🙌🏽❤️ you have an amazing way of telling the context of every single scene in an episode!

[@ECxPassion]

This is episode made me the most emotional of any media ever. It was something different and even knwo I knew what was going to happen I kept hoping they would change the story. I openly cried, no other media has ever done this to me.

[@therealtoure6368]

My heart broke this episode, this episode was better than the game 💔

[@BenjiSales]

Incredible episode. For those thinking the show is too bleak / dark. I'll warn you things will get even darker when they start covering the 2nd game

[@wayfaring_stranger_]

This episode had so many layers. Heartbreak. Guilt. Regret. More guilt. It sets up part 2 perfectly. I also did not think about Ellie not telling Henry having an impact. You're right though, if Henry was told he and Sam could have had their last moments. I think Kathleen was an accidental leader. Her brother was the leader and he died and like monarchy she was shoved into that role. She may not come off as strong, but she was ruthless.

[@wolvewick4414]

btw 5:36 when i saw that kid infected it come to my mind M3gan too, and was thinking that maybe was the same child actress. and 7:16 i wish MCU put writing like this that they have in their comics. would be a insane huge hit if they actually adapt their comics.

[@lippemartinsm]

The Last of Us tells so much about the human condition and conflicts. I couldn't really hate Kathleen after knowing her backstory. She loved her brother more than anything, and somebody took him from her. She just wasn't ready to forgive. Would she ever? Idk, but that's a great character.

[@straitjacketstudios]

Glad you mentioned the walking dead. TWD took a LOT of heat for being more of an emotional soap opera of sorts vs a true zombie apocalypse and was also written before TLOU. This is precisely what TLOU is. Very character driven vs SFX tricks. There are NUMEROUS elements of TLOU that could be claims as “lifts” from THE WALKING DEAD. I AM A MEGA FAN of both TWD and TLOU but also respect both and what may have been in many cases very obvious influences.

[@RonnieNimer]

Also the choice of music in the end of the episode, in the credit scene, idk why, just elevated the ending for me for some reason. It was beautiful

[@GerardoTonella]

Your point at 9:00 is so interesting to me Grace. I’ve never been interested in Zombie media precisely because of THIS. Yet this show has managed to capture me (maybe because precisely it addresses these ideas indirectly?). I do feel that because of doing that same thing, there is hope in it.

[@SirNalced]

I think the difference here and The Walking Dead is in TWD everyone’s infected. If you die you turn. Here you can hide from the infected and be safe. You can survive. In the walking dead, when you die you turn. If you’re surviving you’re delaying the inevitable. Which I feel is a darker thought than in TLOU

[@afanofpeanuts7381]

The way Ellie thought she could save Sam with her blood...OH the sweet innocence and purity and pathos ...Chief's kiss**. An actual improvement to the original game-

[@DeVoEse]

Wow, Grace, I don't think I've ever seen you this moved during a review. It's a testament to how powerful the writing is. As far as your ruminations on the show's greater meaning, there is a definite bleakness to it, but I'm definitely curious about your thoughts on things after the completion of the season (or the second/third season).

[@sillyskater2]

After watching this, I’m now eager to see Grace’s reaction to the last episode. 😲🤫 and Ellie is the main character Joel is just the player but for the show I can see where that would blur.

[@mike4539]

Joel is the main character of the original game. Part 2 is a separate issue.. and maybe the show will be to. But in the original game, Joel is the main character. Why do people try and be so revisionist with the game? Even on something so simple as this, it’s such nonsense.

[@sillyskater2]

@@mike4539 you should read what you’re responding to.

[@mike4539]

@@sillyskater2 Joel is the main character of the original game. Can you read that sentence?

[@luisc1703]

I was totally sold on Melanie Lynskey's performance; to me Kathleen was someone who was pushed into a leadership position and wanted to prove she can still make things right but was blinded with revenge. To me she was using Henry as a scapegoat to prove she' was like her brother; she was in the right time and the right place, the loss of a leader(her brother), people fed up with oppression ready to blow up and all fell on to her. Melanie's acting to me was perfect, she was coy and soft spoken and gave me the impression that Kathleen didn't want to do what she was pushed to do: leading and killing with some obvious regret. She needed to kill Henry to prove something. This circles up this 2 episodes saga about loosing one's innocence. Kathleen lost her a long time ago and was just reacting on revenge and in the shadow of her brother.

[@robertbutler5319]

At 15:35 I felt so much love for you @GraceRandolph ❤️ Awesome review, you felt the emotion of this episode.

[@ssshar2176]

The ending broke my heart. Grace, your review, amazing and raw. You’re the best in KZbin.

[@Mayonaise55]

The infected runners came running out the ground so fast! I wasn’t ready! My jaw literally dropped. Amazing scene 🔥