The third episode of The Last of Us aired on Monday, and fans have said it is one of the “best episodes of television ever.” Just three episodes in, and HBO’s post-apocalyptic drama is breaking viewership records, and has already been picked up for a second season.
The latest episode took the spotlight off protagonists Joel and Ellie and introduced viewers to Bill, a paranoid survivalist living alone in a deserted and fortified town. When lone wanderer Frank stumbles into one of Bill’s many booby-traps, the pair develop a strong romantic bond, and live together in relative peace for more than 15 years.
Though based on the acclaimed video game of the same name, episode three deviated from its story quite dramatically and took the opportunity to flesh out the backstory of a popular character of whom fans knew little about before the events of the game. The two actors at the heart of the episode – Parks and Recreation’s Nick Offerman and The White Lotus star Murray Bartlett – have been lauded for their performances, and have already been tipped for awards recognition for their “raw and intimate” portrayal of an LGBT+ love story.
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Following the episode’s gut-wrenching ending, many fans have been left “in bits,” and have taken to social media to share their devastation, as well as argue that the episode is one of the best in television history. On Twitter, Mike Flanagan, showrunner of Netflix’s Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, said: “Tonight’s episode of #TheLastOfUsHBO is one of the best episodes of television I’ve ever seen.”
@AdamBowler131 said: “Episode 3 was the best hour of television I’ve seen in Years. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett, take a bow. In bits.”
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@TheJosieMarie echoed: “The third episode of #TheLastOfUs is one of the finest moments in television history. It’s so delicate, raw, and intimate. Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett give award-worthy performances. If you don’t cry, I don’t trust you.”
@ThatBlurayGuy said: “The Last of Us episode 3 is probably one of the best episodes of television I’ve seen in a long time. A beautiful, tender, and real depiction of love. Utterly heartbreaking and tragic. Just incredible stuff. Nick Offerman is brilliant.”
@mr_sjpatterson added: “#TheLastOfUsHBO just casually delivering one of the greatest episodes of TV ever made in less than three weeks on the air. Haven’t stopped sobbing or thinking about it. Perfection, which is not a word I used often.”
The Last of Us airs on Mondays at 9pm on Sky Atlantic and will be available to stream with Now.
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