Ep 2. Infected

The Last of Us is a highly acclaimed post-apocalyptic action adventure video game franchise that has recently been adapted into a television series by HBO. With its season 1 episode 2, Infected, the show dives deeper into the world that is already familiar to the gamers.

This episode builds on the foundation laid out by the series premiere, where we learn about the fungal pandemic that has wiped out most of humanity. The story picks up with Joel and Ellie on the road, making their way towards the Fireflies, who they hope will be able to help them find a cure for the pandemic.

Infected takes viewers on a thrilling journey through the dangers that are prevalent in this new world. From the infected humans who have turned into zombie-like creatures to the equally dangerous survivors who would stop at nothing to get what they want, the episode serves up moments of fear and panic that leave you on the edge of your seat.

The episode opens with Joel and Ellie scavenging for supplies in a small town. However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when they encounter a group of hostile survivors. In the ensuing firefight, Joel is wounded, and they are forced to flee into the woods.

As they make their way towards the nearest town, they encounter one of the infected mutants, a Runner. The infected seem to be attracted to noise, which means that Joel and Ellie have to move quietly and use stealth to avoid them. This sequence introduces viewers to the core gameplay mechanics of the original game and showcases how adapted those are for the series.

However, not everything is as it seems, and soon they discover that the infected are not the only thing they need to worry about. With the introduction of a mysterious military group, the episode takes on a new dimension of danger and pressure. Joel and Ellie's encounters with the new characters make for some of the most intense moments of the episode, and they add an extra layer of complexity to the story.

The episode also takes a deep dive into the characters of Joel and Ellie. We get a sense of how their experiences have shaped their personalities and how much they rely on each other for support. We see the emotional toll the post-apocalyptic world has had on Joel, who has become hardened by his experiences. However, we also see glimpses of his softer side, especially in scenes where he interacts with Ellie.

Ellie, on the other hand, is a spunky and resilient character, determined to survive in the new world, despite the horrors she has witnessed. Her interactions with Joel are some of the highlights of the episode, and their bond is a testament to the excellent writing and acting that went into the show.

Overall, Infected is an excellent continuation of the story, which capitalizes on the elements that made the game so popular. It gives viewers a deeper look into the world and its characters and leaves them wanting more. The stakes have been raised, and it's clear that Joel and Ellie's journey will only get more dangerous and thrilling from here.