…..Following the announcement of HBO’s The Last of Us, a live action adaptation of the identically-named game starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, fans of the original game were apprehensive at best to the idea of an adaptation. With both the story and characters regarded as some of the most captivating in gaming history, many wondered how showrunners Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin would be able to do them justice. Now however, following the 9th and final episode of the series, I believe it is safe to say that they have gone beyond any expectations fans may have had, and in doing so have produced not only the greatest video game adaptation to date, but one of the best shows I have ever watched. 

….Before I go further, I must make one thing clear: this show, despite what it may seem, is not a zombie series. While the entire overarching conflict of the series has to do with the Infected and the affliction that creates them, an evolved version of the Cordyceps fungus, it is primarily a character drama. Centered around a mentally wounded Joel (Pedro Pascal) who has been unable to move on from the death of his daughter, and a 14 year old girl, Ellie (Bella Ramsey), whom he must escort across the country so that doctors may utilize her immunity for a cure to the cordyceps, it is a journey filled to the brim with highs, lows, twists and emotion. 

….As I stated earlier, the real triumph of this show is its characters. The dynamic between Joel and Ellie, with Joel being reluctant to start caring about someone again due to his prior trauma and loss as well as Ellie growing dependent and attached to him as a mentor, protector and father figure. This simple dynamic is tested, changed, and strengthened throughout every single episode, with not a single scene between these two failing to further it in some way. This style of writing and progression not only engages the audience, but attaches us to who these characters are and makes the overall experience that much more enjoyable. When Joel releases his pent up anger in downright terrifying displays of violence, and when Ellie uses what she’s learned to show how much she has grown over the course of the series, it is not only noticed by fans, but appreciated.This is just one dynamic, but most if not all characters in the show are approached with a similar amount of care, purpose, and dedication that makes them both captivating and memorable. 

…..And while the characters of the show are a triumph, the suspense is nothing to scoff at. In such a viscerally violent world, where humanity has been ripped from the hearts of many and crudely replaced by the desire to survive, there is never a dull moment. Between Infected encounters, conflicts with other survivors, and the looming feeling that at any moment a character we love could be taken from us in seconds, viewers who have never played the game and veterans alike will be weary and invested throughout the entire experience.

…..To close, I want to acknowledge what many may be thinking: There is no way a video game live action adaptation could be this good. With duds like Halo, Resident Evil, and Uncharted, it is no surprise that a large quantity of people have written off the genre entirely. While I completely understand the reasons, this show is not only an exception, but simply THE exception. It surpasses every single preconception by leaps and bounds, resulting in the deliverance of one of the best television experiences I have ever had. In short, watch this show – it would be a shame to miss it.