The Last of Us HBO EP3: A Tale of Love and Loss - Therapist Reacts!

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Join psychotherapist Georgia Dow as they delve into the beautiful relationship between Frank and Bill in HBO's "The Last Of Us." Despite the tragedy surrounding them, the duo finds joy in each other's company. Explore the psychological aspects of their bond and see how their love story is worth it all.
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[@basicsimp8798]

Bill knew how to Survive. Frank knew how to live. Both of them together, a life worth living.

[@GeorgiaDow]

I love this quote !! it is perfect. You said in one sentence what I took a whole video to state =))

[@L1VE3V1L]

Their argument over Frank wanting to paint the boutique and mow lawns exemplifies this point perfectly.

[@zephyrical]

Absolutely. Bill built them a world where they could survive, but Frank made it a home for them both. ❤

[@blindwoozie]

Nick Offerman (Bill) said in a recent HBO interview that Frank is the flowers and Bill is the soil. Thought that was nice, what an amazing episode of TV.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

Beautiful.

[@JasperAyeee]

one of my favorite details about episode 3 is toward the end, Frank has fallen ill, and Bill takes up the maintenance of their house (watering flowers, etc). Bill never cared for the outward appearance of things but he does it for Frank.

[@popcornfilms1]

Good spot

[@kharnzarro6308]

also one of the first things Joel notices when they arrive and realizes that something is wrong is the state of the flowers because he knew bill and frank would never let that happen

[@GeorgiaDow]

Oh yes I didnt notice that detail. Wonderful

[@-just-so-]

Not only that, but as part of their last act, they left the window open so the house they made into a home together wouldn't smell. Wedged the bedroom door shut. And even though Bill claims to have never liked Joel, he took the time to leave him a letter going, _Don't go into the bedroom. It's okay. Good luck, asshole._

[@means_well]

If you look closely you see Bill wink at Frank as he waters them

[@caleb-hb9bf]

As a gay person this episode is probably my favorite piece of LGBTQ+ media I’ve ever seen. We don’t often see love stories of queer couples growing old together and it was so beautiful in ways I can’t explain. I haven’t ugly cried over a show in yearsss😭😭

[@kubomrazik9199]

As a straight guy, I still consider it to be one of the best episodes I have ever seen on TV so far. I don't know, whether it is LGBTQ+ media, or just a really beautiful story about two people in love, but I really enjoyed it and had wet eyes in the end as well. Love is love, we should stop classifying it and just accept it in any form.

[@Boyfrenk]

This had nothing to do with LGBTQ+, this is a beautiful story of love not politics

[@Mindyourownbuissnes1]

@@Boyfrenk LGBTQ+ aren't politics, we are people.

[@delaney6506]

@@Boyfrenk LGBTQ+ shouldn’t inherently be political though. It’s just people existing. The only ones making it political are those who want to make laws making it more difficult for these people to exist and thrive.

[@CChissel]

@@Boyfrenk LGBT is not an ideology, they are people and do not all share the same way of thinking, but there are those that want to take their rights away, and they make it political, not LGBT people.

[@Ladco77]

My favorite description of this episode was someone pointed out Bill in the game was a warning to Joel about who he could become if he remained closed off from others. Bill in the show showed what Joel could become if he opened himself up to love again.

[@chocococo40]

Yeah i love that, they seemingly changed a lot but actually they didn't. They told the same story from two different angles, it's like two sides of the same coin

[@tahliae]

THIS!!!

[@jeffr2345]

I think that might have been me on resetera

[@lacountess]

Perfect analysis.

[@gagetaylor192]

Lots of people saying this episode had no point to the story and yet the point still remains, just in a way that was less miserable and bleak than the game. Same purpose of the character, different execution.

[@shaynamatthias]

i love your delighted laughter after bill's indignant shout of "YOU WHAT?!"

[@GeorgiaDow]

was so fitting

[@justafossil]

A note about them getting married on their last day - in 2003, when the in-universe pandemic hit, same-sex marriage was not yet legal in Massachusetts (outbreak day is about two months prior). There's an extra layer of beauty to these two men getting to indulge in validating their meaning to each other in a way neither of them probably ever thought would be possible. They've lived their fullest lives to a degree they never had before, even before the world went to hell. There is so much nuance to this episode that especially resonates as a queer person. "Older means we're still here" is something with so much meaning to a generation like mine that lost so many of our queer elders in the decades prior. I can count the number of times I've seen queer love represented positively AND that lasts until old age on one hand and still have fingers left. This episode was beautiful for so many reasons on top of really setting up this wonderful foil to Joel and Ellie's journey. Bill is a protector like Joel, but Bill is also able to let the person he loves go in a way that honors and respects his wishes.

[@CyanideGirl94]

Those last two sentences, though. I haven't seen any other comments pointing that out but I thought about it as well.

[@anitatapio512]

Oooooooohhhh the foreshadowing in the last sentence LOVE IT

[@codynoth4183]

This entire episode proves the point that the majority of the LGBTQ+ consider their sexuality their biggest personality trait and it's heartbreaking to see that because it basically boils down to 99% of the LGBTQ+ community having a personality disorder, whether that is Narcissisitc or Histrionic.

