WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for HBO’s The Last of Us Season 1 and The Last of Us Part II.
Uncovering Easter Eggs in HBO’s The Last of Us Season 1
HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us stands out as one of the most celebrated video game adaptations in recent memory, seamlessly blending faithfulness to its source material with fresh narrative elements. Season 1 is infused with Easter eggs that pay homage to both The Last of Us and its sequel, enriching the viewing experience for fans of the game and new audiences alike. The series captivatingly captures the essence of the game’s atmosphere, enhancing its storytelling with clever callbacks and references.
Throughout its first season, countless Easter eggs—and subtle nods to the original game—abound in each episode, from character wardrobes to cryptic lines that hint at future plot developments in Season 2. While these clever allusions may be missed by those unfamiliar with the game series, they serve to amplify the experience for devoted players, providing layers of enjoyment and nostalgia.
1. Sarah’s Halican Drops Shirt Mirrors the Game
In the first episode titled “When You’re Lost In The Darkness,”the adaptation faces the challenging task of recreating the foundational prologue from the game. Fortunately, all pivotal moments leading up to Sarah’s tragic fate resonate with the game’s atmosphere. Nico Parker’s portrayal of Sarah includes her wearing the exact shirt from the video game, effectively bridging the two mediums.
As chaos ensues and the family rushes to escape, the switch to a point-of-view shot from Sarah’s perspective in the backseat mirrors the game’s cinematography. This shattering moment not only honors her character’s significance, despite her limited screen time, but also provides an emotional connection for those familiar with her journey in the game.
2. Curtis and Viper Referenced as Joel’s Faves
Further enriching the first episode, as Sarah preps for Joel’s birthday, she chooses a movie titled Curtis and Viper 2, a nod that echoes a line from The Last of Us Part II. Indeed, the film showcases a gun-toting duo that Joel fondly reminisces about in the games, enhancing the narrative while illustrating the extent of the world’s changes brought on by the outbreak.
This delicate callback is masterfully woven into the storyline, underlining the stark contrast between life before and after the pandemic through the lens of pop culture remnants.
3. A Birthday Card Left Behind
Sarah’s meticulous birthday planning for her father is portrayed in a touching manner. As she optimistically prepares, a birthday card adorned with a green dinosaur rests forgotten on her desk. This detail is a direct homage to a similar storyline in the game, where Sarah laments forgetting to present the card to Joel. It serves as a poignant reminder of the tender moments the outbreak disrupts, further rooting the adaptation in its source material.
4. Tess’s Lighter: A Cross-Game Easter Egg
While the show stays true to The Last of Us, it also pays homage to other projects from the game developer Naughty Dog. In Episode 2, Tess uses a lighter that bears a distinctive “76” engraving, modeled after one used by Sam Drake from the Uncharted series. This clever inclusion showcases the shared universe of Naughty Dog’s creations, thanks to the involvement of its original creators. Executive Producer Neil Druckmann confirmed the choice, illustrating the playful spirit behind these nods.
5. A Reference to the Outbreak’s Origin
In Episode 3, Joel discusses how the Cordyceps likely infiltrated the world’s food supply, referring to staples like flour and sugar. This serves not only as exposition but as a direct callback to the first episode where Sarah is prepping pancakes—a clever foreshadowing of events to come. This type of nuanced storytelling subtly reinforces the fallout from the outbreak, tying together plot threads that only dedicated fans may fully appreciate.
6. Joel and Ellie’s Iconic Outfits Have Backstories
The HBO adaptation enriches character development by integrating unique storytelling elements into Joel and Ellie’s wardrobes. In Episode 3, viewers discover Joel’s classic flannel shirt originally belonged to Frank, while Ellie receives her signature outfit from a critical moment involving Bill. Such attention to detail provides depth and backstory, which fans of the game would surely recognize.
7. Bill’s Letter Enhances the Game Experience
In a touching scene, Bill’s letter becomes more than just a gameplay element, offering added emotional resonance in the show. The letter’s role expands upon the events in the game, infusing the narrative with richness and context as Joel listens to the contents, elaborating on the bonds formed beyond mere survival.
