The Last of Us will be receiving a television adaptation in 2023, which could expand the fan base of the IP. With nine episodes filmed and stars such as Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal taking the lead, it is no surprise that it is being labeled one of the most expensive productions ever in Canadian history. Although nine episodes are enough to tell Joel and Ellie's search for the Fireflies, it simply won't do for its sequel, The Last of Us Part 2.
The Last of Us Part 2 is focused on Ellie, but it also spends quite a lot of time focused on her rival, Abby. It takes a while for players to eventually sympathize with Abby after the heinous act she commits, and for some players, the moment never comes. If the sequel receives a television adaptation, it will need a lot more episodes to do the narrative justice.
The Last of Us Part 2 and Its Action Aesthetic
As a sequel, The Last of Us Part 2 borrows a lot from its predecessor. Much like the first title, the gameplay is composed mainly of shooting and stealth. The main enemies include both humans and various types of infected that each come with their own vulnerabilities and attacks. Surviving in this world requires almost obsessive scavenging to gather enough resources to craft the necessary tools and ammunition. There are numerous advancements to gameplay, however.
The Last of Us Part 2 lets Ellie jump and go prone for stealth, which adds a layer of nimbleness to the way playable characters move. Characters are also able to use the environment to their advantage, such as by hiding under beds, climbing onto roofs, or disappearing underwater. All these elements make encounters with enemies far more dynamic and expand the range of possibilities available when tackling adversaries.
Stylistically, the game mains the grittiness of the first game while cranking up the action set pieces. The Hollywood influences are as numerous as they are obvious, with the first version of the game sporting a movie-esque grain filter to give it more of a cinematic feel. Long cutscenes intersperse gameplay and help drive forward the plot. The result is a game that feels as though one is playing an action movie. This is great for a television adaptation of the game, as it means its source material will be easier to take to a different medium. There are big issues that arise when considering how to adapt The Last of Us Part 2, however. Most of these problems lie with the length of the game and the complexity of the plot. While The Last of Us may get away with nine episodes, the sequel needs more.
The Last of Us Part 2’s Length and Complexity
The Last of Us Part 2's narrative is as central to the experience as the gameplay. Five years after the first game, there is no cure for the infection, and it continues to ravage society. Formal government and large human societies are nowhere to be found in America, and the world is truly a dystopian place. Joel has found relative comfort in a settlement known as Jackson. He lives there with Ellie, his brother Tommy, and his brother’s wife, Maria. In Jackson, Joel is relatively safe, and he is able to establish a life that vaguely resembles the one he used to live before the outbreak. To keep Jackson safe, patrols outside the settlement are necessary, and these usually require firearms in case any zombies cross Joel’s path. However, this is nothing he has not dealt with before.
Though Ellie resents Joel for rescuing her from the Fireflies, she does tell him that she would like to try mending their relationship. These words bring Joel to tears. Ellie’s opportunity at reconciliation is taken away from her the very next day when, while she is out on patrol with her friend Dina, she learns that Joel and his brother Tommy have gone missing. Alarmed, Ellie immediately searches for them until she comes upon a mansion. Upon entering, she is ambushed by a group of strangers who she discovers have also attacked Joel and Tommy. Overpowered, she is forced to watch as Joel is killed in front of her.
It is easy to label Ellie as a victim of a heinous villain, but the story is far more complex than that. Joel’s killer is the daughter of the surgeon he killed to save Ellie. After showing Abby committing extreme violence against a protagonist, the game takes a long time to humanize her and illustrate what motivated her to take things so far. In the end, it becomes evident that Ellie and Abby are two sides of the same coin. Doing the same thing in a television series will also take time, as it is a delicate process that cannot be rushed.
The Factions of The Last of Us Part 2
There are also various factions to consider. The Last of Us does not feature much complexity in this region, with the main powerful parties being FEDRA and the Fireflies. With The Last of Us Part 2, there are also the Washington Liberation Front, the Rattlers, and the Seraphites to take into account. These factions have become a part of the world of The Last of Us, and they will also deserve time for viewers to learn about them.
The Last of Us HBO show has yet to debut, though screenshots and trailers make it apparent that it is a high-production project. As has been reported, although it will remain faithful to the game, it will also expand on it and reveal new details. This ensures there are surprises for longtime fans and newcomers.
The Last of Us Part 2 is available on PS4.
