The Last of Us' Most Captivating Episode Teases an HBO Spinoff That Is Bound to Thrive

Summary

The Last of Us' best episode explored new characters, proving a spinoff could work by staying true to the source material and telling great stories for newcomers.

Episode 3 presents a fresh outlook on the apocalypse, providing a broader scope and depicting how other survivors adapt to the post-apocalyptic world.

The popularity of 'Long, Long Time' implies that viewers are open to delving into narratives set in The Last of Us' universe without focusing on Joel or Ellie, thus creating opportunities for spinoff storylines.

The first season of The Last of Us showcased its best episode, proving that a spinoff with a new set of characters could be successful. While video game movies have struggled, television adaptations have fared better, such as Netflix's Castlevania. The critical acclaim and positive response to HBO's adaptation of The Last of Us demonstrated the ability to stay faithful to the source material while captivating new audiences. The game's strong writing undoubtedly contributed to its success.

Although The Last of Us primarily followed Joel and Ellie, two of its most praised episodes delved into side stories. "Left Behind" explored the poignant relationship between Ellie and her friend Riley, receiving acclaim for its tragic romance. However, the standout episode was "Long, Long Time," which focused on the tender love story between survivors Frank and Bill over two decades.

The Last Of Us Season 1, Episode 3 Is The Show's Best Episode So Far

While some may consider The Last of Us episode 3 as a mere "filler" episode that doesn't progress the main story, it actually serves multiple purposes that tie into the overarching narrative. Additionally, it strongly emphasizes Joel's determination to protect Ellie. Beyond its narrative significance, episode 3 shines as a remarkable display of character development and exceptional performances by Offerman and Bartlett. In a single episode, it beautifully portrays the highs and lows of their characters' relationship, featuring heart-wrenching scenes that conclude with a bittersweet yet hopeful ending.

Although Bill and Frank meet their demise, their story showcases that even in the midst of an apocalypse, it's still possible to create a secure refuge and cultivate a meaningful life together. Remarkably, amidst a season filled with standout episodes such as the premiere "When You're Lost in the Darkness" and the highly acclaimed "Left Behind," "Long, Long Time" remains the undisputed favorite among both viewers and critics.

Bill And Frank's Episode Offers A New Perspective On The Apocalypse

While some viewers may have disapproved of the episode's diversion from the main characters, it still served a crucial purpose. The first two episodes established the desolate world of The Last of Us, establishing the rules and developing the relationship between Joel and Ellie. "Long, Long Time" gave the series an opportunity to broaden its horizons and provide a fresh viewpoint on the ravaged world. Episode 3 offers a glimpse into how other individuals adapted to the post-apocalyptic world.

If The Last of Us were a movie, the entire storyline of Bill and Frank would likely be omitted, with Joel and Ellie only stumbling upon their bodies and reading Bill's letter. In HBO's adaptation, this episode serves as a means to explore other survivors and present different perspectives on the challenges of survival in this unforgiving new reality. Investing time in the ill-fated lovers only enhances the impact of future episodes and alludes to the numerous other untold stories within the world of The Last of Us.

The Last Of Us Episode 3 Proves A Spinoff Could Work

It is important to highlight that in "Long, Long Time," while Joel and Ellie only have supporting roles, Bill's letter holds significant meaning to their narrative. Despite not being particularly fond of Joel, Bill confesses his respect for him and acknowledges their shared experiences. Both characters are well aware of the harsh realities of the world and the sacrifices required to protect loved ones. This realization ultimately prompts Joel to embrace his role as Ellie's guardian, despite his initial attempt to detach himself emotionally. Undoubtedly, this decision also plays a crucial part in the shocking ending of The Last of Us.

Up to this point, there have been only two games released in the Last of Us franchise. Season 1 of the series successfully adapted the first game, as well as its DLC, Left Behind. It remains to be seen if the upcoming second season will cover the entirety of Last of Us Part II. However, it seems unlikely that the HBO series will continue for many more seasons, unless a third game is released. Despite this, "Long, Long Time" provides strong evidence that viewers would be open to exploring stories within this world that do not revolve around Joel or Ellie.

The content could be transformed into an anthology show showcasing self-contained narratives about other survivors. These tales may involve familiar characters or be completely separate from the main series. Naturally, the approval of the show's co-creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, would be necessary for this approach. It serves as a means to keep the show going without prolonging the existing storyline from the video games. The Last of Us possesses the ability to delve into its source material and explore alternative narratives, yet it remains uncertain whether the showrunners share the same intentions.