With fans anticipating the remaining episodes of HBO's The Last of Us series, fans of the original video game created by Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann will be aware of the potential new additions that could be seen here. While the first episode mostly maintained a large majority of the original's format and plot points, many were pleased to see unique innovations, with expansions on the opening sequence.
Based on this, many may assume that the upcoming episodes will follow the same formula, but with the trailers including new characters and scenes such as Bill and Frank, there is a high likelihood that these additions will be across the board.
Spoilers Ahead
5 Joel & Tess Flashbacks
One of the heartbreaking aspects of the journey for Joel is the eventual loss of Tess after being bitten and choosing to sacrifice herself in the midst of a standoff with FEDRA. During this sequence in the game and prior to this, it is implied that Joel and Tess are or at least were once lovers and a lot more close than the story lets on. With the first episode of the TV series, fans get a closer glimpse at the pair and further indications of a romance are showcased despite no full confirmation.
Considering the fact that the series is following the format of the original game and Tess' death plays an integral part in the story, it would be a great opportunity for fans to see flashbacks of Joel and Tess' relationship before the start of the 20-year time skip. As another Last of Us game being released is unlikely to be a prequel or any following of Joel's journey after his fate in Part 2, this would be the perfect opportunity for the series to delve deeper into the pair's closeness and expand on the toll it takes on Joel.
4 Joel & Sarah Flashbacks
Given the present effects Sarah's death has on Joel in the series with the dreaming and recollection of the tragedy, it opens up the door to new scenes in the midst of Joel and Ellie's path. As episode one already ended with Joel being reminded of losing his daughter to another armed soldier and lunging at one of the FEDRA officers brutally beating him to death, there is no telling what could be left of this later on in the next episodes.
As Joel and Ellie begin to warm up to each other, and he begins to protect her like his own daughter, these could very well be followed up with new scenes that showcase the parallels between Joel's relationship with Sarah before the outbreak, and his relationship with Ellie. This would all add further impact and reasoning as to why Joel went out of his way to take down a plethora of Fireflies, and stop the fatal surgery on Ellie in an attempt of creating a cure.
3 Joel & Tommy's Fallout
As well as the video game, The Last of Us HBO hints toward the fallout of Joel and his brother Tommy, but also the idea that Marlene was the cause of it all. Aside from the argument and confrontation between the brothers in the game after Tommy's refusal to take Ellie, before being ambushed by enemies, fans will know that there is not much more information given on the matter, and where it all stemmed from.
With the indication of Marlene supposedly being at the forefront of their split, it is a great chance to further expand on this and verify how and why the pair had so much bad blood regarding their past.
2 Ellie's Immunity
One of the biggest and most important story plot points in The Last of Us is Ellie's immunity, but fans are yet to discover why this is the case nor how it came to be. This is one of the many things fans expected to see in The Last of Us Part 2, but rather followed a story in which Ellie seeks to avenge Joel's murder. While the possibility of the TV series adding new information as to how Ellie's immunity came to be is unlikely depending on Naughty Dog's plans for a third installment, the series could still hint at it.
As the story's main components are Joel and Ellie, and her uniqueness in the apocalyptic world, this would stand as a pivotal reveal and may finally answer the questions that many fans have held since the release of the first video game.
1 Fireflies' Origins
Despite the original games sharing some information regarding when the Fireflies were formed, and what their purpose is, there is still an opportunity for the TV series to showcase more of its origins. Disbanding after the events of the first game, it is implied that there are still members of the Fireflies banded together after Abby is able to get into contact with one via radio before being captured by Rattlers.
Given the fact that Tommy was once a part of the group, The Last of Us HBO could reveal more information about the Fireflies through his eyes and perspective, and possibly include new dialogue sequences in the final stage of story where Joel attempts to save Ellie.
The Last of Us is now available on HBO Max.