The Last of Us has made a remarkable impact with its first season on HBO, beautifully crafted by showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann. As an adaptation of the beloved 2013 video game, the series achieved a commendable task of staying true to its roots while resonating with seasoned fans and newcomers alike. Despite audiences largely moving past the zombie genre, the show has captured viewers with its emotionally charged storytelling and exceptional character development, receiving notable approval ratings and viewership.
The show adeptly replicates visually striking moments from the game while maintaining a cohesive narrative. By achieving this balance, it has set a high bar for future installments, particularly with the anticipated The Last of Us season 2. Each episode in the inaugural season stands out, making it difficult to choose favorites. Below are the top episodes ranked by viewer impact and storytelling finesse.
9 Infected
Episode 2
The episode “Infected”strikes a balance between exposition and character growth while following the thrilling aftermath of the premiere. This pivotal episode helps Joel, Tess, and the audience uncover the true reason behind their mission with Ellie. Through their first encounters with Clickers, essential knowledge about the Infected is revealed, adding depth to both the characters and the plot.
Anna Torv’s portrayal of Tess is particularly noteworthy, especially as she attempts to instill her faith in Ellie’s immunity amid increasing tension before her eventual demise. The heart-pounding moment with the Clickers is undeniably among the most gripping sequences in the entire series.
8 “Kin”
Episode 6
“Kin”introduces beloved character Tommy, played by Gabriel Luna, along with his wife Maria. In this episode, the show skillfully allows Joel and Ellie a breather from their arduous journey, placing them in the relative safety of Jackson. Nevertheless, some may find Joel’s choices frustrating as he grapples with his inability to continue their quest.
Despite the slower pacing, “Kin”excels in showcasing the evolving dynamics between Joel and Ellie. The pivotal conversations about Sarah and the decision to move onward together highlight their growing bond and set the stage for future developments in their relationship.
7 “Look For The Light”
Episode 9
The season finale, “Look For The Light,”culminates the arcs of Joel and Ellie with emotional revelations and character confrontations. While the understated approach to Joel’s violent outburst at the hospital reflects his emotional turmoil, it sacrifices action for dialogue, making for a more introspective episode.
The confrontation between Joel and Marlene creates a thought-provoking dilemma regarding consent that resonates deeply within the narrative. Nevertheless, the performance of the lead actors—Pascal and Ramsey—shines through, showcasing the weight of their characters’ decisions amidst the intense situation.
6 “Please Hold To My Hand”
Episode 4
In “Please Hold To My Hand,”Joel and Ellie take center stage as they navigate the harrowing world outside the norm. The introduction of Kathleen, played expertly by Melanie Lynskey, adds a formidable antagonist who poses an immediate threat to the protagonists within this episode.
Although its successor may hold stronger moments, this episode significantly advances Joel and Ellie’s relationship. From shared humor to lessons on survival, their bond showcases the emotional stakes of this dystopian world.
5 “When You’re Lost In The Darkness”
Episode 1
The impactful opening of The Last of Us adapts the game’s iconic introduction, skillfully establishing a sense of dread as viewers witness the outbreak unfold through the eyes of Sarah, Joel’s daughter. The contrasting juxtaposition of her innocence with the impending horror sets the tone for the series ahead.
The tragic nature of Sarah’s fate resonates powerfully, leaving a lasting impression that underscores the devastation that the characters endure. By the episode’s conclusion, the stark changes in Joel’s life are deftly illustrated, paving the way for the emotional depth to come.
4 “Left Behind”
Episode 7
“Left Behind”serves as a brilliant adaptation of Ellie’s backstory through her relationship with Riley, portrayed by Storm Reid. By illuminating Ellie’s life before meeting Joel, this episode provides pivotal context for her character, revealing the weight of her past and the motivations behind her actions.
This episode also stands out for its fresh visual aesthetic, showcasing a vibrant mall setting that contrasts sharply with the usual bleak environments of the series. This artistic choice adds depth and engages the audience further into Ellie’s narrative.
3 “Endure And Survive”
Episode 5
In this gripping chapter, the bond between Sam and Ellie exemplifies the loss of innocence amid a brutal world. Unlike the original game, the change to Sam’s character as a deaf individual adds a profound dimension to the way he interacts with Ellie, highlighting their unspoken friendship.
The climactic and tragic ending underscores the harsh realities they face in this broken world. Sam’s fate, and Henry’s response, adds another layer of emotional impact to Ellie’s character development throughout the series.
2 “When We Are In Need”
Episode 8
“When We Are in Need”is perhaps the most pivotal point of tension in season 1, solidifying Joel and Ellie’s bond under extreme circumstances. With Joel’s absence, Ellie faces a terrifying confrontation with David, revealing her resilience and ability to survive alone.
This episode serves as a critical exploration of Ellie’s character, emphasizing that the true horror lies not just in the Infected but in the darkness of human nature itself. Bella Ramsey’s powerful performance against Scott Shepherd’s portrayal of David creates a compelling psychological atmosphere.
1 “Long, Long Time”
Episode 3
“Long, Long Time”marks a departure from the typical narratives found in post-apocalyptic stories, focusing instead on the beauty of human connection amid despair. By providing depth to the characters of Frank and Bill, the episode tells a beautiful love story that resonates on multiple levels, beyond the apocalyptic setting.
Though their journey ends tragically, the connection they share is made more poignant, portraying the hope and humanity that can flourish, even in the darkest times. This narrative choice significantly influences Joel’s character arc and shapes his motivations as he continues his journey with Ellie.
The excellence of this episode has not gone unnoticed, as its lead actors garnered Emmy nominations, with Nick Offerman receiving a win for his portrayal. Overall, the episode exemplifies how love and emotional bonds can persevere in a world filled with chaos.