Why The Last of Us works (and others failed)

#thelastofus #hbo #review
my take on the new last of us show HBO adaptation of the classic video game, why it works, and what other video game adaptations can learn from it.
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Last Of Us Show Synopsis:
The Last of Us Episode 1: When You're Lost in the Darkness, starring Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna. Directed by Craig Mazin.

[@SpawnPoiint]

I totally agree. Having played the PS3, PS4 and PS5 version of TLOU I was skeptical when it was announced. But having watched it, this series is likely the best game adaptation I’ve ever seen!

[@Billy_the-cat]

Did not expect you here but hi :⁠-⁠D

[@CallingAllMadMen]

Literally only one episode aired.

[@smittiesmitt3920]

@SpawnPoiint Pony

[@tobinalmackx8626]

@@CallingAllMadMen While that is true, and the show could still go downhill, it still did a hell of a lot better respecting its source material than others have and it showed that it is actually possible to adapt a video game well.

[@CallingAllMadMen]

@@tobinalmackx8626 I agree and in the same token we have to realize we only got one episode so far. Episode 1 was great I have to say.

[@MarksTech]

It was fantastic. That scene with the old lady in the background contouring her face and moving eerily gave me goosebumps. Also, loved the intro with the scientists talking about viruses/fungi. I think that really set the scene of the seriousness of this outbreak and the fact that this type of fungi IS real and it affects a bunch of different species of bugs; that part still freaks me out lol

[@constantinsavu5301]

There is also a podcast hosted by Troy Baker that adds a real cool detail as to why it was set in the 60's. They said they wanted to emphasise the fact that these threats are known and there are people that warn us about them waaay before shit hits the fan. I really recommend the podcast.

[@sneedmando186]

Great touch and a positive change, it’s informs the audience enough in the abscence of the free roaming game mechanics

[@samuelhughes6514]

Yeah it looks animated and unnatural how the infected writhe around in the show. Really adds to the horror

[@iterationfackshet1990]

I never understood why film adaptations of games don’t just remake what’s already there. That’s essentially what adaptations of novels are, I mean imagine if Dune didn’t follow the original story.

[@sanitizerwilson1599]

Maybe the cause it the not series form.

[@caronstout354]

Because any movie /series adaptation has to simultaneously please the toxic rabid fan-boys and lure in a new audience that knows nothing about the source material.

[@whoami8752]

Most video games aren't focused mostly on story so adapting them to a show/movie is difficult, this game however was focused on story already so adapting it is easy but also I don't see what the need is.

[@gdottothegamer1001]

I personally prefer for movie and tv show people to expand the universe of the game that they're trying to adapt, instead of redoing it with one or two changes. But I must say, HBO's TLOU did a fantastic job at redoing what the game did with some changes that is actually really good. I'm a bit salty that they removed the spores, one of if not the most unique things about the zombie/infected, but at the same time the idea of the fungus connected is pretty cool. Not an original one, but still pretty good for this setting. Am I still salty that they didn't expand the unique world of TLOU with different stories and different characters and different settings? Yes. Am I satisfied with this redo/remake/reimagine TLOU? Absolutely.

[@LKYHGaming]

If you just remake with little to not much changes then you get the tomb raider movie adaptation

[@amayyaduvanshi2706]

I think the curse was already broken when Castlevania and Arcane came out, but Last of us tv show is pushing it forward. VIDEO GAMES CAN HAVE GOOD ADAPTATIONS. These shows tell how to do it!

[@WreckEm2008]

Your forgetting about the cuphead show

[@trollinoakenshield9822]

But those are animated series, did you forget pokemon n digimon? Those 2 are also video game adaptation.

[@amayyaduvanshi2706]

@@trollinoakenshield9822 yes, those aswell! And someone mentioned cuphead too. Thanks for mentioning:D

[@editname3502]

I agree! They definitely took their time and made a solid show , so far

[@3dgarMendez]

The show had a Children of Men feel to it in some parts. Loved it.

[@shindigira]

Truth!!

[@itsnotyasir]

Yooo I had the same in my mind

[@luluscrooge3891]

AHHHH SAME THOUGHTS, probably why I'm attracted to how they shot this and I want to see some more!

[@MeeshT]

I had the same thought! I’m glad I’m not the only one. I have a good feeling about this one 😊

[@bibekbasa]

Yes spot on. That was exactly what I wanted it to resemble and so far it has so I’m glad.

[@lecosmerenaut]

I loved this pilot. I bet paramount is freaking out over how well received this is compared to halo.

[@impatrickt]

no idea what they were thinking with that HALO show

[@TrvvonxLeonn]

Halo show felt like a prank or a fan made series smh

[@spiritgaming1442]

@Trvvon Even Halo fans wouldn't sink to such a low.

[@adityarajsingh6639]

@@TrvvonxLeonn Halo fans would never do that, no one wants their favorite franchise to be dragged through mud

[@zachzach7651]

As they should. Give season two of Halo to HBO Max please. Paramount is clearly lost.