[@jubilantsleep]

@@anitatapio512 Yep!

[@tinytigergrrr]

I found it really interesting that Bill was originally like "Everyone is dead, there is no one to make friends with" but when he knows Frank is this sick he's saying "We can find a doctor, what if we find someone" Frank being with him really gave him the desire for hope. :(

[@mattj2081]

I really like the love "Call Joel." Not just because it shows how much Bill cares for Frank now, but it also shows how Bill has come to trust and depend on Joel. The guy initially didn't want to meet anyone and live by himself and only met Joel because Frank wanted him to, and even had a gun at the ready at all times around him, now trusts Joel enough to take care of what matters most to him.

[@josh___something]

Just seeing the layers to that line messes me up so much. How much Bill cares about him above himself, about how he knows what his partner needs (understanding that Frank is not the best at spotting the danger), about how he's genuinely turned around on Joel... Etc. Etc. They've really made a great story here. Possibly one of the best.

[@do_not_want_to]

I was already getting choked up at the strawberry scene, not just because the scene was touching and beautiful, but being on welfare, knowing how much it hurts to not be able to have strawberries, when one just wants strawberries.

[@caronstout354]

Also, he probably hadn't seen 🍓s for years, so just the taste of one perfect 🍓 meant so much more.

[@rosiequartzie2230]

​@@caronstout354Your comment just gave me a little headcanon that strawberries are actually Bill's favorite fruit, and he probably mentioned it to Frank at some point and it was probably one of the few things that he genuinely missed having from the Old World, so Frank wasn't just surprising him with random fruit, he was bringing back something that Bill loved just to make him happy.

[@seth2506]

I know. Bill's giggle may as well have been weeping, for what it did to me.

[@trinaq]

I really love how they dedicated an entire episode to Frank and Bill, so that we could easily fall in love with them, and that their inevitable deaths wouldn't feel cheap. Their dynamic is similar to the role Tess played in Joel's life before he lost her.

[@GeorgiaDow]

yes it is and I think it was the perfect episode for after Tess

[@wtimmins]

It’s also why this episode isn’t a sidebar; it serves a powerful narrative point to mirroring elements of Joel’s life and informing his story going forward.

[@kylereese4822]

@@GeorgiaDow In that world be it TLOU or TWD you just have to switch off... and replace those feelings with short or long term problem solving mind set... it`s how I would survive... Problem solving... How do you make a burnt out car usable again ?? Eg, tires made from strips of leather woven/stitched together, compressed springs as innertube replacements, brake linings made from copper, glass replaced with riot shields.... And other FORCED to work items/parts etc...

[@kylereese4822]

@@GeorgiaDow Engine fuel... Gas/diesel no longer around, alternatives = Methane - Booze - HHO - Compressed air - (Steam limited use)

[@Dustyphoto915]

You have no idea what role Tess played in Joel’s life. Because the show decided that exploring two npc’s, one who isn’t even in the game, was more important.

[@seanspreckelsen3496]

The hate that this episode has gotten from the homophobic community is heartbreaking. This episode was incredible

[@deeanna8448]

I would be curious to know how many turned it off in disgust as soon as they kissed. I can't imagine anyone watching the entire thing and not being touched by the arc of this relationship. I hope that, at least for some, it made them think of LGBTQ relationships in a positive way.

[@chrisigoeb]

Iam not homophobic just tired of having this shoved down our throats. They changed the story arc of the game for this. The episode was OK but if they stuck to the game here it would have been better

[@SeinIshamiado]

​@@chrisigoeb R comment

[@brianbalcer]

Just because someone doesn't like the episode doesn't mean it has to do anything to do with homophobia. That sounds like a YOU problem if that's what YOU choose to think. I didn't like the episode but that's because I feel like the whole episode could have been skipped and it would make no difference.

[@SeinIshamiado]

@@brianbalcer you definitely sound like one of those homophobic responses. You don't have to like something but not erase it.

[@chrismasciana874]

This is what sets the Last of Us apart from the walking dead or any other post apocalyptic story. Whether you play the game or watch the show, it’s not a story about zombies it’s a story about love, perseverance, and understanding that even in the darkest of times you can still find happiness and hope.

[@GeorgiaDow]

very true

[@Kolvarg]

To be fair, The Walking Dead is also not about the zombies, it's about exploring the human condition in a situation where society breaks down. I won't argue that the TV show (especially later seasons) did an amazing job at that, but it's certainly true for the comics which are the source material, as well as other adaptations like the telltale games.

[@alalalala57]

@@Kolvarg The Walking Dead is a show about how everyone is just depressed or insane.

[@Kolvarg]

@@alalalala57 I'm not sure The Last of Us falls behind in that sense.

[@jstephenj]

The thing I like about The Last of Us games and the show is that despite all the ugliness and cruelty that play throughout, that there still remains an undercurrent of humanity baked into its DNA. George Romero's Dead series were never like that because Romero infused his films with more indie film sensibilities than the so-called hero's journey formula you see in more mainstream epics. Neil Druckmann and Ashley Johnson have gone on record as saying they adore this world and its characters. And having played and finished the Uncharted series and really enjoying how they ended Uncharted 4 makes me optimistic that they'll be able to give Ellie's story as much a heart felt send off as Nathan Drake and company got in Uncharted 4.

