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A Treat for Fans: A Look Into ‘The Last of Us’ on HBO Go

Mar 13, 2023 by Louigi Balao

3 min read

Naughty Dog's The Last of Us has shaken up the zombie genre with its unique and hauntingly realistic take on a zombie outbreak. This was different from the get-go when compared to the regular zombie formula we were all used to, and I am all for it—terrified—but onboard!

From the perspective of a gamer who hasn't tried the game yet—emphasis on the ‘yet’ part!

Naughty Dog's The Last of Us has shaken up the zombie genre with its unique and hauntingly realistic take on a zombie outbreak. This was different from the get-go when compared to the regular zombie formula we were all used to, and I am all for it—terrified—but onboard!

Courtesy of HBO Go

Brought to life by HBO, The Last of Us revitalizes the beloved 2013 game with a star-studded cast featuring Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie. If you're eager to check out this highly anticipated series, subscribing to HBO GO with PLDT Home is the way to go. In this article, we'll share our thoughts on the show from the perspective of a gamer who hasn’t even touched the game yet.

 

From HBO Official GIPHY

Zombies. In terms of zombies, they are fan flippin-tastic. Why? Well, for my experience in zombies, I've dabbled in various zombie shows, including Zombieland, ZNation, All of Us Are Dead, and the dearly missed High School of the Dead. Among these offerings, I must say that the zombies in The Last of Us stand out as being truly unique and realistic.

For additional description, they are well-made, ruthless, and logical. This is because of the Cordyceps fungus that takes over the mind giving one command of further spreading the virus to the uninfected. This specific fungus is real and is analyzed to present the exact things you see in the show, but without the zombie apocalypse, adding an extra layer of juicy realism if you ever want to fantasize about surviving through this pandemic.

 

Pacing. After further research, it's evident that the show has received high praise for its faithful adaptation of the game's storyline. Fans have noted that while the show stays true to the key elements of the game, it also adds its own twists, resulting in a well-paced and engaging viewing experience. From the perspective of a person who doesn’t know the storyline, I respect that the outbreak’s origins seeped into a simple conversation between Joel and Ellie, noting that it was due to the contamination of everyday ingredients that people consumed. This was helpful and funny at the same time, as it was the show's way of saying, “Yeah, this is how it most likely happened. So stop speculating and focus on the show.”


Courtesy of HBO Go

Musical scoring. Captivating start to say the least. I pay close attention to the music in a show or movie, as it can add depth and evoke powerful emotions beyond what people might initially realize. In this series, the soundtracks perfectly capture the loss and pain that accompanied the pandemic, eliciting strong feelings of hatred towards the zombies or even self-reflection. In particular, I want to shout out to Gustavo Santaolalla's pieces, which have a melancholic and introspective tone that make me want to sit and contemplate my life so far.

I was pleasantly surprised by the third episode, which introduced one of the twists I mentioned earlier. Without giving too much away, it added more depth to characters who were previously only in the background, especially in the game. I am thoroughly impressed by the show's writers, producers, and cast for making such a well-rounded and impactful series.

Courtesy of HBO Go

The Last of Us is outstanding so far for its first season run. I recommend giving this show a go if you want to experience second-guessing that weird-looking mushroom outside the yard. Because who knows, maybe it may happen for real, and this show just might save you. Stream The Last of Us now on HBO Go with PLDT Home!

 

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