[@parkerriggs3861]

They're retreading the game but also allowing them to he creative with their own way of adding more context to scenes we've already seen before, i.e spending more time with Sarah before her inevitable death and from what I've seen a preview of being able to get to know what kind of person Frank was for bill...its beautifully done

[@eurech]

I mean they have to add scenes because the cutscenes in the game are only like 2 hours in total. Obviously you need way more than 2 hours in a season 1 show.

[@johnnyjohnson2826]

@@eurech they’re not just adapting cutscenes, there’s plenty of gameplay moments that have character moments and meaningful dialogue. They don’t have to add scenes. there is plenty to adapt as is, they just care about the IP

[@marvinwindsor5896]

I never played the game, so was shocked when Sarah died. She was immensely sweet and innocent. This show has such an air of danger and intrigue - love it. I also like Tess and see she won't be around long.

[@TheeAcid]

when the show is done watch part 1. i love the story so much

[@jurassicsmackdown6359]

Sarah's death was heartbreaking, jt really show you how ruthless this world is gonna be... ... Her video game counterpart, when she died? Heartbreaking is an understatement. Her game death ripped my heart out and stomped on it. Same death, but the acting was different

[@Seravail]

Oh, you are in for a treat my friend. As a long-standing fan of the game, things are only gonna get better from here on out and so far (up to episode 2, 3 comes out tomorrow incase future people read this) the casting has been absolutely spot on, and the performances amazing. I feel like I'm watching the game in seperate hour-long cutscenes and much higher definition. Excited to see where they go from here!

[@impatrickt]

some of my updated thoughts here! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q53EZoN3r82bbrM

[@michellegomes2030]

Yes please!

[@snakepliskin6665]

YES!!!!!!

[@Not_Yuto_Horigome]

im down

[@oliviameier1987]

Please

[@AakashVijayPC]

Hey, there's already a fake account with your dp asking for telegram dms.

[@M.A.D.C.J]

I was so hyped for this and the first episode just showed that they really wanted to take their time with this, it was so good

[@bribabie9854]

Love the first episode. For those of us who know the story well it’s like a fresh look at something that’s been out for a long time. I like how they keep the story as is but just change a few small details. I also like like how they didn’t just start with Sarah waking up they gave us a glimpse as to what their life was before the apocalypse and built the tension slowly as the day went on.

[@netsudro]

The first episode of The Last Of Us was everything I dreamed it would be and more. I felt everything, the game impact, the atmosphere, the music. May the next episodes be just as good!

[@Pepperjack57IsAwesome]

The guy above me gets no b*****s ☝️

[@NoxxeRArt]

@@Pepperjack57IsAwesome big L

[@Pepperjack57IsAwesome]

@@NoxxeRArt the guy I was talking about deleted his comment because he’s a ₽u$$, not talking about Tech Hill

[@darylswalker]

Pedro Pascal is just gold too!

[@sneedmando186]

Last of Us has hopefully taught a lesson to filmmakers and studio execs. You are *TRANSLATING a STORY* Not updating , not a new take, you are translating to a new media. That’s it. You change what’s necessary, and that’s all. Any more is changing what people loved about it. Great video ❤

[@SlowWinterNuts]

That's not exactly true with adaptations, since they're not translations, but adaptations; The very nature of an adaptation is to change. As a translation, this show is a failure, but as an adaptation, it's absolutely brilliant.

[@sneedmando186]

@@SlowWinterNuts you said it better than I could, I agree

[@mortalwho2231]

I always knew this was a story my sister would love, but as she isn’t into video games, she never got to experience it. But I’m so glad I finally get to share the experience with her and so authentically too. Just sitting together each week and seeing her fall in love with a story I’ve loved for so long, and wanted her to love too, makes me feel so happy (even when I’m crying cause fuck this story is sad)…

[@YourBlackLocal]

I gotta disagree pretty hard. Last Of Us (The game) was practically built on the techniques of film and TV. So of course it works in the medium it was inspired by. 99% of games that have been adapted are nothing like that. They are mechanics/decision focused. Just remake the game for film/TV and you miss most of what people like in the first place.

[@impatrickt]

I would agree except any adaptation (outside of maybe Sonic/Super Mario) has been based on games with extensive narrative cut scenes and plot lines that have borrowed their skills and techniques from tv/film. Uncharted is a great example of an incredible game you could watch as a TV show turned into a pretty abysmal film. A God of War film in a pre-TLOU show era would have looked very different in my opinion.