[@GeriatricGamer]

This episode emotionally wrecked me. I went in questioning why they'd make an entire episode for 2 characters that were barely in the game, and came out thinking I'd just witnessed one of the most beautiful episodes of television I can think of.

[@GeorgiaDow]

they did a great job

[@1981troyboy]

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

[@GeriatricGamer]

@@1981troyboy i know. I’ve played the games. Multiple times. Not sure what the point of the comment was, or what it had to do with anything being discussed.

[@Elessar_86]

@@GeriatricGamer They're a troll trying to spoil the show for people who don't know what's coming. Hopefully someone (if she has any mods, hopefully they can remove it for her) takes this comment down.

[@joshuadouglas7625]

@@1981troyboy who asked for that? Random af

[@strawberrycatastrofy257]

As Nick Offerman said, Bill is the soil and Frank is the flowers.

[@TheSaltyAdmiral]

*_This isn’t the tragic suicide at the end of the play. I’m old. I’m satisfied, and you were my purpose._* This is an incredibly important line in this episode, not only in and of itself, but they also specifically included that line to convey that Frank & Bill did *not* suffer the "tragedy trope" most LGBT portrayals in movies and series fall victim to. Frank & Bill beat the apocalypse, they won. If you're not already listening to the podcast they release after each episode I really recommend it. It's the creators of both the game and the series talk about the production of the series and the meaning and thoughts that goes into each episode etc. And I'm really grateful that you had the courage to react to the end of this episode, despite the obvious reasons for concern. Anyway, I really enjoy your content, I always learn something new or get another perspective on things! :)

[@DasSmach]

They didn't decide to end their lives because they were depressed but because they reached the last moments of their lives and decided to go on their own terms. Even though it's sad, I believe it's the best decision they could have made I work as a paramedic and am constantly confronted with how people at a very old age are forced to "keep breathing" because we can't let go. And when they ultimately leave us most of the times they do it in a hospital, scared and most importantly: alone. Our fear of death and inability to confront it ultimately robs us of any agency and control over it. For me, the way Bill and Frank lived and ended their journey is THE best case scenario. If I HAVE to go, at least let me do it in dignity.

[@ngythe1king]

Hmm maybe for Frank but not for Bill, if Bill held on he could have met Ellie, maybe gain a new motivation to live to protect Ellie and help her in some sort of way

[@ngythe1king]

@@Trendilien69 and this was my to comment…what’s your point?

[@lucasshill8780]

@@ngythe1king Ellie? Yeah nah bro, Bill was already on the verge of dying. He most likely would've died from a broken hear too since his lover just died. This was the best way imo

[@AsylumS95]

@@ngythe1king But why does that matter? We can sit here and argue the ifs/buts/whys for every person in a similar situation who might want to do what they have done - the man is old, he has, with Frank lived a good, full, happy life with his partner, and he knows he's partner has made his choice to not suffer anymore - Bill doesn't know Ellie exists, in the game Bill returns to his paranoia and resentment and anger, he returns to the person he was, THIS actually made the most perfect sense for him, in this world, at this time, he feels as though he has reached the end of his story now Frank is choosing to die, why does he need to continue? For a "possibillity" of something that may never come?

[@residentjess]

@@ngythe1king Bill was old. And he was losing the love of his life. He said he was satisfied. They both died in each other’s arms. That was beautiful.

[@Mountain_Dandy]

This was HBO's magnum opus. A happy ending embedded inside of a story that lacks any. My god this was good. I loved how Frank spent his remaining years painting one of the most beautiful things he's seen. Pure theater!

[@IKimdraculaI]

To me the performance Bill gave on the Piano was like a cry for help, even if unconsciously. He did do everything he knew to try and make Frank stay, gave him good clothing, a nice bath, a great dinner, hoping he would like him (where I'm from when we really like someone we say "I'm gonna give you a home, food and clean clothes"). That and Bill's eyes begging for affection while scared made me very emotional from the get go.

[@orangeapples]

It's so beautiful that Frank grew fruit and it was a gift to Bill at the cost of a gun. It really is both of them. It is both beautiful aesthetic life and resource. Frank did a cost analysis. It wasn't just taking something from Bill, but also giving back something Bill would never get for himself and something Bill needed. It connected to Bill so much when he took a bite.

[@kateflake]

A beautiful mirror to Sarah fixing Joel’s watch.

[@ATinyWaffle]

I love the detail that when first meeting, Bill turns the plate one way and then before eating, Frank turns it to his liking, but for their final meal, Bill knows to turn the plate just the way Frank likes it so the rabbit meat was right in front of Frank.

[@user-gx9xe4kx6j]

I never realized this!

[@dallesamllhals9161]

17+ years = even cis males learn 😛

[@ATinyWaffle]

@@dallesamllhals9161 Well that was a toxic and unwarranted comment...

[@dallesamllhals9161]

@@ATinyWaffle cis = Toxic? ..erh, okay?

[@ATinyWaffle]

@@dallesamllhals9161 Sarcastically connoting that men, cis or otherwise, do not have the emotional intelligence to care for and learn from loved ones (twice now) is toxic and sexist, yes.

