The Last of Us is fresh off its most critically acclaimed episode yet, and both cast and crew have been vocal about how the series pulled the emotional episode off. According to co-creator Craig Mazin, part of the recipe for success was Nick Offerman's casting as Bill.
The Last of Us tells the story of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) as they struggle to survive in a post-apocalyptic, mushroom-ridden landscape. However, episode 3 of The Last of Us told a compelling story away from the infected, taking a departure from the main characters and instead focusing heavily on Bill (Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), two men who meet, fall in love, and live their lives throughout the apocalypse.
On The Last of Us' official podcast, Mazin discussed what made Offerman a natural fit for the role. “Vince Gilligan [Better Call Saul showrunner] said once that he loves hiring comic actors for non-comic roles,” Mazin said. “Because they have an innate humanity that is there underneath the drama, and they understand the absurdity of the world because that is the bedrock of comedy. And I think Nick is a great example of what Vince is talking about. He just, there’s a humanity to him underneath this gruff, angry, closed-off man.”
The Last of Us changed Bill's story for the better. In the game, Bill is a side character who only appears briefly. Frank and Bill were together before the events of the game, but it's eventually revealed that Frank became infected and committed suicide. Frank, therefore, does not have a big role in the game, and there's no life-spanning romance at play.
Though some fans did not know that Bill was gay in The Last of Us video game, the character outright calls Frank his "partner." He also appears agitated after finding out about Frank's passing. However, the two have a seemingly more acrimonious partnership in the game.
The Last of Us episode 3 was an excellent moment in LGBTQ+ representation. Bill and Frank's story plays out as its own narrative, not a side quest. The two do die in the show, but their death comes after years of living together and making a peaceful life together amid the apocalypse. As the series continues to expand and begins to explore other LGBTQ+ characters, the episode serves as a good sign.
The Last of Us airs every Sunday at 9 PM on HBO and HBO Max.
Source: HBO Max/YouTube (via Collider)
