Ep 1. When You're Lost in the Darkness

The Last of Us season 1 episode 1, titled "When You’re Lost in the Darkness," introduces viewers to a world that has become a post-apocalyptic wasteland following a deadly outbreak of a fungal infection. The episode begins with a gripping prologue that sets the tone for the entire narrative.

The opening scene shows how chaos has erupted as the military tries to contain the infected and evacuate citizens from the city. We see Joel (played by Pedro Pascal) and his daughter, Sarah (played by Nico Parker), trying to escape the city and join Joel's brother in Boston.

As they speed through the abandoned streets, they encounter shocking scenes of brutality and panic. The two narrowly dodge a group of panicked civilians and are almost hit by a military truck as they try to navigate through the chaos. Eventually, they make it to safety, or so they think.

The scene then jumps to 20 years later, where we see Joel not as the devoted father, but as a grizzled and tough survivor who navigates through the post-apocalyptic wasteland. During this scene, viewers get an idea of how much the world has changed. We see how people have formed different factions to survive and how difficult life has become for even the strong-willed.

We are introduced to the character Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey), who Joel is tasked with transporting across the country. She's no ordinary girl - Ellie has been infected with a different strain of the fungal infection, which has left her immune to the virus and made her the key to the fight against the infected.

The journey is fraught with danger, and at every turn, Joel and Ellie find themselves fighting for survival. Along the way, they encounter other survivors, both friendly and hostile, and we see the lengths people will go to stay alive in this new world.

The episode is well-structured and uses flashbacks to give the viewers an idea of what the characters have gone through to get to where they are in the present day. It's a somber and emotive tale of survival set against the backdrop of a world that has been decimated by an unknown fungal infection.

The acting in the show is excellent, with Pedro Pascal nailing the persona of a toughened survivor who still retains a vestige of his humanity. His portrayal of the character is nuanced, and you can sense the pain he carries with him as he navigates this dangerous new world.

Bella Ramsey also puts in an excellent performance as Ellie, portraying a teenager who is tough, resourceful and wise beyond her years.

The episode's pacing is spot on, with the tension building up gradually until it reaches a crescendo in the final scene. It's not just a mindless action-thriller, but a thoughtful reflection on the human condition and how we react in times of crisis.

Overall, The Last of Us season 1 episode 1 sets the stage brilliantly for what is to come in the rest of the show. It's an engaging, emotional and gripping first episode that leaves you wanting more. The characters are well defined, and you find yourself rooting for them in their quest to survive in a world that has changed beyond recognition.