Fans of HBO’s The Last of Us have had an emotionally draining week, as episode 3 was yet another gut punch. Although Tess’ self-sacrifice in The Last of Us occurred a week ago and your face is still covered in tear stains, a different kiss in this week’s episode sent viewers on an emotional roller coaster.
In the third episode, there was an abrupt jump back to September 30, 2003, just a few days after the pandemic originally started. And before diving in, a word of caution. Spoil Alert for those who haven’t seen the episode yet!
Fans are in emotional ruin with the latest episode of The Last of Us
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The 2013 original game’s plot had to undergo some significant adjustments for the HBO adaptation, but these changes were all for the better.
The third episode of The Last of Us, “Long Long Time,” which focused on the romance between survivalists Bill and Frank, was extremely well-received by fans. It aired on January 29 and focused on the post-apocalyptic romance between actors Bill by Nick Offerman and Frank by Murrary Bartlett.
In fact, Bill rejoiced at the end of the world. He constructed what he believed to be the ideal shelter for when things go wrong since he was a believer in a variety of conspiracy theories, and distorted beliefs, and was surrounded by firearms.
Long, long time. pic.twitter.com/h1e92sLsBp
— The Last of Us (@TheLastofUsHBO) January 30, 2023
However, this episode demonstrates that having someone to live for, even for those who have buried themselves so deeply as Bill, makes all the difference.
ALSO READ: The Last of Us Series Episode 3 Review: Don’t Tread on Me
Online sources of the episode have received largely excellent feedback, with viewers appreciating Bartlett and Offerman’s subtle performances as well as the way the relationship between the two characters was written.
“One of the beautiful things for me about this experience was being paired with Nick and finding that both of us wanted to just go there. Go to the places that the script asked us to go to, to be vulnerable, and to fill out what the script was asking us to do,” Barlett disclosed to Complex.
Some even referred to the episode as the show’s high point thus far. Below are some of the best fan comments.
One of the best and most powerful TV episodes I’ve seen in a long time. #TheLastOfUs 🍷 https://t.co/iyvcngPLeX
— Shona Riddell 🌊🌄🏊♀️🪴 (@ShonaRiddell) January 30, 2023
Tuned into the last of us Episode 3 expecting zombies… got depression instead 😭 pic.twitter.com/CJGz1WoChA
— David Neville (@DavidNevillle) January 30, 2023
The way the episode ended was heartbreaking and heartwarming, truly beautiful.
This was one of the best love stories and best gay love stories I've ever seen on television. Thanks, HBO.
— 𝕊𝕦𝕟𝕕𝕒𝕖_ℂ𝕝𝕒𝕦𝕤 (@SundaeDivine) January 30, 2023
who gave u the right to drop such a masterpiece and expect me to spend the rest of the day as a functionnal human being like nothing happened
— αngie (@bowleggedean) January 30, 2023
They need awards for this performance. Captured every emotion romance movies try to capture, but better, all in under an hour.
— somehow palpatine returned (@matthewxmeehan) January 30, 2023
Idk how people are saying this episode was bad or even terrible. I thought it was fantastic and the writing was absolutely beautiful. I couldn’t be happier that these two got to live a long life together.
Way better than their story in the game.
— BasedLegoMaul (@LegoDMau1) January 30, 2023
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This little break in the action to catch our breath with such a touching episode of love & humanity in the face of an apocalyptic outbreak was beautiful! Wonderful performance Nick Offerman & Murray Barlett! @Nick_Offerman @Neil_Druckmann #thelastofus pic.twitter.com/DxRi4h2t2m
— Chris Pudel 🇨🇦🏳️🌈 (@CPudel) January 31, 2023
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