The episode explores the importance of Joel mourning Tess's death and feeling self-recrimination for his actions, highlighting the themes of grief, self-reflection, and the complexities of guilt.
The episode delves into the relationship between Bill and Frank, showcasing the contrasts between self-sufficiency and the need for connection, and illuminating the themes of love, pain, and the challenges of long-term commitment.
Deep dives
The Importance of Mourning and Self-Recrimination
The episode explores the importance of Joel mourning Tess's death and feeling self-recrimination for his actions. It shows his care and emotions as he stacks rocks in a simple Karen to apologize for his mistakes. Similarly, Ellie addresses the situation and establishes a detente by agreeing to be civil during their hike.
Bill and Frank's Relationship
The episode delves into the relationship between Bill and Frank, portraying the contrast between Bill's self-sufficiency and Frank's need for connection and love. It showcases their interactions, conflicts, and how their relationship mirrors the themes of love, pain, and the complexities of long-term commitment.
The Impact of Loss and Grief
Through Bill and Frank's story, the episode explores the themes of loss and grief in the context of romantic love. It demonstrates how love involves pain and the fear of losing someone, while also highlighting the moments of happiness and the profound connection that love brings.
Joel's Choice and the Beginning of Joel and Ellie's Journey
The episode ends with Joel making the choice to protect and guide Ellie, despite his previous failures. It sets the stage for their journey as a partnership, with Joel outlining rules and Ellie beginning to show her own strength and resourcefulness.
Host Troy Baker and Showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann talk about the departure the series took into the story of Bill and Frank. Craig and Neil also reveal the thinking behind casting Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett to portray this middle-aged love and reveal an easter egg reference to the game that shows up at the end of the episode. HBO’s The Last of Us podcast is produced by HBO and Pineapple Street Studios.