[@YourBlackLocal]

Yes, but comparing cutscenes and plot-lines in Assasin’s creed to Last Of Us is nonsense. Not to mention the fact the bad adaptations didn’t exist in a time where Television was viable enough to justify a massive budget. Also you’re comparing adapted film to TV while ignoring how impossible it’d be to 1:1 remake a game’s cutscenes. Regardless… Actually watch theses cutscenes in these games with what I say in mind. Having cutscenes and plot-lines and the active appeal of those games being their cutscenes and plot lines are two different things. My point isn’t simply that Last Of Us has cutscenes. It’s that it is entirely built around those cutscenes in a way that all (excluding Uncharted) prior games adapted aren’t. I don’t think you’re putting much thought into the actual context of the gaming medium. Watch these cut-scenes again and you’ll realise these character’s are incredibly passive. They do not lead action in their stories at all.Their agency as characters comes from the player’s controlling them because the creators are presenting a power fantasy with you (the player, not the character) at the centre. Wonder why most video game characters lack any actual flaws? That is why. They are designed specifically with that in mind. Not any actual narrative structures that take into account the character development. The cutscenes are there to build context around the PLAYER’s agency, not the character’s. It’s the reason why so many of these games make you some sort of chosen one figure, even Assasin’s creed has you as the descendant of the greatest Assasin’s ever. You simply cannot copy these characters and stories 1:1 because they were built to justify interaction, the thing their medium is built on. Assassin’s creed cannot be 1:1 remade in a new medium. Why Assassinations draw a player in, in one medium, would be completely different too watching someone else do it. Last Of Us was a script first, that was then acted out physically, simultaneously with the game mechanics. Last of Us, was built like that . Uncharted was. God of War was built like that. Which is why i said 99% and not all video games. All published by the same company btw. Your argument is like Disney’s approach to “live-action” remakes of their animated movies. These stories were made embracing the medium they are in, ideas and scenes were built around the medium they were in. You can wholesale rip a story from it’s medium and you will very quickly realise you have to add new things because ideas still need to be translated. E.g. The lion king. You like Master Cheif because you get to play as him. But In a 1:1 live action adaptation he effectively becomes a passive character. That’s not to say these adaptations couldn’t be better. It’s just that i disagree with what the problem was to begin with.

[@CorbanLaFon]

I haven’t played the game, but I’ve seen bits and pieces of it, however in the show it felt objective oriented so I almost felt like I was completing missions in game, interesting how they went that route but I do think I really enjoyed it!

[@HeroesReforged]

2:10 - This is us

[@j_cooks]

Agreed, they got me pretty tuned in with episode 1!

[@juanteakell2537]

Although I understand wanting to be faithful to a game’s narrative, not every game is as cinematic as TLOU. Most game IPs need slight narrative overhauls because it's impossible to recreate an interactive experience into a cinematic one. I'm not suggesting everything about a game needs to be recreated or replaced, but that some elements require a transmedia facelift. Some properties are not specifically tailored for a film/TV medium. Some games don't even have a traditional story, but a basic premise to get the game experience started. TLOU show is a straightforward recreation of the game because the game’s narrative execution was already filmic. God of War, Red Dead Redemption, Ghost of Tsushima, and others could be easily translated into film or television. Properties like Zelda, Crash Bandicoot, or Banjo Kazooie need some narrative tweaking. What I think most of us are meaning to say is that game-to-movie adaptations require that the game’s themes, visual and auditory iconography, atmosphere, and tones remain faithful to the source material. If we can't recreate a book’s experience to film, it won't work for a game either.

[@flodobaggins]

I haven't played the game cos I don't play console, but damn, this show is LEGIT. I started watching over the weekend and caught up to Episode 3 today. The showrunners seem to embrace and respect the tv medium to introduce the premise/creatures really clearly while holding the tension really well before unleashing the chaos in Episode 1. I also realised how the writing puts in clues early on in the show that gets referenced back in later episodes, which makes it really rewarding to watch. The performances from everyone are just fantastic, even the minor characters like Ibu Ratna in Episode 2, AND TESS POWER!!!! I'm so glad to see Anna Torv again after missing her in Mindhunter. She was fantastic as Tess. I'm looking forward to the rest of the show!

[@TheTraveler980]

"If deviation would change nothing or make parts of the series worse than the original, we leave it alone. If deviation makes it better or expands upon what is there, we deviate."

[@alexman378]

Thank you! Yes, I don’t get why so many try to outsmart the source material, or think of it as something inferior that can’t be done in live action. It was successful for a reason. Yes, things have to change in certain points so that it works in this medium (like with the spores, since they wouldn’t be contained in certain areas, they’d spread everywhere), but the story, world, character work and everything else can stay the same. The inclusion of those unrelated flashbacks in the openings are great examples of adding to the material without detracting from it. The Indonesian scientist and the military guy can’t be included in the game because it would grind it to a halt, but in a show? It’s great context for what we’re seeing and how dire it is.

[@editname3502]

The cannibalism episode and the Sam episode will make this a huge tearjerker show and just plan huge

[@impatrickt]

im really curious how closely they keep matching the game's narrative.

[@editname3502]

@@impatrickt same I think so far we’ve got really useful additions and I really hope they keep it going, you gonna make a video each week?

[@impatrickt]

@@editname3502 probably not i want to wait to see where it goes and decide when i have something else to say!

[@amartyaroy3754]

I think one factor that can be taken into account is like the people who were involved creating the game are actually working on the series, so that makes sense that the people behind the series are aware of what worked in game and try to replicate the same thing for the series combined with having creative freedom to do so.

