The Last Of Us episode 2 gives fans one of the most iconic and famous scenes from the gaming franchise brought to life – but also explains the outbreak in a way we haven’t seen before.
This adaptation proves that the creators genuinely care about the games and lore they created. Additional adaptational changes help keep things fresh, providing longtime fans with something new to look forward to.
First Time Fans Will Witness the Outbreak
The Last Of Us episode 2 starts in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, where the outbreak is said to have started. Those with sharp ears will have heard that mentioned a time or two in the first episode of the season. Now, we get a close-up look at what exactly went down.
A doctor of Mycology is suddenly whisked away from her lunch by soldiers and driven to a lab in a highly eerie and concerning way. She is confused as to why they need her, but it becomes apparent when they show her a sample that was taken from a human.
Surely they must be mistaken, she says. This species of fungi can not usually survive inside humans. But, unfortunately, they are wrong. This is where it is revealed that the fungi have evolved – much like the expert in episode 1 suggested could happen.
The Last of Us Episode 2 Presents the Grim Reality for Humanity
The doctor examines the infected body, specifically around a bite mark on her leg. It is explained that this woman became irritable at a flour factory (the perfect breeding ground for fungi, of course) before attacking four other workers. She was eventually executed, as were the other four, after they started to exhibit the same behaviors. The issue lies in that they do not know who bit her. And when the doctor asks how many other workers are missing, they reply that there are 14 of them they cannot locate.
Well, this is not good news.
Her face immediately shows just how much trouble humankind is in. She states there is no vaccine, medicine, or cure for this type of infection. There is, quite literally, nothing they can do to stop the spread. She suggests bombing the city and hoping it has not yet spread outside of it. She then asks, through tears, to be brought home to her family so she can be with them in the end.
A Popular Scene Brought to Life
After this, we meet up with Tess, Ellie, and Joel.
Joel and Tess are watching over Ellie and demanding to see her bite to ensure it is not getting worse. As they continue their journey, they need to cut through abandoned buildings that are overcome by plant life. Fans will be excited at just how similar this looks to the video games, while the amazing visuals will completely engross newcomers.
Throughout the journey, Ellie explains where she was bit — at an abandoned mall. She claims to have been all by herself, but anyone who played The Last Of Us DLC knows the truth, which we are sure will eventually come out.
Eventually, they are forced to cut through a museum, and game players know precisely what is coming. We finally get our look at the clickers. These creatures cannot see because of the fungi growing over their faces. Instead, they use their sense of hearing to determine where people are and are extremely fast when they decide to attack. Joel, Tess, and Ellie must make their way quietly through the museum.
The Last of Us Episode 2 Does a Great Job Showcasing the Infected
It doesn’t take long before they make some noise and are attacked. Unfortunately, Joel completely misses a few headshots, which will have game players feeling his pain. They succeeded in getting out of the museum, but it was a close call.
They arrive where they were supposed to meet up with the Fireflies, but they have been killed. It seems that one or more of them turned, and they all lost the fight, as Joel said. Fans of the game know exactly what is coming, however. As more infected close in on their location, Tess sacrifices herself.
Why would she do this? Well, she reveals that she has been bitten. She knows that she will turn eventually, so she might as well go out helping Joel and Ellie escape. As they run out the back way, she sets the building on fire, killing the infected and herself.
Overall Thoughts
The decision to tackle the actual outbreak so early on in the season is a brilliant one. This allows the premiere to focus more on taking scenes from the actual game, sucking in both fans and newcomers to the series, and then providing more explanation in week two. Seeing how everything started is enough to send chills down anyone’s spine, as it is all too realistic and feels like it could actually happen.
Joel, Ellie, and Tess exploring truly feels as it does in the video games. This will undoubtedly make longtime fans extremely happy. The Last Of Us has done a great job with the set pieces, and we are confident it will only improve from here.
The infected look exactly as seen in the game, with the clickers being done exceptionally well. Many have noted this after a quick glimpse in the trailer, but seeing it amid the story really is jaw-dropping.
Things are just getting started here, but so far, we cannot even fathom that The Last Of Us will stop being perfect.
