The Last of Us

An epic opening (which is repeated in the next episode of the  different and no less impressive Indonesian version), then an absorbing exercise in tension and decay live streamed, followed by a slightly torpid march through the post-apocalyptic world which, however, begins to make more sense in later episodes. It’s nice how everyone here talks disdainfully about Craig “Scary Movie” Mazin. Besides the bullshit, the guy is behind one of the best series of all time, and his touch becomes more and more apparent in later episodes. Bella Ramsey is a great choice, though she’s not as cute as the character in the original game, but she is edgier. I can’t wait to see how many fachidiots here fall for her “mongoloid” look. Pedro is incredible. For me, the biggest question is: can a narrative composed of well-known game missions and intimate episodes reminiscent of the Walking Dead’s best moments stand up? After three episodes, I'm cautiously optimistic that it can. P.S. Before the third episode, the homophobic section here should sound the alarm and have a collective masturbation mass to save white hetero civilization. That’ll hurt them! (2023.01.19)

The local clique of mostly Slovak homophobic (mentally antiseptic) buffoons did not disappoint. Let’s be nice to them; they don’t have an easy time of it in the world, and they feel their end is near. What bothers me more than Brokeback Mountain is that this episode occasionally falls into sterile romantic pathos. That Bill and Frank’s storyline has changed against the game and isn’t nearly as cruel, which I understand dramaturgically. The third episode wants to show a microcosm of the world in which humanity still resists the apocalypse and to thus create a contrast to the brilliant second episode. The ending is resolved superbly (because it works with the hint) and both of the lead actors are excellent. Despite that, I’m already looking forward to when attention is turned fully back to Joel and Ellie. By the way, The Walking Dead had already made these digression and I venture to say that it sometimes did it better! (2023.01.31)