Two years after the broadcast of season 1, The Last of Us returns to our screens on April 14. As part of the series' promotion, HBO set up camp last night at the Grand Rex to present the first episode in an exceptional preview. We were lucky enough to attend, and here is our opinion.
The Last of Us: a successful game and series
The Last of Us was initially a video game developed by Naughty Dog. Released in 2013, at the height of the zombie hype, along with The Walking Dead, the PlayStation exclusive was able to capitalize on this craze by transposing it into a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by people infected with cordyceps. The adventures of Ellie and Joel moved players, and since 2023, they have also shocked viewers thanks to the HBO series adaptation. Season 1 of The Last of Us, like the game when it was released, was a huge success, both with audiences and critics. The series has received no fewer than 24 Emmy Awards. It is considered one of the best video game adaptations ever made. It had a solid foundation to make it so, but it also knew how to add its own unique touch, as evidenced by the now famous episode 3. For season 2, the foundation was just as good, The Last of Us Part II having been for a time the most awarded game in history. We wondered what the series could possibly change with such a well-crafted storyline, and this first episode already gives us some answers.
The Last of Us season 2: a very good introductory episode
Named "Future Days", this first episode takes place five years after the events of the first season. We find Joel and Ellie in Jackson, a city that has evolved considerably and seems almost "normal". This episode is an opportunity to see the evolution of the characters we've followed so far, and it's clear that their relationship has changed a lot. The final moments of the previous season continue to resonate in the present, and Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey bring a lot of depth to the complexity of this bond with their performances. This first episode is also an opportunity to discover the new characters we'll be following throughout this second season. Whether it's Dina, Ellie's "best friend," or Abby, each of them is introduced to lay the groundwork for the stakes to come. Despite a sometimes light atmosphere, we feel a real pressure during this episode, the threat constantly hanging over Jackson and its inhabitants. It's an introductory episode, sure, but make no mistake: the action is definitely there. Fans of the game probably think they know what it's about, and they'd be right... but not completely.
The Last of Us: A Season 2 That Will Be Different From the Game
This second season intends to go further than the first in terms of new additions. Indeed, from the very first sequence, the series moves away from the original game. HBO has made a major change that alters the narrative, and it's not the only one. The part taking place in Jackson is longer, which allows for deeper relationships, particularly that between Ellie and Dina. The two participate in a new patrol where they have a strange encounter. Abby will get the same treatment, and not just physically as we saw before. One thing is certain: players will recognize certain elements, whether narrative or pure gameplay, but will appreciate the differences, and they are clearly not at the end of their surprises.
After the episode, we were treated to a little taste of what will happen during the season with images already seen in the trailers, but also some new passages. We were able to see that the plot will tell the story of the game, but in a different way. The initial part in Jackson is likely to be longer than expected, with greater importance given to Abby and her group. For the rest, we invite you to follow season 2 to discover all the surprises, which will undoubtedly be as good as the first if we are to trust this first episode.
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