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[Kabelly]

I just finished Part II on PC for the first time since I beat it on PS4 when it first released. It's only the second time I've run through the game. Played on Grounded. Probably one of the best gaming experiences ever.

Reading some of the reactions here of the show for season 2 (haven't started it yet), it looks like Season 2 still suffers from the same problems as Season 1. Every reference in season 1 felt cheap and almost every new storyline felt like wasted time with how few episodes there are.

No Iron-Fists Abby is also a huge miss. I can already feel like that's going to lose a bit of her character.

 

[taizuke]

It's interesting to me that Kaitlyn Dever was first considered for the movie adaptation, yet that idea fell through when it shifted to TV. I wonder if by the time they started pre-production on the show, Kaitlyn had outgrown the role of a 14 year old Ellie.

If age did play a factor as to why they ultimately chose Bella, it baffles me they couldn't still pull it off. Kaitlyn has a tiny frame and is still young. With some wardrobe, hair, and makeup, she could've easily played a younger Ellie. Then, by the time season 2 comes along, she'd be more in line with an older version of the character.

Now, contrast to what we're seeing with Bella Ramsey is that she might've looked the part when the character was younger but doesn't look the part when she is older. And, I'm not talking about her looking like Ellie in the game, I'm talking about that she still looks too young, even for her version of Ellie.

I think they bet on the wrong person.

 

[QLQ]

I'm really a lot more annoyed by the levity which this revelation is treated with. Dina was freaking out about the inminent fatal infection of Ellie, was determined to kill her. She restrains herself from doing so, waits it out, and after many hours of crushing tension comes the relief at the realization Ellie is going to be fine.

She feels this huge pressure off her chest, but that's on top of another reality she had recently discovered. She's pregnant. And she feels this is as good a time as any to come out to Ellie about her state.

That should've been the time for Ellie to freak out or for Dina to break out crying and get comforted by Ellie/scolded, I don't know, either choice would fit better than have them... rejoicing?

And on the partlcular line "I'm going to be a Dad"? Ellie and Dina are not even a thing.

On the previous episode they camp together and Dina tells Ellie she's with Jesse again. They have feelings for each other, obviously, but some tense shit happens and now she's rejoicing in the idea she's going to be a parent to the child of this girl she has feelings for? And the worst part: Dina acknowledged it. Like, what? Now that's some ridiculous writing, not the word "Dad" in this scene.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

It's interesting to me that Kaitlyn Dever was first considered for the movie adaptation, yet that idea fell through when it shifted to TV. I wonder if by the time they started pre-production on the show, Kaitlyn had outgrown the role of a 14 year old Ellie.

If age did play a factor as to why they ultimately chose Bella, it baffles me they couldn't still pull it off. Kaitlyn has a tiny frame and is still young. With some wardrobe, hair, and makeup, she could've easily played a younger Ellie. Then, by the time season 2 comes along, she'd be more in line with an older version of the character.

Now, contrast to what we're seeing with Bella Ramsey is that she might've looked the part when the character was younger but doesn't look the part when she is older. And, I'm not talking about her looking like Ellie in the game, I'm talking about that she still looks too young, even for her version of Ellie.

I think they bet on the wrong person.

When they approached Kaitlyn Dever it was like 2015. She was 18 at the time. By the time they started looking for cast members for the tv show it was 2021. Dever was 25 at the time.

Hollywood has shifted away from casting people in their mid 20s and 30s as children in tv shows, and you certainly don't do it with prestige tv.

Kaitlyn Dever has a small frame, but she doesn't look 14 lol and neither actress looks like game Ellie.

If anything game Ellie probably looks a lot older than 19. She's way too tall compared to the TLOUP1 Ellie, but it's a video game and they were looking for a difference due to the time jump.

To say they bet on the wrong person is an opinion, but it's not really backed up by anything. Again she was emmy nominated in the first season and there is a good chance she will be again in the second season. The show is a hit for HBO.

It's like saying Tom Holland was the wrong choice for Spider-Man despite the success of the Spider-Man movies. Like okay, cool opinion, but it's clearly not a consensus opinion.

Edit: I'll add that she probably gets nominated again this year, but loses it to Britt Lower for Severance unless she absolutely kills it in the next couple of episodes.

 

[taizuke]

Hollywood has shifted away from casting people in their mid 20s and 30s as children in tv shows, and you certainly don't do it with prestige tv.

That's a shame.

Kaitlyn Dever has a small frame, but she doesn't look 14 lol and neither actress looks like game Ellie.