[@solkrantzer2302]

They should show this relationship as the example of what a healthy adult relationship should look like in my opinion. Where they make each of other better versions of themselves. What a life with someone could look like. fights and all, respect, compassion and love. I see this as a love story it doesnt even matter if its gay or straight or whatever. Beautiful love story.

[@TheBearAspirin]

I love that as soon as Frank admitted he's a bad liar and won't betray Bill he immediately puts his hands down even while Bill is still pointing the gun at him. It's almost as though Frank is saying "This is me, I'll be honest, I won't argue with you now." Nice detail of having Bill close the music playsheet book after he tells Frank to stop playing. And then when it's Bill's turn, he plays with his eyes closed. He has played that song countless times and knows it by heart and probably played music on that piano countless times in the four years when he was alone before Frank. Nick Offerman's acting is phenomenal. Once he starts singing his entire demeanor changes and after the kiss and while in bed he speaks so softly and nervously BUT there's that moment after Frank tells him to take a shower where you see him awkwardly walk away but once he reaches the stairs his pace picks up and he practically runs up the steps 😆

[@erin1569]

Notice how the line "I was never afraid before you showed up" ties perfectly into the development of Joel in the pandemic. From a scared father to a fearless broken man, to a person who gets panic attacks when a close one is in danger. The writers are amazing and are using this medium to the fullest. I love the game, and I love this tv series.

[@m3rrys0ngstr3ss]

I think these two really showed that a long-term romantic relationship isn't just feelings, it's action. If it were only about feelings, they would have stayed in bed together for a few weeks and then Frank would have headed on to Boston. But instead, they choose each other over and over again. They don't have the same way of showing their affections, and I absolutely see why that leads to friction, but they know that something real is always underpinning things. Also, I can't decide if their wedding rings would have been from the boutique, or if Bill might have kept his parents' rings. Either works, I was just surprised that it didn't get mentioned. On a more cheerful note, I love that Frank's eyes almost immediately light up when he sees Bill for the first time, even as he's got him at gunpoint.

[@GeorgiaDow]

that's so true !! he immediately saw who he was and trusted him

[@Andjelka99]

I immediately thought of that Parcs scene when Ron makes the rings himself hahaha.

[@Ashbrash1998]

I liked how this episode chose to break some of the tropes we see in tv featuring queer relationships, we see an older couple getting an apocalypse meet cute that actually got to stay together for over a decade instead of like a couple of days after they get together. And when one of them gets an incurable illness its not aids but a chronic neurological disease, and when they passed away they got to choose when instead of the usual go to of being tragically dying from a violent means or etc. We got to see two people find each other in an apocalypse, love and live happily into their old years despite everything.

[@TheRabidGaming]

1:10 "it isn't how we die, it really is how we live" Life before death. Strength before weakness. Journey before destination.

[@thoughtsappear]

An important aspect of this relationship for me, was that both of them are middle-aged men. I think that Bill had most likely given up on ever finding love even before the infection. odds are Frank had too. Love can happen at any time, at any age. They got to have 15 years together and had a happy ending - which in this universe is rare. loved the episode.

[@s7robin105]

Knowing the source material and the story of Bill and Frank from the game I was worried how it would be handled when this story came. I am so glad it was changed in this way. it was not a story of toxicity and the division and breakup that ends in tragedy that we learn about in the game, it was a celebration of love and hope in a world where that is so rare. This is Bill and Frank's story, the game is what would happen if Bill never learned from Frank and stayed how he was. I loved this episode and it will likely be my favorite of the whole series.

[@GeorgiaDow]

the show is getting better and better and I like the changes from the game for the screen

[@tahaymvids1631]

@@GeorgiaDow based

[@Dularr]

@@GeorgiaDow I found this was a fantasy episode. Real life is harder.

[@Bob_games103]

@@Dularr how? They had bad days, nearly died at least once, and they had good times, bill learned from Frank how is that fantasy?

[@s7robin105]

@@Dularr It’s a zombie show. Literally everything shown is fantasy lol

[@thenoteworthy1298]

The thing about them dying together is that yeah, it’s sad, but it’s not tragic. They got to live a whole life together, one that many people, even in our world, let alone theirs, could even dream of. And that is really really beautiful.

[@mathewfinch]

An important detail about the last meal scene is what's different; instead of Bill sitting on the opposite side of the table, he's sitting next to Frank. It's a beautiful story because it shows Bill growing from a person who can't imagine letting someone into his life, to someone who can't imagine being alone again.

[@wyattcoe8825]

😭😭😭😭

[@RQuinton79]

For me it was a single line, “I’m satisfied.” They were content in their love, the way they lived, and now the way will die, on their terms. There are some deviations I’m not thrilled about, and that’s okay because we all get our opinions. This episode was one hell of a divination, and they nailed it. A beautiful episode.

[@mattcollins3591]

I haven’t stopped thinking of this since Sunday. It’s moved me in a way a piece of filmmaking hasn’t done in years. Bravo. What an incredible achievement for everyone involved.