[@pheenix1976]

I think the reason why so many game to live action conversions fail is because of the directors and producers egos. They want to 'put their own stamp on it' and in doing so just destroy what made it amazing in the first place.

[@TechWithBruno]

The pilot was really really good. I kept having opposite thoughts all episode, as in "omg its so good, its just like the game" and "oh I already know everything its going to happen :("... so I think is fine whatever direction they go with. Good video 🙂

[@dereklittlefilms]

You nailed it on your point about people who have never played the game are now going to experience what we experienced for the first time. My wife isn’t a gamer so she never would have seen this story. Now that his show is out I’m so excited to show her this series. My favorite thing about the show is they kept the original composer from the game, Gustavo Santaolalla. He captured so much emotion from the game and was able to transfer that back into the series. It’s so hard for me to watch a tv or movie adaptation without the original score that helped make the game great. Also, that scene with the older woman was literally insane. My heart was beating the entire time even though I knew what was going to happen. Even before that I was like “she’s infected…naw she’s not infected.” Then good ole Mercy gives it away 😂

[@arcosprey4811]

That old lady scene where she was twitching behind her was absolutely creepy af.

[@canonkingsley6569]

Congratutions to Last of us fans for having a great tv adaptation. From us, Halo fans. (Punches hole into wall).

[@creaturesfromelsewhere203]

Episode 1 was shockingly good. I am cautiously optimistic for the rest of the series.

[@Kyle_lofc]

Craig Mazin was the key here I think and people like him are the key to making more great video game adaptations. He’s a genuine fan of the game. He’s the one who pitched it not just because of the financial opportunity but because it had a genuinely great story to recreate. I think the people trying to make these previous games were never really fans to begin with and video game stories just weren’t taken that seriously by the movie/ tv industry. So they just pushed out projects for purely cash grabby reasons knowing fans of the game will show up. I think we’re beginning to see that industry wake up to the fact video games can bring great stories to the table. And directors and producers are finally cracking the code of how to adapt a video game. Hopefully this is the guest of many great adaptations

[@SOLIDSNAKE.]

The thing is... The last of us was already a playable movie

[@impatrickt]

so was uncharted

[@attah9633]

And just like you said, 10 minutes in and the tone of the series told me we were in for a really really good time. I love both games and the series is doing its source material justice so far

[@actually_yali]

I thought the same exact thing. After the first few minutes I could already tell this would be a a quality show. I like the little worldbuilding elements they're adding like the jobs inside the zone. Judging by how closely they followed the game in this first episode, I do think they'll be sticking to the story we already know. That's definitely not a complaint, though. I'm curious to see how key moments from the game play out here and I'm already looking forward to next week.

[@coopahtroopah1175]

I’ve never played the Last of Us (Xbox owner), but I knew its reputation as one of the best games ever and I was rooting for this series to do well. I’m a die-hard Halo fan, and the Halo series broke me. It was clearly made by people who had no idea what made the game special-as has been the case with virtually every other video game movie/show. The Sonic movies were fun and Arcane was an animated masterpiece, but I’ve been hoping for just one live action adaptation to shatter the video game movie curse and show what kind of magic can be made by people who know and love the source material. It’s exciting to hear that the Last of Us has apparently done it, and I look forward to watching it!

[@itjaked]

100% agree, as a first time viewer of this franchise it was such an amazing pilot and direction for this show. Can't wait for the next episode!

[@ajmalbanoo]

I noticed that scenes that are taken directly from the game have the character's positions switched. For example, the scene with the watch - the TV series vs the game has Joel on different sides of the couch. Same with the scene when Joel is carrying Sarah through the city. Wonder if that was a deliberate choice or coincidence. Not that it matters though. This show has the potential to be excellent! Looking forward to the next episodes :)

[@UrsaWarrior95]

Since I'm much into PC gaming and not in console, I'm glad they're bringing the Part 1 in PC right after its first season. Available on Steam March 3, 2023.

[@pegasusactua2985]

Chernobyl was a masterclass in building tension and the first 30 minutes of this show was no different, it had Craig Mazen's fingerprints all over it.

[@N0stalgicLeaf]

In episode one they absolutely nail it. It is definitely interesting to see some of the creative choices made where the game leaves out details because it simply can't show everything. I'm hopeful this quality and faithfulness to the material will continue.

[@AlexPresa]

Could not have summarized everything better myself. Perfect perspective.

[@lazichimp]

I love your set and lighting, it’s so pleasing to look at. Do you have a video talking about that?

[@impatrickt]

i'm just winging it as i go. keep experimenting i still don't know what im doing

[@attah9633]

I remember sitting with my younger brother and just straight up shouting out the director of the mortal Kombat asking why they didn't just stick to one source material when we had so many to pick from. He just went out and did his own thing. Making Cole young, the arkana concept, cramping a ton of characters in one movie! Some characters didn't even have time to develop before they died. And they had a great cast if only they let the story breathe. Goro a 9 time champion was taken out easy least by some newbie nobody cares about.