I think Kaitlyn is closer in looks.

To say they bet on the wrong person is an opinion, but it's not really backed up by anything. Again she was emmy nominated in the first season and there is a good chance she will be again in the second season. The show is a hit for HBO.

I was talking more about the age and look of Ellie as well as the age and look of Bella's version of the character. But, you're right, I should've said I think they chose the wrong actress to grow into the role.

It's like saying Tom Holland was the wrong choice for Spider-Man despite the success of the Spider-Man movies. Like okay, cool opinion, but it's clearly not a consensus opinion.

I guess it's a hot take, then.

 

[Just_one]

i dont mind Bella , she is a good actress my only problem this season is how they totally rewrote ellie in the tv show. she´s not rutheless at all which is a shame because bella ramsey when they tell her to be ruthless can pull it off , like in nora´s death scene.

 

[Nankatsu]

 

[Mibu no ookami]

i dont mind Bella , she is a good actress my only problem this season is how they totally rewrote ellie in the tv show. she´s not rutheless at all which is a shame because bella ramsey when they tell her to be ruthless can pull it off , like in nora´s death scene.

They're clearly looking to ramp her up as she becomes more and more disassociated with the things that would normally make her happy.

After she kills Nora we get a flashback to what? Her better days, when she was with Joel and carefree and happy.

We're going to see her take a path that

Spoiler

Gets Jesse killed, she's going to kill a pregnant girl and her boyfriend (probably won't kill the dog in this version) and then leave Dina in Jackson to seek Abby in Santa Barbara...

There is an arc here... Part of the journey in the tv show is seeing her get there.

 

[GymWolf]

I think Kaitlyn is closer in looks.



I was talking more about the age and look of Ellie as well as the age and look of Bella's version of the character. But, you're right, I should've said I think they chose the wrong actress to grow into the role.



I guess it's a hot take, then.

Nah it's a good take, she is a mediocre actress and and an even worse ellie, especially second game ellie.

The series being successful means jack shit, the big bang theory was successful and the actors were almost all mediocre to say the least, you can be successful for a thousands of reason not related to good acting.

Nominations? After the farce that are the oscars, anyone gives a fuck about nominations? she probably get one for being a non-binary retard in a successful serial tv.

 

[Nocty]

It's amusing that so many people who wrote off the game at release are now going back to the game since the show came out and are now appreciating the game after hating on it.

Not sure if it's a testament to how good the game is or how bad season 2 of the show is

 

[deriks]

It's amusing that so many people who wrote off the game at release are now going back to the game since the show came out and are now appreciating the game after hating on it.

Not sure if it's a testament to how good the game is or how bad season 2 of the show is

If they changed their opinion of the game compared with the show, it's stupid

The second game is not consistent as the first one, overall gameplay or story. The show has changes, and most of them are just plain bad

If one is bad, the other is even worse, it's a loosing competition

 

[Kikorin]

My brother is playing TLoU 2 for the first time on my PS5 and watching it again after some time make me feels sorry for anyone that is watching this shit show. Characters in the game are so well animated that I would prefer watching a collection of the cutscenes of the game instead of this terrible show.

 

[E-Cat]

My brother is playing TLoU 2 for the first time on my PS5 and watching it again after some time make me feels sorry for anyone that is watching this shit show. Characters in the game are so well animated that I would prefer watching a collection of the cutscenes of the game instead of this terrible show.

Interesting how the show's botched execution is creating a latent appreciation for the originally divisive game

 

[GymWolf]

Interesting how the show's botched execution is creating a latent appreciation for the originally divisive game

Bad is better than terrible i guess.

 

[HRK69]

 

[Killjoy-NL]

Season 2 is really bad.

The only good thing about it, is the recreation of the Take on Me scene.

And it isn't the performance of the actors. They all do a good job, imo.
But the script and the changes to the story are completely ruining any tension. No sense of a revenge-story whatsoever.

 

[John Bilbo]

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

Gamers criticized the game 5 years ago and are now criticizing the show. Meanwhile both keep getting those awards, lmao.

 

[m14]

Season 2 is really bad.

The only good thing about it, is the recreation of the Take on Me scene.

And it isn't the performance of the actors. They all do a good job, imo.
But the script and the changes to the story are completely ruining any tension. No sense of a revenge-story whatsoever.

That's a very fair view but it's not going to spare you from a patronising Mibu no ookami essay telling you how you're wrong.

 

[DragoonKain]

I'm torn on how to feel about this episode. On one hand it was extremely well done. On the other hand they fucking ruined the ending of the show tonight. They moved the emotional flashback ending of the game into tonight's episode. Like, what the hell?

