The Last of Us

[domino harvey]

I’m aware that a lot of my complaints are those shared by a certain hostile faction of this IP, but I wasn’t even all that hot on this show during what were allegedly its “good” parts. I find Ramsey’s character and performance, especially this season, utterly incapable of now anchoring a show like this, and the weird tonal inconsistencies of her journey are… not it. I think the error of casting an actor on the strength of a popular meme-type cameo character from Game of Thrones to lead an expensive, prestige-aspiring show like this has proven unwise. And I don’t appreciate that criticisms of this nature must invariably be pushed away by many as just incel fodder. It’s a bit like people who defend the Illuminati’s existence by saying any proof offered against it is proof for it.

Anyways, as I said, I abandoned ship. My gf, who liked this show much more than me, also gave up on it after the infamous inciting act, as I suspected she and many others would

[Never Cursed]

No, that makes sense, and I would never have assumed that you in particular were coming to this story from that perspective. It always baffled me that someone so young and with such little acting experience compared to their castmates was cast in the show's most important role, and it doesn't really surprise me that they aren't proving capable of carrying it following the exit of their more famous co-star with a more defined and reliable screen presence

[aox]

I find Ramsey’s character and performance, especially this season, utterly incapable of now anchoring a show like this

I'm not as down on this as you are, but your worries are reasonable and probably correct from what I have seen. I'm sticking with it for now, but I am trepidatious. My partner and I aren't gamers and know nothing of this IP; however, she told me that a small spoiler revealed by The Guardian from the video game has:

Spoiler

Abby will eventually be the lead character (woman who killed Joel)

If that happens, I'm out. It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia is all of the psychopathic characters I can handle right now.

[Never Cursed]

Spoiler

Abby will eventually be the lead character (woman who killed Joel)

Spoiler

It's not so much that she becomes the lead as you see the principal events of the story first through Ellie's eyes and then through Abby's, justifying her actions while calling Ellie's into question. I think the game so poorly mishandles this concept that it isn't worth taking seriously as a story, but it isn't just a perspective switch.

It's also worth noting that apparently this season won't even cover all of the events depicted in the second game, so if you like this story you'll be rewarded Surf Dracula style by having to wait another two years for the resolution

[aox]

Spoiler

Abby will eventually be the lead character (woman who killed Joel)

Spoiler

It's not so much that she becomes the lead as you see the principal events of the story first through Ellie's eyes and then through Abby's, justifying her actions while calling Ellie's into question. I think the game so poorly mishandles this concept that it isn't worth taking seriously as a story, but it isn't just a perspective switch.

It's also worth noting that apparently this season won't even cover all of the events depicted in the second game, so you like this story you'll be rewarded Surf Dracula style by having to wait another two years for the resolution

Thanks for elucidating on this. Appreciate it.

[therewillbeblus]

I guess I'm the only one who likes this show more since the early season twist. I never really got what the fuss was about in season one, and still don't love the series - but I don't like zombie shows in general and find the balance of drama and action better handled here than in most. Ramsey is annoying, but her attitude is leveled by Isabela Merced's perf, which feels honest and lived-in, and she's a welcome addition to the cast (as is O'Hara's therapist). I'm finding the Seattle plot to be intriguing - especially Wright's mysterious leader. It'll probably all boil down to something predictable and hackneyed, but episodes 3-5 worked for me and I wish this arc wasn't interrupted last ep. Though I should probably be giving the show props for its sense of economy and not overstretching itself if this'll get some narrative resolution by the end of the next ep, and not go on forever like so many series out there

[The Curious Sofa]

In its second season the show has well and truly become "Elevated The Walking Dead", with the same themes and plotlines, just higher production values and a more artsy approach. I'm fine with Bella Ramsey's performance; her occasional awkwardness fits the character. However, the show has been less compelling since she was teamed up with Isabela Merced instead of Pascal. And is there anything new to say about the corrupting power of vengeance?

That's not to say you can't still have fun with a zombie show. I only discovered All of Us Are Dead this year, and it was a blast. Despite great reviews, I stayed away because I couldn't believe they could sustain the premise over twelve episodes, most of which are over an hour long. But this high school version of Train to Busan rarely flags, and its (mostly) one-location premise really works.

[therewillbeblus]

I'm very skeptical about this show continuing to be good next season

Spoiler

as I have no interest in following Abby - though I am mildly curious about the dynamics between their group and this cult, dumb as it seems

This season benefited from being short, and i doubt I'd have praised it at all if it lasted much longer. I appreciate the curt deaths - people coming in and out with minimal drama and characterization, not built up over entire seasons or multiple seasons like Walking Dead did. They're not trying to squeeze sentimentality, but deliver earnest reactions of confusion and panic when shit hits the fan. Here one second there's evidence of a dynamic's growth, and then bam, character is dead and time to move on. It's brutal and antithetical to the TV modality, but completely appropriate for a zombie show.

[The Curious Sofa]

Despite my reservations, I probably will watch the next season and centering it on a different protagonist may just give it a shot in the arm. Kaitlyn Dever is a good enough actor to carry the show.

[therewillbeblus]

I love her in everything I’ve seen her in, until this. Her character comes off as cartoonishly maniacal. Though I’m sure they’ll give her a heart of gold next season or something to offset that perspective

[The Curious Sofa]

I didn't think so at all. She's been in this very little so far and for obvious reasons in an emotionally extreme state for most of it and she played it well.

:

[therewillbeblus]

Even her entire team has been like 'Woah Nelly' in her presence as she salivates for blood and forsakes tact for a primitive emotional drive. Agree to disagree per usual

[domino harvey]

The co-creator has left the series (perhaps not voluntarily)