"The Last Of Us" episode 3 is a masterpiece
Or, how I did not expect to find the most gorgeous love story in a show about fungus.
I almost abandoned this newsletter to the content wasteland, so it feels fitting my return is to share thoughts on a show about a post-apocalyptic wasteland …
My husband and I are a bit behind in watching, "The Last Of Us," so I missed a lot of the initial chatter surrounding the third -- and arguably best -- episode of the series.
I am going to do my best to limit spoilers, and won't say what happens in the end, but if you prefer going into this episode without knowing anything about it (which I did), stop reading now.
The episode titled, “Long, Long Time,” starts off with Joel and Ellie continuing their journey west. Along the way, the pair pass by a mass grave, which segues the episode into the story of a nearby town evacuation that did not end well for its inhabitants.
That is, save for one man, Bill, a “survalist" who evades the government forces by hiding in his well-stocked underground bunker.
Emerging from his home Bill (portrayed brilliantly by Nick Offerman) finds his town deserted and uses the opportunity to stock up on supplies and build a fortress around his home.
Some time passes by, and Bill discovers a trespasser on his property. After determining this man wasn't infected like previous unfortunate souls who stumbled upon his land, Bill reluctantly agrees to let the man, Frank (Murray Bartlett), come in to his home for a meal and a shower.
During their first moments together, Frank gives Bill the the space to open up about his sexuality, which he never had the chance to embrace or experience. What was meant to be a short-term transactional relationship in the beginning unfolds into a caring partnership, as the episode depicts the couple still together months and years after their initial meeting.
How the joy, pain, boredom and every emotion felt in a relationship could be captured in just one episode is a testament to the writing of Craig Mazin and directing of Peter Hoar. I don’t remember crying so much while watching a show since “This Is Us.”
The episode was terrific not only because of the gorgeous storytelling and the beauty of capturing a loving relationship thriving in impossible times, but because it challenged so many notions of who people can be and what love can look like.
Gun-loving, conspiracy-theorists who also happen to be gay exist.
Gay people in long-term relationships go through the same happiness and trauma as many heterosexual pairs.
People with vastly different backgrounds and views can find love under the right conditions.
Men being caring and vulnerable is something to be celebrated.
Some narrow-minded critics thought there was an “agenda,” and that if the episode featured a straight couple it wouldn't be as lauded.
I agree, to an extent. The episode would have still been beautiful if it focused on a heterosexual relationship that showed the challenges the couple faced over time and how they cared for one another while the world was falling apart. However, the choice to have the episode center on two men, and show the kind of love and tenderness is possible amongst males (regardless of sexual orientation).
One of my favorite moments of the episode was when Bill turns to Frank and says something along the lines of, “I wasn't afraid of anything until you came her.” I know many of us, as parents, partners, or in any position that involves us caring for another human can relate to this sentiment.
As of this writing, I have not watched episode 4. I suspect it will be just as thrilling as ones before, but it will take a lot to match the beauty and brilliance of “Long, Long Time.”