I have no idea how they're going to end the show now. Except the same ending minus the flashback. Which was key to drive it all home. Maybe it was something contractual with Pedro, I don't know.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

I'm torn on how to feel about this episode. On one hand it was extremely well done. On the other hand they fucking ruined the ending of the show tonight. They moved the emotional flashback ending of the game into tonight's episode. Like, what the hell?

I have no idea how they're going to end the show now. Except the same ending minus the flashback. Which was key to drive it all home. Maybe it was something contractual with Pedro, I don't know.

Not sure what you're really talking about here. This is pretty much exactly how it goes in the game. The flashback you're referring to doesn't need to be the end of the show and it's probably better that it isn't, especially with the show not going back and forth between Ellie and Abby's perspectives.

This season is the end of Ellie's Seattle storyline. Season 3 will be Abby's and maybe Santa Barbara, which will be the end of the show. You don't need this flashback with Joel on the porch at the end of the show.

Maybe you can elaborate on why you think this ruins it.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

Gamers criticized the game 5 years ago and are now criticizing the show. Meanwhile both keep getting those awards, lmao.

The ratings for the show are high and the accolades are coming in. This infuriates many. Real life and the internet are not the same.

Do I think this is a perfect adaptation? No. Do I think Craig has made a lot of mistakes? Yes. Do I think they've rushed where they didn't need to? Yes.

But the show is a success and the decision not to recast Ellie has been rewarded outside of some people who were never going to be swayed to begin with. Note; I suggested that she should be recast and I would have recast her. It would have been unprecedented and HBO obviously made the right call. I wouldn't say she proved me wrong, but she's doing an excellent job and there is no guarantee a replacement would have done better simply looking a bit more mature.

I wonder if this episode will get review bombed or not. It leans into the prestige tv, but the lack of action elements will probably prevent it from getting a really high rating, but episode 7.... oh boy...

 

[ChorizoPicozo]

Gamers criticized the game 5 years ago and are now criticizing the show. Meanwhile both keep getting those awards, lmao.

oh boy, who is gonna tell him?

 

[DragoonKain]

Not sure what you're really talking about here. This is pretty much exactly how it goes in the game. The flashback you're referring to doesn't need to be the end of the show and it's probably better that it isn't, especially with the show not going back and forth between Ellie and Abby's perspectives.

This season is the end of Ellie's Seattle storyline. Season 3 will be Abby's and maybe Santa Barbara, which will be the end of the show. You don't need this flashback with Joel on the porch at the end of the show.

Maybe you can elaborate on why you think this ruins it.

Well, the entire reason Ellie doesn't kill Abby is because she flashes back to that moment where she sees Joel on the porch and it implies(though it doesn't say) after we see the ending scene that the reason she decides to not kill Abby is because when she thinks of Joel she thinks of forgiveness and also thinks that she doesn't want to go as far as he did with revenge. Then when she gets back to the farm, she has that final emotional scene to show us greater context. It's not so much that it "ruins" the ending as much as the ending is now going to be missing one major emotional moment. I think it's going to feel hollow without that moment. Imagine the game not having that moment there. At least for me, I would've felt like it ended with a bit of a dud and anticlimactically. Them showing that scene at the very end, ended on an emotional note and gave immediate context after the fact following Ellie's decision not to kill Abby.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

Well, the entire reason Ellie doesn't kill Abby is because she flashes back to that moment where she sees Joel on the porch and it implies(though it doesn't say) after we see the ending scene that the reason she decides to not kill Abby is because when she thinks of Joel she thinks of forgiveness and also thinks that she doesn't want to go as far as he did with revenge. Then when she gets back to the farm, she has that final emotional scene to show us greater context. It's not so much that it "ruins" the ending as much as the ending is now going to be missing one major emotional moment. I think it's going to feel hollow without that moment. Imagine the game not having that moment there. At least for me, I would've felt like it ended with a bit of a dud and anticlimactically. Them showing that scene at the very end, ended on an emotional note and gave immediate context after the fact following Ellie's decision not to kill Abby.

From a tv perspective, do you think a flashback during a fight scene works? I can tell you that it would not.

It's like wondering why in anime adaptations you don't hear characters internal monologues, because that doesn't work as well in live action.

This is where gamers need to separate the two mediums and recognize when things would work and not work in a different medium.

 

[DragoonKain]

From a tv perspective, do you think a flashback during a fight scene works? I can tell you that it would not.

