The Last of Us on HBO, written by Craig Mazin (Chernobyl) and co-created by both games’ creative director and writer Neil Druckmann, manages to rekindle the wonder of video game.
The Last of Us’ scope has been cleverly expanded by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin using an episodic television format on HBO. Vignettes that highlight parts of the tale that viewers and players haven’t previously seen will frequently be placed into episodes.
It can be unexpected but very effective when the story in HBO’s The Last of Us deviates from the video game. Prior to our leads meeting Bill and his partner Frank (Murray Bartlett), the audience becomes fond of them thanks to Bill’s origin in the show.
This and other astute changes enhance and build upon the source material in a way that the game simply didn’t have time for. Original characters like Kathleen (Melanie Lynskey), the head of a violent revolutionary group in Kansas City, and how she interacts with Henry (Lamar Johnson) and Sam are among the further new elements (Keivonn Woodard).
The emotional basis of the story did smoothly transcend from game to show. The central theme is Joel and Ellie finding solace in one another and a refuge from the brutal severity of the hopeless world via mutual support and care. It is the reason why the game touched millions of people all around the world so deeply.