[@casseahewson2660]

I want Ron Swanson to know he ruined my day with a lot of ugly crying

[@damedeviant1388]

I’m still shaken to my core from this episode. I don’t think I’ll get over it for a long time. Bill and Frank’s story was a masterpiece.

[@WorldClassSatanist]

Yes

[@teineeva7868]

I adored Nick Offerman's little giggle in Parks and Rec but goddamned I never expected for it to rip at my heart strings like it did in this episode. He was, in my mind, a perfect casting choice for Bill. I also loved Murray and his radiant smile of course, but the way Nick is capable of letting the emotions of a little boy shine through even rough and tough performances is just amazing.

[@alalalala57]

What a meaningful use of it.

[@RyleyOfAsgard]

I think because they showed that Joel is a parallel to Bill and Tess is a parallel to Frank, it also represents that their relationships could have also been parallels if only Joel was able to open his heart fully to Tess, but he lost her before he was able to. But now he has a new opportunity to open his heart to Ellie and have a fatherly relationship with her and Bill is proof that it's possible for people like him.

[@robert_bbiii]

So much to unpack. First though Nick Offerman's giggle is a thing of pure joy. Bella Ramsey reading it in the letter made me laugh too. Just means Bill actually wrote it. Also the letter and saying to call Joel shows Bill learned to trust others. The I don't like you but we're friends showed he trusted Joel. Probably an inside joke. A little detail missed by many is Joel knew the code to the gate. That is trust Lastly the story showed how much we need human contact. There is a difference between being a recluse by choice and by circumstances. Bill was probably alone before everything by choice. Could see others if he wanted. Years alone though is another story. All of Last of Us reminds me of a quote from the novel Casino Royale. "Stay close to people Bond they are easier to fight for than ideals"

[@bretwilliams249]

My take on Bill giving himself to Frank is a bit different. It seems that years of loneliness have finally made him realize that human interaction is actually ALL that's worth living for, so he gave himself in to the chance of love knowing that being murdered is a possible outcome. So I don't think Bill felt safe with Frank right from the start, but instead was willing to die for the chance of love or even just a temporary connection.

[@mordakie3805]

Bill was so awkward when Frank was showering …you could tell he was happy to be with another person..icing on top is it was a good looking male lol

[@mikeym9146]

God this devastated me. I've watched this episode fully twice plus several reactions. I still cry and I don't fully know why I keep chasing this feeling. Is it because it's cathartic, I'm a glutton for punishment, or just happy that I'm not depressed and can feel the joy and sadness of this episode? Something about the house that held so much of their love and their lives being covered in dust really stuck with me.

[@erikhendrickson59]

Who knew that Nick Offerman had a performance like this in him? One of the best episodes of television ever produced.

[@jynx2501]

"I was never afraid before I met you." That line defines my life since I had kids.

[@desertrose0027]

The way these two understand each other, even with how different they are, it's couple goals. They got to grow old together and live a great life in a world where that is incredibly rare. They also compliment each other really well. Bill taught Frank how to survive, while Frank taught bill how to live. Both are needed in the zombie apocalypse. This was an incredible episode and I loved it, even though it still makes me cry watching people react to it. 😄

[@Xexelli]

This was one of the few episodes of TV I couldn’t get through in one sitting. The happiness was so real, raw , and unexpected that it hurt. The sadness was actually easier because of how much they had earned their happy ending.

[@qwinn4911]

Easily one of my new favorite channels. When she starts to tear up, I can’t help to tear up too. Her empathy is beautiful and I appreciate the original content more.

[@GeorgiaDow]

Thank you so dearly

[@Ladco77]

It's interesting how Bill only looks at what's important to him, but for those things he's meticulous about it. It didn't click first time I watched the episode, but how immaculate the dinner table is, yet Frank notices the fireplace mantle is covered in dust. Even thought it was incredibly tearful and poignant, their entire story and ending just seemed beautiful to me. It's the middle of the end of the world zombie apocalypse, but if you have love, you have everything. And while endings are always sad, they were able to celebrate what they had rather than focus on the impending loss. This also really hit hard for Joel when Ellie read Bill's letter. Joel had a purpose as a father, and he failed to keep Sarah safe. Then he failed again to keep Tess safe. Bill was successful in taking care of the person he cared about, but Joel kept failing at it.

[@lisastasiak7599]

As someone who has no idea of the game or story, this episode was beautiful - crying but also smiling at recognizing the love being reflected between these 2. My husband actually sat through the entire episode with me. Beautiful 💕

[@pieceofbread5686]

This episode showed a really happy story, imho. Two men who manage to build something beautiful, despite all odds being against them. Something real, something that lasted, something that had actual depth. What more can a person ask for than to grow old together with the one they love the most? There are always going to be hard times, but getting through them together is much easier than going through them alone. And when you continue to overcome hardships, you can build something beautiful. I cried a lot during this episode, but they were all happy tears.

[@fiveoctaves]

100%

[@chuckb8514]

This episode was amazing . This is one of the best episodes of a show I have seen in a while. The strawberries moment was heartwarming. The final scene with Bill and Frank beautiful. The moment he brought out the first meal they shared together is when I lost it. The relationship ship was a beautiful thing to see. The actors did an incredible job.

[@davidedwards1705]

Bill & Frank an epic Love Story we didn't know we needed. Thank you Naughty Dog & HBO.