It's like wondering why in anime adaptations you don't hear characters internal monologues, because that doesn't work as well in live action.

This is where gamers need to separate the two mediums and recognize when things would work and not work in a different medium.

The flashback wouldn't be during the fight scene. It would be a quick flash of Joel on the porch, like this season did in episode 2 where it showed Joel shoot the doctor. Then when she gets back to the farm and plays the guitar, the flashback would happen. How do you think they're going the end the show now? She goes back to the farm and plays the guitar but they just don't have that flashback scene? Then she walks off into the sunset? Don't you think without that flashback, that scene would have a lot less impact? I do. Maybe you don't and that's fine. To each their own.

 

[Hugare]

From a tv perspective, do you think a flashback during a fight scene works? I can tell you that it would not.

It's like wondering why in anime adaptations you don't hear characters internal monologues, because that doesn't work as well in live action.

This is where gamers need to separate the two mediums and recognize when things would work and not work in a different medium.

It's not during the fight, its after the fight. When Ellie goes back to her house with Dina. During her fight with Abby there's just a flash of Joel.

To me yeah, it ruins the impact of Ellie's journey. You aren't supposed to know Ellie's full motivation until the very end. It's by design. Hence why they did it originally in the game.

If you dont mind, then well ... enjoy the show

 

[Mibu no ookami]

I'd give her about a 20-25% chance of winning the emmy this year. She has some tough competition mostly in Britt Lower from Severance. What helps Bella again Britt is that Severance is a really big cast and Britt isn't really the focal point of the show and I can't remember, but there might be whole episodes where she isn't in it or not in it for more than a couple minutes.

 

[MoreJRPG]

From a tv perspective, do you think a flashback during a fight scene works? I can tell you that it would not.

It's like wondering why in anime adaptations you don't hear characters internal monologues, because that doesn't work as well in live action.

This is where gamers need to separate the two mediums and recognize when things would work and not work in a different medium.

Agree 100% A lot of the changes made for TV make sense in the medium. It's not a game and it was never going to be 1:1. A lot of the choices they made they had to make or they'd lose the TV audience completely.

 

[DragoonKain]

It's not during the fight, its after the fight. When Ellie goes back to her house with Dina. During her fight with Abby there's just a flash of Joel.

To me yeah, it ruins the impact of Ellie's journey. You aren't supposed to know Ellie's full motivation until the very end. It's by design. Hence why they did it originally in the game.

If you dont mind, then well ... enjoy the show

Yeah. There's only two reasons I can think of why they did it tonight. Because it was included in the ending of the game for a reason and by design like you said. Not just for the hell of it. Like I mentioned previously, something contractual with Pedro. Where if he's off the show they can't have him in future scenes. I don't know if that's a thing or not. Or given it's very clearly going to be a 4 season series now, they thought the scene wouldn't have nearly as big of an impact in the show 4 years from now(2 year gap between seasons 2 and 3 and seasons 3 and 4) after no one's seen Pedro in it for 4 years. It's different in the game because it's just a matter of hours. And maybe they thought that by the time the show ends, likely in 2029, having one scene with Pedro at the very end would fall flat given no one's seen him in the dam show in years.

That's just my guess. Maybe they'll add some other emotional part in the ending to replace it. Not sure what though.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

The flashback wouldn't be during the fight scene. It would be a quick flash of Joel on the porch, like this season did in episode 2 where it showed Joel shoot the doctor. Then when she gets back to the farm and plays the guitar, the flashback would happen. How do you think they're going the end the show now? She goes back to the farm and plays the guitar but they just don't have that flashback scene? Then she walks off into the sunset? Don't you think without that flashback, that scene would have a lot less impact? I do. Maybe you don't and that's fine. To each their own.

It's not during the fight, its after the fight. When Ellie goes back to her house with Dina. During her fight with Abby there's just a flash of Joel.

To me yeah, it ruins the impact of Ellie's journey. You aren't supposed to know Ellie's full motivation until the very end. It's by design. Hence why they did it originally in the game.

If you dont mind, then well ... enjoy the show

I don't think that gives the audience enough credit. I knew what Ellie's motivations were before the game even came out right from that first trailer I knew what was going to happen. I think most people understand her motivations immediately after Joel dies. I think the show actually does a better job of stringing people along since non-gamers don't realize that Joel and Ellie do talk after the dance.

You're thinking that the scene has to play out the exact same way, but it doesn't. Again, I think you guys are really stuck on a different medium. And this being tv, you need to have more payoff in this season, especially with what will essentially be a cliffhanger at the end of the next episode.