8. Ellie’s Iconic Pun Book Finds Its Place
Ellie’s favorite book, “No Pun Intended Vol. 2,” makes an appearance in Episode 4, serving as a delightful reminder of her personality and humor. This element exemplifies the ways Joel and Ellie bond through lighthearted interactions amidst the turmoil of their world. Moreover, it reflects moments from the game, reinforcing the essence of their relationship without overt exposition.
9. Unlocking Doors Mimics Gameplay Mechanics
The show’s commitment to mirroring gameplay mechanics can be felt throughout various episodes. Interactions like moving furniture to access locked areas echo the puzzle-solving aspect of the games, inviting players to feel a sense of familiar engagement as they watch Joel and Ellie navigate their environments.
10. A Familiar Face: Tommy’s Actor Joins as Perry
Jeffrey Pierce, who voiced Tommy in the games, portrays Perry in the HBO series, creating a unique link between the game’s narrative and the adaptation. This casting choice illustrates the seamless blend of old and new elements, where both the games’ legacy and fresh storytelling converge.
11. A Dream of Space Travel
When Joel asks Ellie what she would want to be in a world free of the Cordyceps, she dreams of being an astronaut—an Easter egg foreshadowing significant emotional arcs in The Last of Us Part II. This moment highlights Ellie’s aspirations and fear of loneliness due to her immunity, establishing a duality in her character that will be further explored.
12. The Town of Jackson: A Glimpse into the Future
Episode 6 introduces viewers to Jackson, setting the stage for its crucial role in the upcoming season and Part II. This detailed portrayal hints at the town’s significance and establishes connections that will deepen in future episodes.
13. Ellie and Dina’s First Encounter
In a subtle yet pivotal moment, Episode 6 may mark the first interaction between Ellie and Dina, though it remains unconfirmed. This scene echoes a memorable line from The Last of Us Part II, filling fans with excitement over what’s to come.
14. The Introduction of Shimmer
Ellie crosses paths with a young Shimmer, a significant nod to her future in the games. As viewers anticipate a time jump in Season 2, this moment serves as a tantalizing callback to familiar elements from The Last of Us Part II.
15. Joel’s Voice Actor as James
Troy Baker, who famously voiced Joel in the games, steps into the role of James in the series, once again connecting the narrative threads between the original source material and its adaptation.
16. Musical Bonds: Teaching Guitar
In an emotional setup for future plots, Joel expresses his desire to teach Ellie guitar, encapsulating how music is woven into their bond. By establishing this desire early on, it foreshadows significant emotional beats in the follow-up season.
17. Giraffes in a Football Field: A Nostalgic Scene
In a poignant moment mirroring the game, Episode 9 features Joel and Ellie observing giraffes, reinforcing the themes of beauty amid chaos. This sequence serves as a visual homage to the games while also hinting at deeper narrative developments.
18. Ashley Johnson as Ellie’s Mother
Ashley Johnson’s return, this time as Anna, Ellie’s mother, creates a metafictional layer, culminating in her legacy within the franchise. This lineage adds an additional heartfelt dimension to the storytelling, showcasing the actress’s unique connection to the character.
19. Abby’s Voice Actress as a Doctor
Laura Bailey, the voice behind Abby, makes a notable appearance as one of the doctors in the season finale, further intertwining the game lore with the series. This intersection reaffirms the narrative’s complexity and the weight of character relationships set to unfold in the next season.
20. The Doctor’s Death: A Catalyst for Season 2
In a critical moment echoing the game, the episode concludes with Joel’s drastic decision to eliminate the Fireflies’ doctor, a move that alters the trajectory of Ellie’s life. This act sets the stage for Abby’s quest for vengeance in the follow-up, leaving audiences eager for the storytelling to continue.
For devoted fans of The Last of Us series, the myriad Easter eggs throughout Season 1 contribute significantly to a rich narrative tapestry, ensuring that the character depth and emotional resonance found in the games thrive as the story unfolds on screen.