[@jackmcglion8337]

I would also put castlevania and Sonic Sat AM on the list of video game adaptations that work.

[@AllThingsFilm1]

You nailed how I felt from watching HBO's "Last Of Us". The game itself is intense. And the show captured that and the mood of it so well.

[@SuccessforLifester]

We don't know the rest of the episodes yet. First one was to hook you in.

[@impatrickt]

🤷‍♂️

[@coolairplanepandacoolaraya]

Hey Patrick! How are you doing?

[@tomektalk4671]

I loved it. I hope you make more videos about the episodes.

[@impatrickt]

we'll see how this video does! ive never done a weekly reaction series but could be fun.

[@senshai1267]

I love the build up in this first episode it really set the tone :)

[@Desiqnify]

What some producers don't understand about adapting a video game into a tv series is the importance of nostalgia

[@woops9076]

Although i feel that the video game movie curse has been broken since detective pikachu, the last of us is probably the first live action show to be this good.

[@metsalo1234]

I feel like a mention to Arcane is needed when it comes to video game IPs being adapted to the small screen. But Last of us looks good, I'm definitely going to watch it

[@gracie6337]

I agree, I was excited for this but I also had my hopes kind of low leveled because of past adaptions and disappointment. But by god I was on the edge of my seat and even though I knew what happened I still was anxious to see what was next and how they portray what comes next

[@1000deaths]

pedro pascal is THE perfect joel cast, so fuckin good and it's just getting started

[@sensacionsombria5125]

I just wish he could grow a huge beard

[@diegomorata2885]

@@sensacionsombria5125 Latinos don't grow heavy beards

[@sensacionsombria5125]

@@diegomorata2885 That is not true at all. I'm argentinian and I have a huge beard, I've had beard since I was 12

[@diegomorata2885]

@@sensacionsombria5125 but Argentinians seem more European .

[@sensacionsombria5125]

@@diegomorata2885 I don't agree on that. We are latinos

[@samgriffith9878]

You have such an amazing quality camera

[@amankm]

I never played nor heard of the game before..but now i am eager to watch the show and also watching the game clips...fantastic so far

[@N3ONSWITCH]

I'm an avid fan of the first game and comics. So to see this masterpiece adapted to the big screen is super exciting. Obviously, we are all within our rights to be skeptical, but after watching the pilot episode, I cried happy tears from beginning to end. Each scene as it opened really had me on the edge of my seat, reliving my early teen years on my PS3. From the old lady twitching to them getting in the truck and driving around. The burning Farmhouse and the street signs as they made it to the T junction. It all was fantastic, just pure brilliance to experience a side-by-side comparison, I can not WAIT to see more! Please do weekly check-ins!!!

[@benspooner7396]

The show has done it beat for beat but has also added so much. Other stuff just add without keeping the base game. Whereas this is doing everything as well as adding stuff and I love it

[@raulpabon8222]

I never understood the hype when the game came out I watched a few parts when it came out but it just didn’t feel like my kinda game but after watching the first episode I’m actually tempted to play it now plus what an amazing start to what I hope is a very successful series

[@d3tox476]

I totaly agree and i hope they take new path eventually. I mean i really dont wanna see Joel play golf again

[@gavin2537]

The Last of Us was always a game I was interested in, but never got around to enjoy myself. I know nothing about the story ahead. This first episode just created a love for these characters and world as I experience it for the first time. I will look forward to playing the games someday now.

[@nayibgonzalez3250]

Great video. I always recommended to friends that like movies/TV shows to play the game, just because it has that great narrative and cinematic look at its core. It is a story that, in general, many people can find compelling, which is something that can’t be said for other games.

[@iamcoryjames]

There was no doubt in my mind that this would be legit with Craig Mazin on it

[@Libassi]

Spot on analysis. As someone who has never played the game, I am loving the sense I have gotten so far that I am enjoying a faithful film version of the game .

[@gelluny]

I like the way you use subtle bloom on your talking head. Beautiful works. The light and colors. Is that dehancer?

[@impatrickt]

Thanks! Just the a7iv and my own grade 👍

[@koulor315]

I really enjoyed this pilot episode a lot I just don’t want them to recreate every single scene they can get their hands on, prove to us y’all can make a good adaptation

[@scottiejerwinabejuela4973]

The screenplay for television is written by Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and also the creator of the game, Neil Druckmann. I gotta say I'm not disappointed of what they've done adapting their video game story into an HBO series and i think that this is the first time HBO has done a zombie horror genre and they chose wisely for the story they picked.

[@AakashVijayPC]

I haven't played the game. The pilot has a lot of great elements. The daughter getting killed in the beginning was a surprise for me. Though, I felt the pilot was a bit slow and boring at times . Hope it gets better . I am excited for the rest of the story.