That's like saying playing the game the first time ruins the playthrough a second time because you already knew. If that's the case, why even watch the show? It's the journey, not just the end or an end. They can end it anyway they want. Hell maybe Abby kills Ellie in this ending or the other way around.

 

[ShaikhCroft]

Game of Thrones forgot to edit out the Starbucks cup and now The Last of Us forgot to edit out the man hiding in the bush lol

 

[DragoonKain]

I don't think that gives the audience enough credit. I knew what Ellie's motivations were before the game even came out right from that first trailer I knew what was going to happen. I think most people understand her motivations immediately after Joel dies. I think the show actually does a better job of stringing people along since non-gamers don't realize that Joel and Ellie do talk after the dance.

You're thinking that the scene has to play out the exact same way, but it doesn't. Again, I think you guys are really stuck on a different medium. And this being tv, you need to have more payoff in this season, especially with what will essentially be a cliffhanger at the end of the next episode.

That's like saying playing the game the first time ruins the playthrough a second time because you already knew. If that's the case, why even watch the show? It's the journey, not just the end or an end. They can end it anyway they want. Hell maybe Abby kills Ellie in this ending or the other way around.

It doesn't have to, but to me the ending was the best part aside from the museum. So I'm saying I have concerns about the ending now without that scene being in it. Changing it doesn't mean I'll like it.

As an aside, the preview trailer shows Ellie on a speedboat so we're getting the aquarium. They also showed some stuff in the theater, so I wonder if they'll do the theater moment next week. Could they fit that all in? I figure it made more sense to save that for season 3. In the game that moment happens when you're playing as Abby and then the stories merge, but maybe they are doing it next week.

 

[adamsapple]

From the next week promo trailer.

Seems like the season finale is the natural mid-way point in the game.

Spoiler

 

[DragoonKain]

From the next week promo trailer.

Seems like the season finale is the natural mid-way point in the game.

Spoiler

You think they show the confrontation with Ellie vs Abby next Sunday or no? Because that happens when you play as Abby so they might save that for next season, not sure.

 

[adamsapple]

You think they show the confrontation with Ellie vs Abby next Sunday or no? Because that happens when you play as Abby so they might save that for next season, not sure.

re: spoiler.

No, I don't think that happens at all. That's a next-season kinda thing, especially as you're supposed to be in Abby's PoV for that part. Seems like Season 3 will be all about Abby.

 

[Tiago Rodrigues]

This might have been my favorite episode from the show tbh.

I also enjoyed how they joined the two scenes from the 2 flashbacks like this and the added Eugene part was great as well.

The "because i love you" part was delivered really well from Joel right at the end as well.

Druckman is going to be nominated for some awards due to this and Gaf is going to implode. And...i'll b here for it.

 

[mrqs]

Honestly, today's episode has hit me harder than the second game. The game is a bit too long, and the cutscenes are too spaced out. Having it all like this is a massive gut punch.

Amazing execution. Super emotional.

 

[reinking]

I know I am probably in the minority but I believe she is doing a great job. She isn't considered "cute" but the girl can act.

 

[Hugare]

You're thinking that the scene has to play out the exact same way, but it doesn't. Again, I think you guys are really stuck on a different medium. And this being tv, you need to have more payoff in this season, especially with what will essentially be a cliffhanger at the end of the next episode.

Sorry, but fuck off with this "this being on tv" bullshit. So tired of seeing this shit being used time and time again, when in reality, the best parts of the show were the ones mimicing the game.

They could have done a much more faithful (and better) adaptation if they wanted to. But they didnt. Most episodes (if not all) were written by Mazin who doesnt get those characters at all. Its not because "its a different medium, so they have to adapt" or some other shit, its bad cause its bad.

This was probably the best episode this season, and to no surprise, it was directed by Druckman. The guy who knows his characters. Knows how they act, how they talk. Dialogue was miles better than previous episodes. Many scenes were 1-1 with the game in terms of acting and dialogue, and those showed how Neil's writting is miles better than Mazin's.

He even managed to make Bella act like Ellie, ffs.

I dont hate the show for being different. I hate it for being worse than the game.

 

[Hugare]

Or given it's very clearly going to be a 4 season series now, they thought the scene wouldn't have nearly as big of an impact in the show 4 years from now(2 year gap between seasons 2 and 3 and seasons 3 and 4) after no one's seen Pedro in it for 4 years. It's different in the game because it's just a matter of hours. And maybe they thought that by the time the show ends, likely in 2029, having one scene with Pedro at the very end would fall flat given no one's seen him in the dam show in years.