[@SailorStudent]

Their love story in that episode had me crying. Especially when they used “On the Nature of Daylight” in the background of when they were getting married. It shows how in the darkest times, there is a chance to bring hope in other people’s lives. Yes, they were living in an apocalyptic world but what Frank and Bill has shown here is that we can still thrive while surviving.❤

[@piphead]

At first I was afraid, I was petrified. Didn't know how I was gonna live without Bill beside Joel's side? But then I spent all night thinkin how I maybe wrong? And I grew strong, And I learned how to get along....

[@DeRockMedia]

you will survive

[@dankmeme682]

If you wanna keep crying, towards the end of the letter Bill seems to celebrate Joel and Tess finding eachother and saved a "recommended pairing" of a wine just for them...

[@caronstout354]

Bill suggested the rabbit dinner paired with the Beaujolais if Joel and Tess stayed the night.

[@deadhead8323]

Small detail I didn't realize until my second view was one of the iconic flannel shirts joel wears in the game is the one he puts on in the end of the episode. And it belonged to frank.

[@wtimmins]

I thought it was likely that an episode of Last of Us would make me cry. I had noooooooo idea that the thing making me cry in a zombie apocalypse series would be this kind of story. Man.

[@GeorgiaDow]

it was so poignant

[@beckyheath5412]

I've never cried so much in my life, it was a shock for me after playing the game but it was beautiful. They just adored each other, it made me think of my partner and how much I love him and will do anything for him ❤️❤️

[@nataliedelacruz1918]

My favorite quote is from Marvel where Vision says "What is grief if not love persevering?" That has changed my values in the best way possible honestly. Whenever I'm grieving for the losses from COVID, from cancer, from depression, and all other atrocities in this world, I think on how much we loved. Somehow, that makes me happy for the opportunity I have to cry and reminisce all the beautiful moments I've shared with them :)

[@techwizardjr585]

While I miss some of the game elements here, I loved the episode overall. I’m glad to see you post about this in series order! I’m glad Bill found someone to love.

[@GeorgiaDow]

yes I will be doing that I think it is more fun

[@PeterKelly74]

I love that you experience all the feels that Bill/Frank go through in examining the layers of this episode. I found that this episode showed a happy ending to a couple who lived life and left this realm on their own terms. In a real apocalypse, that would almost never be the case. And thank you for the repeated disclaimer regarding mental health. That's so important especially in today's world.

[@julianmehlmann2996]

Also Nick Offerman`s giggle is one of the modern wonders of the world

[@wyattcoe8825]

My heart dissolved. I understood why Frank would do anything to hear that laugh.

[@user-or7im1jx2c]

It was Bill's letter that got me. "Keep Tess safe." That one hurt

[@LordMarklar]

This episode…. Hit hard. I watched my father slowly disintegrate from ALS it was really hard for me.I love it when stories like this are made

[@Bakedcakeyyy]

The scene where they all had a meal together was so bittersweet to me. Seeing that side of Tess, how she probably would have turned out if the pandemic didn't occur, was amazingly sweet

[@nokturn882]

Franks decision is not for him. It’s for Bill. He see that Bill is carrying some of the burden and he don’t want Bill to go through that and slowly see him deteriorate.

[@DoubleU101]

I wasn't expecting almost an entire episode about two characters we didn't meet before and won't see again but man, am I glad we got it. They make such great foils for each other. Stellar 10/10 episode. I sobbed uncontrollably.

[@rikorobinson]

Ah, here it is! I just commented on the video for the last episode on how I couldn't WAIT for Georgia to make this one! I can't stop crying, either!!! 😭😭😭 So beautiful; I'm emotionally wrecked...

[@GeorgiaDow]

im with you ! !!

[@rikorobinson]

@@GeorgiaDow Thank you. You're amazing, Georgia 🙂

[@LunarNobis]

I’m truely amazed how they took essentially a one-off character from the games and really fleshed it out a bunch! Had me, my brother and his GF in tears and feeling feels all the way through. Good job on HBO and ND for exploring this more.

[@ijlayugan4149]

They're beautiful together ohmygod- Can't stop tearing up when I think about them "Are you armed?" ".......No." I laughed when that happened, Frank is really adorable with how he even hesitates to lie "YOU WHAT??!" Even their banters are funny and adorable lol. Bill's giggle when he ate the strawberry really touched my heart

[@itsx_justx8158]

When I heard these two would be having more screentime in the show, I was expecting maybe 15 minutes of their (assumingly bad) relationship, not a 50 minute long love story with the emotional impact of the Up intro 😭

[@botanical_chloride_6471]

I KNOW 😭😭 I loved it but I was not emotionally prepared AT ALL 💀✌️

[@rangerslayer2260]

I was expecting they'd tell how and why Frank hung himself in-game

[@jimbolic0809]

I didn't expect THE BEST romantic story in TV, EVER.

