The Last Of Us Episode 5 Review
Credit to: Naughty Dog, Sony and HBOThis one was So, so sad
Welcome back, y’all! This time around, we’re taking a look at the fifth episode of The Last of Us! Now you know how much I’ve expressed how emotional this series is, but this episode really kicks it up a notch. It doesn’t deviate a whole lot from the events of the game, but it does add in extra details to really make sure you get hit right in the feels… and I love it. But let me stop right there, because I really want to talk about this episode. Without any further ado, let’s jump right into it.
Pros
Let’s start talking about the characters of Henry and Sam, played by Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard respectively. For those unfamiliar with the game, let me introduce you to them. These two are brothers, making their way through the apocalypse. In the show, they’re a bit more than just that. Sam is deaf, so the two brothers communicate using ASL here. They both live in Kansas City, the same city that was “liberated” by the rebel faction led by Kathleen, the woman from the last episode. In a super deep way, we find out that Henry and Sam have some serious beef with Kathleen, and this is the episode where we realize it’s them she’s looking for and why. Not only is it super spoilery to say why there’s beef, but it would really ruin the emotional impact of it all, so really, just watch it for yourself. Henry being the older brother just wants to make sure Sam is safe. It’s simple, but it’s relatable for those who have younger siblings, or siblings in general, really. Being the good sibling that he is, he still makes sure that even during these hard times, he tries his best to keep Sam entertained. He talks to his brother any chance he gets, and I think that the humanity of it all is a nice touch. It’s faithful to the character, which is something that should make fans happy. Now, there’s Sam. Sam is an 8 year old boy who, as mentioned before, is deaf. He communicates using ASL, or writes on a little magic eraser board that hangs around his neck. He trusts his brother, and feels safe knowing that he has him to protect him, but him being a child is still afraid of certain things. Keep the concept of fear in your head, because it’s something that’s the main theme for the episode. The concept of fear is something that not only affects him, but it affects Ellie too. This is something that the two kids relate on, and it’s something that brings the episode to an absolutely horrific end. See, this series is great at pulling on our heartstrings and playing with our emotions, but this episode hurt. Really, really hurt.
Let me talk about Kathleen. She’s great here. After diving into her history a bit, I now understand her motives. I understand what makes her the way she is. She shares part of her history with the others in Kansas City, and that’s what helps us understand her more after we understand the problems the city had with FEDRA. It’s always uncomfortable being able to relate with an antagonistic character, but this is a case where she has a legitimate reason to be so driven. She’s hurt. That’s something that all of us have felt, and it’s made us react, whether it was for better or for worse. Her group has clearly questioned her, but after one of her most trusted soldiers hears her out and takes the time to listen to her, he and the rest are all ready to do what she needs to be done. But, things eventually come to a screeching halt for Kathleen, for Joel and Ellie, and Henry and Sam, when we’re introduced to something from underneath. Something that eventually bursts from the ground, and swarms the entire outer Kansas City area. This is the biggest situation we’ve ever seen our protagonists go through, especially after we’re introduced to something even scarier: A new (not so new for seasoned fans) type of Infected. One that literally tears apart anyone unfortunate enough to stand before it. After all this, we’re eventually brought to the saddest thing we’ve seen yet. We revisit the concept of fear. We’re forced to wonder, is someone still themselves on the inside after turning into a monster? Guess we’ll never know.
I’m sorry.
End of episode.
Cons
You can ignore this section, because yet again, I have to consider this a perfect episode. This one was so emotional, and it was pretty faithful to the game for you sticklers. I loved it.
Final Thoughts
This is officially the best live action adaptation of a video game of all time. I don’t want to hear it. Sonic? Good movies, but they don’t touch this. Tomb Raider? Yeah, okay. Cute. Resident Evil- Get out of my face with that nonsense. This is the best. Simple as that. Not only is this a legit love letter to the old fans of the first game, but it’s a heartwarming welcome to any of you newbies out there. This episode was perfection. That’s it. But what did you all think? Let us know on our Instagram, and make sure you’re following to stay up to date with the latest and greatest entertainment news and reviews. But that’s all from me, this has been The Wolf Den!
