The Last of Us

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*SPOILER WARNING*.

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Few video game adaptations have ever managed to feel as vital as The Last of Us. HBO's take goes beyond faithfulness to the source; it elucidates the emotional undercurrents that made the game so unforgettable. Every episode in Joel and Ellie's journey is a lesson - a butterfly effect of loss, love, and sacrifice, each shaping Joel's fateful decision in ways we might not even realize. Sarah taught Joel the weight of grief, while Tess contended that survival is meaningless without a greater purpose. Bill and Frank proved that despite an unjust world, the pursuit of love remains possible, and still worthwhile. As Henry and Sam echo the notion of enduring beyond self-interest, to protect those we cannot bear to lose. The world may not understand Joel's ultimate decision, but he inevitably does. "Save who you can save."

Parenthood is an intrinsic theme throughout the show, demonstrating an instinct as relentless as it is unconditional - an unshakable drive to protect our children, no matter the cost. It's this raw humanity that makes The Last of Us such an extraordinary adaptation, extracted from a game that has already set the golden standard! If HBO wants to maintain such prestige, it should take its time with what comes next.

Rating: 8.5/10

Standout Episode: 1x3

Standout Performance: Nick Offerman / Murray Bartlett

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