[@edwardnoble9897]

It's interesting how much they have changed considering Naughtydog's games are mostly cinematic to begin with. This is mostly great in the 2 episodes so far, although there are a coule of odd choices in there where the game delivers plot beats way better. Some of the additions add a lot to the series though, like the intros, so I hope they keep that going. What I like most about the differences is they make both mediums appreciable in their own right even if you have watched/played the other one. This will re-drive sales for the games in big way and it's now more clear why they redid the first game with up to date graphics (even if I wish they had used this opportunity to push beyond the quality from the 2nd game due to it being an exclusive to the new console).

[@justarandomveryintelligent8934]

I think the reason that movie studios tend to pick the wrong stuff out of the game when adapting is because they had this erroneous belief that the vast majority of their audience is going to be the gamers so they think that they have to go the completely different direction because they think they have to give the gamers a new experience that wasn't in the games. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin seem to have worked from the assumption that a sizeable chunk of their audience will be people who aren't gamers and/or never played the game so it would only make sense to preserve the core storyline of the game for these people to have the experience and the love for the story we experienced ten years ago, and just take the opportunity to stretch out the character development in a way that the video game just couldn't do.

[@victorblh2fknji]

(J'ai jamais joué aux jeux. Le 3 mars j'y jouerais pour la première fois - date à laquelle la version next-gen du 1er opus sort sur PC en France.) Perso j'ai eu des putains de frissons à maintes reprises et lâché plusieurs larmes durant la première moitié de l'épisode... L'ensemble était d'une puissance incroyable. Apparemment ça va sérieusement monter dans les tours au fil de la saison, émotion / noirceur / violence / atmosphère anxiogène / paysages / photos / mises en scènes / acting / etc. Hâte d'être à ce soir pour le 2nd épisode. L'intro au sujet du royaume Fungi est juste extraordinaire..... (Le mec infecté qui leur cours après dans un restau' m'a énormément rappelé la manière de se mouvoir des "zombies" dans World War Z - qui sont carrément flippants dans leur façon de s'organiser.) À part ça les acteurs sont tous en or. Pedro Pascal n'est clairement plus à présenter. "Oberyn Martell, Prince of Dorne", certes, mais aussi tant d'autres rôles superbes incarnés par le passé. En association avec "The Lady of Bear Island", aka Bella Ramsey qui incarne donc Ellie. Inclassable cette jeune fille. Elle est déjà une très grande comédienne, rien à dire. L'adaptation HBO de The Last of Us va finir de la propulser sur le devant de la scène comme il se doit. Anna Torv (qui incarne Tess) je l'apprécie à chaque fois que je l'aperçois dans des films, et elle semble clairement à sa place dans ce rôle de femme forte et 100% débrouillarde, j'ai très envie de découvrir le passé de son personnage / mais encore plus son avenir, évidemment. (Pour ceux qui n'auraient pas vue le monstre de film "Stephanie", réalisé par Akiva Goldsman, avec Anna Torv justement, je vous le conseille avec enthousiasme! Il est phénoménal...) Du peu que j'ai vu pour le moment - c'est-à-dire 1 seul épisode - j'ai pas peur d'affirmer que The Last of Us a le potentiel pour être la meilleure série de sa catégorie (c'est-à-dire post-apo de manière générale), et potentiellement même la meilleure de tout 2023, j'en suis quasi certain, après ouais on est seulement en janvier, mais tout de même. Le tableau d'ensemble est pleinement réussi (en tout cas de mon point de vue.) Et bien entendu la meilleure adaptation de jeux vidéos, rien que par le fait que ce soit proposé sous forme sérielle et que ça laisse tout le temps nécessaire pour y développer l'intrigue. Je sens la nouvelle perle rare du milieu cinématographique se découvrir à nous... à son rythme. mais pas moins intensément. Ah! Puis bien entendu la composition, la bande-son: elle me semble tout aussi parfaite que le reste. Et la musique (ainsi que tous les autres types d'ondes sonores, évidemment) auront toujours un rôle prépondérant au sein des œuvres vidéographiques. À moins bien sûr qu'on parle de films muets.

[@matthewTobrien]

I think the quality of this show also speaks to the power that Neil Druckmann has in his ownership of the underlying IP. Because he - in essence - owns the stack, he's able to dictate to HBO the terms of his collaboration and that protects the truth and integrity of his IP. There are some really great articles that detail how this project came together, how Craig Mazin floated the idea to HBO after the success of Chernobyl, and how Neil came to trust that his beloved IP was in good hands with Craig Mazin. Plus Neil was _there_ during filming, he was _there_ during script writing - he and Craig had long conversations about how to do this and do it right, and I'm sure that Craig brought his expertise to bear by inspiring Neil to allow him to make some key changes that would improve the storytelling, the world building, and the experience of this story on television. But here's the other beautiful thing - *_CRAIG MAZIN PLAYED THE VIDEO GAME AND LOVED IT_*. He's "one of us" - a huge fan of the game who understands its magic, its appeal, its strengths, and he was uniquely qualified to bring it from game to TV series because of that. He fell in love with the game well before he had any idea he'd be turning into a series. Most of these video games that are adapted at the studios are made - I assume - after studios have a bunch of screenwriters pitch their take. I imagine a good amount of those screenwriters scrambled in the weeks leading up to the pitch to read about the game, maybe play it for a bit, but how many of them played it on their own after its release and fell in love with it, making them uniquely equipped to adapt it for the big screen? Probably not many. I have screenwriting friends in LA who have pitched on a video game adaptation, and they don't even own a gaming console and haven't since, what, Super Nintendo? These studios need to understand the role they play in doing these properties justice. Stop looking at this IP as something that gets attention and it can be something they can profit from. They're stewards and custodians of a powerful piece of popular culture, and if they don't treat it with respect, reverence, and the devotion it deserves, they're going to seriously F it up. Look at what's happened with Star Wars since Disney took over Lucasfilm. Sure there's been some successes with box office, with ratings, but a lot of the shows and movies have severely divided the fandom and, in some regards, betrayed the very truth and core of what Star Wars is. HBO's *_THE LAST OF US_* - after 3 episodes - has clearly indicated that all the right ingredients are present and something honest, truthful, moving, and authentic is being made for both fans of the video game and new viewers alike.