That's just my guess. Maybe they'll add some other emotional part in the ending to replace it. Not sure what though.

This is ... so nuts, if true.

Seeing the scene after 2 seasons instead of a few hours would hit even harder, imo. Let that shit marinate. You would have experienced so much stuff, so much chaos, and then finally that last bittersweet moment between those two to end the series.

Would have been perfect, imo.

 

[DragoonKain]

I will say this episode felt like The Last of Us. Not just because many of the scenes were word for word, the whole vibe. That's probably my biggest complaint about this season. Many parts didn't feel like The Last of Us. They felt like a high budget CW show. It's no surprise the episode Druckmann directed is the one that had the biggest The Last of Us vibes.

 

[Mibu no ookami]

I will say this episode felt like The Last of Us. Not just because many of the scenes were word for word, the whole vibe. That's probably my biggest complaint about this season. Many parts didn't feel like The Last of Us. They felt like a high budget CW show. It's no surprise the episode Druckmann directed is the one that had the biggest The Last of Us vibes.

I've seen this being pushed online and it's funny how much this exact phrase is being used. It's not at all realistic.

I've seen SEVERAL CW shows in my life especially when I was a kid.

I've also seen CW style and CW quality shows even CW with bigger budget... You're looking at shows like Wednesday and Sabrina... not TLOU...

 

[Neff]

Incredibly strong episode, possibly best of the season. Very clever reorganisation of scenes with new context which actually fit very well, and might even have improved the material.

Seems like the season finale is the natural mid-way point in the game.

Yeah it will be an appropriate shocker to end the season on for people who don't know. One major character dead and another seemingly dead.

 

[DragoonKain]

I've seen this being pushed online and it's funny how much this exact phrase is being used. It's not at all realistic.

I've seen SEVERAL CW shows in my life especially when I was a kid.

I've also seen CW style and CW quality shows even CW with bigger budget... You're looking at shows like Wednesday and Sabrina... not TLOU...

What I mean is cheesy and unserious not the subject matter. The parts where Ellie acts like they're having fun out on a vacation really take me out of the vibes of The Last of Us and the fact that they're in an apocalypse. This episode felt like the game. It felt grounded, raw, serious, with a lot at stake, on a multitude of levels.

 

[GooseMan69]

Not surprising that episode 6 was easily the best of the season so far. Amazing what happens when Druckmann writes and directs instead of that other hack. The gap in quality is astounding. Say what you what about Neil but he runs circles around everyone else HBO has brought in. I also put some of that on Neil though. He should have been more of a gatekeeper. Like "No Craig, that's fucking stupid. We're not doing that"

All of the goofiest, most idiotic scenes in the show were Craig's doing.

 

[Roni]

So far, only thing I would've changed in the show is omit more of the Abby stuff in the beginning: don't have her monologue at all during Joel's death and don't show anything from Salt Lake. Then, have Nora reveal that Abby killed Joel because they're Fireflies and the doctor was Abby's father and cut Episode 5 when Ellie says "I know". Then have episode 6's flashback, and pick Episode 7 back at Nora's and have Ellie go full torture on her; or just start Episode 7 at the theather and have some flashes from Nora's death. Could've been Red Wedding levels of hype, but they sort of spoil themselves by having Abby's scene in the opening and have her spill the beans during Joel's death.

My best guess is they did that on purpose to ease the impact Joel's death would have on people. Tried to keep as much of the audience around, but destroyed an epic reveal for those who would've stuck around regardless.

 

[DForce]

Best episode of the season by far. It's probably my favorite episode of the TV series.

The porch scene was excellent...maybe even better than the video game version. I think this scene fits better at the end, and I wish they included the line where Joel says, "I'd like that" after Ellie tells Joel she'll try to forgive him, but it's still great.

This season debunks a lot of narratives that people have pushed over the years about the cure and Ellie killing hundreds of people because of revenge. lol

 

[Roufianos]

It's amusing that so many people who wrote off the game at release are now going back to the game since the show came out and are now appreciating the game after hating on it.

Not sure if it's a testament to how good the game is or how bad season 2 of the show is

Aha, not for me. It's just reminding me of how much I hate the source material. Was really hoping they'd improve it but have somehow made it worse.

 

[CellarDoor81]

This season debunks a lot of narratives that people have pushed over the years about the cure and Ellie killing hundreds of people because of revenge. lol

That's interesting, can you elaborate on that?