[@kristianberg4264]

Another small detail I thought was very touching, was when Frank is sitting at the table before his last meal, you see him gave at the mantle, that is now taken care of and has fresh flowers. When he first got there, you see him run his finger on the mantle and how unkept and dusty it was. I just thought that was a sweet full circle moment. Also, the house in general, now has so much beauty in it due to all of Frank’s beautiful painting, flowers and curtains. I was wondering if anyone else thought at the end, when Joel has arrived, if there was meaning in the ficus on the two candles in the hallway outside their bedroom, that were melted? I looked at as maybe a metaphor for Frank & Bills end.

[@andrewrutherford9255]

Hands down the best episode of television ive seen in years. its been almost a week and i still cant stop thinking about it and getting emotional. I was expecting this show to be very good, and theyve somehow far surpassed my already high expectations only 3 episode in.

[@eurojack44]

This episode made me so emotional. Heartbroken and hopeful at the same time. I ache to have what they had, but I feel hopeful that connection and love can be found even in the darkest circumstances. I also think it’s so important to show that love and change can happen in any season of life.

[@izumolee6714]

I love how they made Bill more of a character cause in the game he was very one-dimensional. We meet him as an angry bitter man & we leave him an angry bitter man. To expand on the Bill & Frank relationship showing that there can be love & compassion in a world devoid of it made me appreciate it more. Bill knew how to survive but Frank taught him how to live. It was a simple beautiful love story.

[@sean.alphonse]

Yeah in game the relationship is... I don't know, not particularly happy at least from what you see in game. It was nice they made it this way, and their end feels more tactful than I was expecting

[@clairelawson3180]

@Sean Alphonse it was almost like the show was taking that argument in the middle and showing what could have been if that hadn't split them up as they did in the game

[@BooN877]

If you played the game, you know this was a beautifully happy departure and ending for Bill instead of the cautionary tail of wasting the limited time we have with our loved ones. Game spoiler: Bill is alone after they had a fight and when he finally reunites with Frank, discovers he had died days or weeks earlier. HBO gave Bill a second chance to get things right 😭

[@ToddPro]

Loved the small details, at both of the meals, Frank turned the plate back to the way he likes it, haha Such an iconic episode, def one of the greatest of all time

[@Gilleban]

There's a unique sort of magic in how Georgia went from being ready to do a video about love and loss and turned it around into a video about the life two people shared in a world that went to shit and how they still found light in it. It reminds me of Tom Cruise's last line in The Last Samurai...when asked by the emperor how Katsumoto died, Cruise said "I would tell you how he lived." This whole video sorta reminded me of that.

[@katiewright3309]

Of all the scenes in this episode I think the strawberry garden scene was my favorite and made me cry the most, but also smile the most in this episode.

[@kariannbby]

I just love that Bill was surviving, Frank was trying to find a life worth living…and together they are thriving

[@wtimmins]

Weird thought, but... there's something very satisfying about watching a reactor cry to stuff that made me cry, or otherwise feel passionately about stuff we're passionate about. I wonder if that would be interesting grounds for a video essay?

[@noHOPEof]

politely stated. reactors (often just a younger group of SciFi enthusiast gents) *~* with zero intention to do so views an episode that hits in a similar manner *&* begins to hear how viewers (perhaps mainly young Ladies of various ages) admire their displayed levels of 'current sensitivity' ~ however the terms should come across ~ *-* perhaps half of these gents are not yet married (whatever the scenario ~ harmlessly interesting to ponder) recommended are the mainstay 'hitched' ensemble *:* *Blind Wave* a n d the younger ones *The Raggedy Pack* (not an aghast curmudgeon in the lot) cheers. great discussion (feel free to edit out anything that may send a viewer from this channel)

[@guyrza5537]

Please don't worry about crying during the video Georgia. You are a human being first

[@mbank3832]

I totally get Bill on this. Loneliness is much more endurable than losing what is precious to you

[@jessienerdis4179]

I sobbed so hard during this episode. It was so beautiful.

[@Maeberri002]

Bill, the survIvalist, was absolutely ready to outlive and survive the apocalypse but he couldn’t survive Frank or a world without him.

[@Salamander128]

I don't believe I have ever cried twice in one episode of TV. But Ep3 managed it. Heart-warming and saddening!

[@eskikanal6325]

I think this episode captures the theme of the series really well, that beutifull things can happen even in the worst of times even when there is an apocalypse, like the slogan fireflies had "look for the light"

[@laserbuddha]

Would be interesting hearing your take on Bill's letter to Joel and the impact it had on Joel.

[@patriziab.437]

As I was watching this episode it stroke me that Frank and Bill still had a better life in the postapocalypse than they would have had if people were still around at that time. Remember, 2007 America countryside. How many people would have truly accepted their luck and life? Truly a haunting thought

[@Daniel-zg5mb]

You mentioned several of my absolute favorite details from this episode. Bill rotating the plate, especially, is SUCH a good moment and I haven't seen anyone talk about it. I also love that Frank immediately rotates it in a different way. Whether that's just a funny comment on how an aesthetic angle is great, but getting a good angle to eat from is better when you're starving or if it's to show that Frank also cares about aesthetic details, but has a different opinion/viewpoint than Bill, it's a great moment. I cannot get over Nick Offerman's performance on that first day. He so expertly portrayed the confusing mix of distrust, fear, hope, desire, embarrassment and self consciousness. I think that, as a middle aged gay man in 2003 America, he had probably accepted the inevitability of being alone forever and the apocalypse was a relief for him because he didn't have to pretend to fit into that society anymore. And that a huge part of his fear with Frank initially was not fear of being killed/robbed, but a fear of opening that door to hopes he had locked away. That emotional danger was far scarier than bodily harm. Also, Bill's "YOU WHAT?!" when he heard that Frank was talking to a stranger on the radio was one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[@classicslover]