[@impatrickt]

I still think the show is at its best when it’s not trying to re create the game. The worst episode so far is Druckmann’s. Which makes sense, the game is riddled with editing and pacing issues. His episode had the same problems. I don’t want a note for note game recreation so I hope that doesn’t happen.

[@matthewTobrien]

@@impatrickt Fair point. And the hope is that Craig deploys his storytelling expertise to keep that in check. This is also where a creator’s “owning of the stack” can hurt a story - they can’t see how changing something can make it better. It’s a balance, to be sure. Excited to see how that works out over the course of the season. Really enjoying these videos about film/tv.

[@impatrickt]

@@matthewTobrien yeah I think Craig was able to keep Neil in check, but im also wary that maybe episode 3 was the only episode where we see any major deviations. I'd love a couple more character focused episodes like that. Even an episode of Sarah/Joel back in normal times.

[@matthewTobrien]

@@impatrickt Yeah, I agree. And what a great episode Episode 3 was. I have a feeling Craig will take us deeper into the story as compared to the video game and give us those episodes that go further into character. I guess we'll find out in the coming weeks. Appreciate the replies, PT. Now let's get some vids on all this new old tech you've acquired! Especially that portable Sony TV. That thing's awesome.

[@ameer6168]

they nailed the clickers also damn man they were terrifying af

[@skiturtl9014]

I absolutely agree that this show looks absolutely freaking amazing!!! I only have one small personal little gripe with the episode and it’s that in some of the scenes like *SPOLIER* (But if you’re reading this you probably watched it already) when Sarah dies, Joel and Ellie are talking in Joel’s apartment, and the final scene of Tess and Joel finding out Ellie’s infected could have all been acted just a little better, they felt a little quick and the lines didn’t feel as sincere in those small moments. That’s just me being nit picky though, I love the game and played it so many times and I just really hope this show continues to be an awesome adaptation of the story. Like I’ve been rambling on and screaming and crying about this game for actual years to my parents and friends but they’ve never wanted to or had the time to put so many hours to experience this amazing story. This show is finally giving them the same experience I had in a way they can consume. I genuinely hope more game to show adaptations continue this trend.

[@djfusionkotb]

Crossing my fingers the Netflix One Piece live action breaks the curse for anime adaptations.

[@Marta1Buck]

Chris Stuckmann's explaination is on point. There have been good films based on video games. There's no curse anymore, bad film is made by incompetent people.

[@impatrickt]

I don’t agree - every single video game I love that’s been turned into a show or movie has been dog shit.

[@Marta1Buck]

@@impatrickt which point of my statement you disagree? There have been good video game adaptation or bad films made by incompetent people?

[@Tfam]

As a true fan of the game from playing it on ps3 when it launched in 2013 to now when part ii came out and playing in 2020 (all be it not loving it the same but still loving it for masterpiece it is in technical terms) But naturally being a bit hesitant for the show considering the controversy of the 2nd game and some of the moves the company has made in casting the HBO show, to now being blown away by the 1st episode and now wanting to finish the series just bc of how much I was wrong about my hesitation for the show. Granted it the first episode so likely you said hopefully it's not going to take fall but even so I will be there to finish it for the story.

[@Realsagarbhat]

Did you see Plane? How was it?

[@impatrickt]

i did! it was surprisingly grounded and a decent little action flick. nothing spectacular but far from bad.

[@Realsagarbhat]

@@impatrickt Gerard Butler in an action flick just suits well. I ain't a big fan of his, but I love Olympus Has Fallen and Den of Thieves.

[@williamsamaha542]

We need to talk about how they didn’t get crashed by a car from the side like in the game but still showed that action and replaced the whole thing by a plane exploding! Best easter egg for gamers!

[@TheGoncas2]

Yes, the plot being largely identical is what makes it great. But that's only possible when the original game meets the 2 conditions: 1) It has a great story 2) It is structured like a movie or tv show

[@impatrickt]

if you think that’s the only reason it’s good why are shows not based on games great?

