Welcome to the End Apocalypse-based media watched, reviewed by newspaper staff The Last of us

Sophia

Johst | Reporter

While not uncommon for video games to be adapted into shows or movies, it is uncommon for adaptations to be good or even mediocre. These movies and shows tend to fail either due to terrible casting or from straying too far from the original piece. One of the most popular video game franchises The Last of Us was recently adapted into a show on HBO Max. As someone who has played the first and second game multiple times, I can undoubtedly say the adaptation sticks true to the original story and is just as beautiful of a piece of media as the games are.

Casting is mainly where we see video game adaptations fail, as seen in Tom Holland being cast as Nathan Drake for the 2022 Uncharted movie, however, The Last of Us cast is perfect. Pedro Pascal stars as Joel Miller and Bella Ramsey as Ellie Williams. Their ability to effortlessly slip into the drastically different personalities of their characters makes the viewer feel as if they are watching a cutscene from the game. Not only as individuals do they exceed expectations, but the pair’s chemistry exactly matches the chemistry we see in game. Pascal and Ramsey have managed to depict the complicated father-daughter relationship between Joel and Ellie in a way that is unique to them but still very similar to the game. Ingame dialogue has also been incorporated into this masterpiece of a show. It is just close enough to the game that I can enjoy it and includes slight changes

The Walking dead

TheWalkingDeadfranchise is an extremely popular series of shows and games based off of The Walking Dead comics, written by Robert Kirkman

The AMC show centers around the post-apocalyptic life of police officer Rick Grimes, who wakes from a coma (induced by an on-duty gunshot injury) in the midst of the zombie infestation. The first few episodes follow his journey of adapting to this new way of life with his injury and, to top it all off, without any knowledge of his family’s whereabouts.

The first season is depicted in a captivating manner, the information and backstory of the outbreak unfold as you get deeper into the show. Not only does the show incorporate horror and tension into its action packed plot, but it also sucks in the reader with themes of love, family, and community. Throughout the that keep me entertained. The first episode, and I may be biased considering my love for the games, is simply beautiful. Minor changes were made regarding the virus and the science behind, for example the spores were cut and replaced with an equally interesting fungi that when stepped on alerts nearby infected. The infected in the show have somehow managed to be even more eerie and grotesque as well. The theme of love, survival, violence and gloom of the world outside. The two grow old together, a rare occurrence during the end of the world. The majority of the show is bloody, depressing, and heartbreaking. During this episode, we take a step away from that and see hope and love. It is a great contrast to the rest of the season. This episode almost completely diverges from this section of the game, portraying a much more impactful and interesting way to handle Bill’s story. Originally, Bill served as a side character we knew nothing about. The only mention of Frank came from a suicide note he wrote, only implying Bill had a partner. Not only did they develop Bill and Frank, they entirely changed their story from one that is depressing to one that is hopeful, something we don’t see often regarding LGBTQ+ relationships depicted in film. The ending isn’t bittersweet or tragic, it’s incredibly touching and beautiful if you look at it from the perspective of the end of the world. and unclear lines of morality and immorality remain a constant in the show, same as in the game. One of the best episodes so far has been episode three. In it, we venture away from Joel and Ellie and center on Bill and Frank, a couple living (even thriving) in the apocalypse. Secluded in their own town together, they live a beautiful life together away from the

11 seasons of this series, multiple groups of people are formed, separated, and reunited. There is never a feeling of “forever” in this show, as new challenges arise daily in this complicated, dangerous new world. The constant change of pace in this show leaves the viewer on the edge of their seat, and serves as a slightly threatening reminder to enjoy peace as it comes.

The Walking Dead is an exceptional, thrilling action series, and it has many life lessons woven within the plot.

Overall, I have never felt more emotionally tied to a series before. There’s loss, heartbreak, friendship, and so much more. With all of the emotional ups and downs of the many seasons, I would still absolutely recommend this show to anyone who is interested in depictions of the end of the world and the beginning of a new, dangerous way of surviving.

Diverting back to Ellie and Joel in the following episodes, we watch their relationship change. For those who’ve played the game, the end of the first game and the events of the second game are subtly hinted at. The growth, positive and negative, in Joel and Ellie is fascinating to watch and compare to the game. Both the game and the show expertly depict the complexities of humans, love, and how no one is entirely the villain or the hero, it all depends on perspective. Overall, TheLastofUsshow is a phenomenal adaptation of the beloved game.