Well Georgia...maybe it is because I am a writer...but when Frank was delving deep into Bill's stuff, and Bill just looked baffled...letting him...when that is not in his personality, as a rule...I knew it was going to be a romance. Bill was somewhat smitten with Frank right away, so Frank got away with doing things no one else would have. And Georgia, you were SO VERY RIGHT! You're instincts were spot on, for focusing this video on the love and the hope and the happiness and the living of life and finding the joy amidst the yuck! You're a girl after my own heart!

[@GeorgiaDow]

Thanks so much it was a heartwarming story

[@sparky21773]

What love about the three year mark is how the argument was building up to fact that frank had invited people over because he knows bill would be furious which you see as not only does franks tone of voice changed when he mentioned talking to a lady on the he is also walking away from to give him that space

[@RS-bn1ty]

I much preferred this story of Frank and Bill than him being super grumpy, rude and hating everyone hahah. I also loved that they let a little Easter egg in the note from Bill when he told Joel he never liked him. Frank said that to Bill in the game and it made me laugh

[@zhugzug]

i feel you Georgia, big ole tough dude here who keeps having water works watching this episode, clips of it, and reactions. Such a beautiful story.

[@Jeffdraws101]

This episode also shows that, in this world, there is hope. If Bill and Frank could exist as good people for 20 years, there are others. Not everyone is a marauding psychopath only concerned with killing and taking to survive. There is hopefulness in this world and Joel and Ellie have something to fight for. It’s a contrast to a show like Walking Dead where there is no hope and it’s just endless misery and suffering. Great episode and video.

[@hansht1477]

It's so emotional to see someone who feels this series so much. Keep going with your great work!

[@csabaschiller4179]

Btw, in the game Frank hangs himself bc he got bit, and you find him in a house with Joel, Bill and Ellie when they searching for a car(and parts etc.)...

[@artificergunn3065]

I cried a ton watching the episode, I'm glad you post these about shows, it helps me organize my feelings about media I consume.

[@randomanimefrancais1.042]

Thus series is so well acted and well written. It's insane. Thank you for reviewing, your reaction and comment... this episode hit right in the feels

[@josephfoss1150]

I've been watching you for awhile now and I just wanted to say I thank you and appreciate you for being so open and honest with your emotions about things. It's nice to be able to express things with someone else and feel validated in our emotions through you.

[@loveoflyrics7589]

I was bawling from the very beginning of their last day, all the way up to the end where they enter their bedroom for the last time together. The strength of their connection and how masterfully portrayed it was throughout made it so hard to watch their story end. One of the most beautiful things about this show is how unforgivingly real it is through and through. The storytelling on display doesn’t just show us what you’d expect to experience in an HBO series, with the violence and the grittiness, but it embraces that you can go so far and deep with all aspects of life in that way, and that’s something special that I really respect. This was one of the most beautifully layered, detailed, and exquisitely crafted pieces of cinematic artistry I’ve experienced to date and I’m completely taken aback by what they’ve been able to create with all source material coming from a video game- not to say that video game adaptations can’t work in cinema, but they do take a very special understanding and approach to get right. I really feel this show has what it takes to be remembered as one of the greats among the likes of the sopranos, breaking bad, and other stories that are built with so much care and passion that time seems unable to effect their relevance. I love this show and I’m so so excited to see how far it goes as a phenomenon. I was crying with you too while you went over those parts of the episode and I gotta say, if this show didn’t make you feel something, you definitely want to get that checked out. 😂 peace & love y’all who read this far.

[@andrewbuckland8825]

My immediate reaction to Franks request was intensely negative. My father committed suicide when I was 14, and so putting myself in Bills shoes and imagining my dad or someone else I love asking me to help them kill themselves….well that provoked a lot of emotions in me. First reaction was to be angry and say “What the f*ck Frank!? How could you ask something like that of me?”. His “do you love me?” Ultimatum also didn’t sit right with me, comes off as emotionally manipulative. But I can also see the other side, and can appreciate why Frank would want what he wants.

[@OfTheOverflow]

Sorry for your loss mate, hope you've had opportunities to feel your way through those circumstances with some professional guidance. Loss is life altering, especially at that age. It's a very circumstantial act in the show, and speaks to the time they've had together and the relationship the characters have. As Bill later says, he's old and truly satisfied. It's a very personal and affecting thing, for sure, and can definitely be looked at through the lens of selfishness - or wanting to empower Bill to be able to feel the loss and let go of it in the action.

[@danpatric2490]

I love how beautifully you encapsulated and translated the subtle coding and emotional layers apparent in these very worthy character adaptations. Thanks for giving such a empathetic, allied voice to the spirit of these truly revolutionary televised scenes.

[@Panzora]

SO happy to see you analyze this and cry over it once again. This was too good.