Craig Mazin Breaks His Silence on The Last Of Us Season 1 Backlash
Craig Mazin addresses the Season 1 backlash of The Last Of Us and highlights the importance of inclusive storytelling, emphasizing that differing opinions arose regarding Episode 3 due to its depiction of LGBTQ+ characters
The backlash to the third episode of the first season of The Last of Us, centered around the characters Bill and Frank, has been addressed by showrunner and writer Craig Mazin. In an interview with IndieWire, Mazin acknowledged that the inclusion of a love story in "Long, Long Time" upset certain individuals, who labeled the episode as mere "filler." Mazin noted that while some viewers cited various reasons to justify their disapproval, it ultimately boiled down to discomfort with the inclusion of same-sex relationships.
The episode recounts the tale of Bill and Frank's unexpected and enduring love story, which ultimately concludes in a heartbreaking manner. Mazin disagrees with the notion that this episode was simply a filler, arguing that it actually progresses the story significantly. According to Mazin, this is because the episode focuses on character development rather than plot, with the letter Bill leaves for Joel serving as a catalyst for the subsequent events in the show.
During the interview, Mazin expressed that the concept of love is a fundamental aspect that ties Episode 3 and the entire season together.
According to Mazin, love is a complex issue that affects all of us. Despite not wanting to acknowledge it, love can be seen as both a driving force behind our noble and selfless actions, as well as the cause of destructive, violent, or cruel behavior. Mazin suggests that love represents a facet of human nature that we cannot fully control, emphasizing the paradoxical nature of this powerful emotion.
The Last of Us received 24 Emmy nominations, placing it second only to Succession (27). Bartlett and Offerman were nominated for an Emmy for their work on "Long, Long Time," while director Peter Hoar also received a nomination for the episode. The awards show is set to take place in January 2024.
Regarding The Last of Us, the production of its second season is currently on hold due to the ongoing Hollywood strikes. Season 2 will introduce the divisive character Abby, and HBO has already chosen the actor for the role.