[@TheGoncas2]

@@impatrickt bro what???

[@nicktheocharis126]

ive watched gameplays but never actually got involved with the game so i didnt know much about it other than the core nemesis. well i gotta say that the series is awsome so far i love it

[@tomasdahuabe]

I never had the chance to play TLOU because I never had access to the consoles they were made for, at least now I get to watch the story like this

[@unbreakablepoint8544]

this is so true, alot of adaptation movies tends to adds or even remove or make a totally new thing out of it and that's a wrong move since the video game that got successful literally got a well written story and not just the gameplay like the last of us so there is no reason to change something to that it would only hurt the fans, and yes I know they want to tackle new audience also but the story of the game is literally good enough...

[@unbreakablepoint8544]

oh he explained all the ones I've explained here lmao I posted this without watching the full video.

[@mumblesspeedtalker5526]

Never played last of us but really enjoyed the show so far what I think is interesting they actually had the game creator helped work on the show also my dad is not a big fan of zombie movie or shows the fact he enjoyed it say something of the quality of the show.

[@liamjmw]

I really like the series so far, just wish they’d done more than 9 episodes as I feel like they’re gonna have to rush through some important moments from the game in order to reach the end

[@impatrickt]

I think we will see more material than the game. The game dragged hard at times.

[@CPTM1]

I think 9 episodes is perfect, it will not overkill the series.

[@shravankashalikar3027]

I really like the color grade of your talking head shot. It would be great if you made a tutorial on how you have achieved this look.

[@impatrickt]

Sony a7iv + phantom luts 👍

[@rune9055]

I'm experiencing " I am a legend" movie.

[@thanhiclez]

TLOU added to the story to add more context for people who didn't play the game, it didn't rewrite stories to try and dramatise nonsense.

[@reallife019]

I gotta say i haven't played the game in my entire life. I know some of the plot lines and watched gameplays on youtube. As majority of games being adapted into a show/movie are popular and highly criticed games which are either on PC or Expensive so In my opinion, Its better to just play the game from which the show is based upon to actually imersify and overall enjoy it better. But sadly not everyone gets to buy a PC or have enough money to buy the games Or mabye they just don't like playing games. So its a great idea to just adapt it as it is very profitable and if done good very enjoyable and more immersifying. To be able to take a game and make it into a well-written and well thought out show is a great idea for non-gamers and people alike. Loved the first episode so far. Hope the others gonna be good too! Cheers to the People behind the show! 🔥

[@foreverhodor]

It's all about timing, we waited so many years to the tlou part 2, and when it finally came out it was a new king of game, much more deep (i totally loved it), but it simply divided so many opinions. So imagine now a change to rewatch the character that we fell in love in tlou part 1, ofc this would be watched from the tlou part 2 lovers and haters.

[@fahamali2690]

Cause they respected the source material. Games are fan favourites because of a reason, you cannot expect a game well-known for its gameplay to be turned into an un-interactive movie and just expect it to turn out fine. TLOU on the other hand was beloved for its story; you can turn it into a series and have people enjoy it.

[@StevePlaysSteveplaysyotube]

what I like about this its giving more to the lore

[@derpfaceonigiri4950]

The Witcher also started out great, it's just sad that they went downhill because of the showrunners. What you mentioned was right about why these showrunners often abandon the source material, ended up going through a new story, while cherry-picking stuffs from the original to fit their narrative. They could've done so much better had they stayed aligned with the source

[@JTCT371]

The key to TLOU HBO has been balance in the first 2 episodes....new spins on content compared to key moments directly from the game. I hope that they keep this formula going for as long as the series is on for.

[@TheGamingTrain55]

The game is always going to be the better product because unlike a tv show or movie you as the player get to actively participate in the experience/story. Which is something that a movie or tv show of a game can never replicate. However, the last of us show is definitely on the same level as the game. It's basically like a compressed version of the game by showing the major plot points and adding context to certain moments/characters (But I really hope we get to see some of the secret dialogue from the game put into the show like the various moments in Lincoln)

[@OfficialGamesky]

Another solid video! Loved the first episode and I am a die-hard fan of the games. Played through them multiple times and the show nailed the feel and atmosphere of the game. I feel like where they added (like in Sara's day) it just makes you feel more for that character. Excellent start

[@chris65ktm]

The last of us and super Mario movies is gonna change the way games and live actions/animated movies and shows are done. They stay true to the sauce material but still expand

[@ccramit]

I wasn't so sure when it was announced as Bella and Pedro both stated they had never played the game or really knew about the material, though I loved both of them as I was a huge GoT fan and watched Bella in that movie she did with Lena Dunham (can't remember the exact title ATM.) I think what made it work was that so many people involved with the game were working on the series and any changes would have been made by folks who have been familiar with the source material for close to a decade by this point.

[@impatrickt]

the more ive researched the more it looks like it's going to deviate quite a bit from the game now, which im super excited for. I think they just needed to do this first episode the way they did to make game players comfortable and honestly shut them up from whining LOL