“Joel Dying on This…” – The Last of Us Showrunners Shared How HBO’s Influence Changed the Outcome of Episode 7

Based on Naughty Dog’s magnum opus gaming series, The Last of Us television series on HBO Max is by far one of the highest-rated and critically acclaimed shows of the year. The show is the direct adaptation of the story from the games with some deviations and creative liberties. The original co-creator and director of the Last of Us, Neil Druckmann, is also one of the showrunners of the series. 

Although most of the main decisions for the show are taken by Neil and co-producer Craig Mazin, the distributor of the show HBO also has some say in the final product. In the post-episode podcast of the show, the showrunners shared that HBO’s ‘suggestions’ made them make some big changes in episode 7. 

HBO’s ‘suggestions’ shaped the new episode of the Last of Us

In the previous episode, Joel and Ellie finally tracked down Joel’s lost brother, Tommy. However, instead of saving him, they got to know Tommy is thriving in a closed-off community in Jackson city. From there they learn about a nearby FireFlies base where Ellie can be taken to, which was the initial aim of the journey.

Read more: The Last of Us Show: Fans Cast their Perfect Choice for ‘Abby’ in Season 2

(spoilers for the latest episode)

However, things didn’t go as planned. On their way, Joel gets severely injured when a foe stabs him in the gut. With her companion in such a state, Ellie had to take things into her own hands. The episode showcased how fiercely capable Ellie is on her own, and also a terribly tragic interaction between Joel and Ellie. 

Although this wasn’t supposed to be in the episode. In the original plan for the episode, the showrunners wanted to focus on Ellie and Riley’s relationship. But HBO suggested that they should also give some light on the “Story at hand”. The whole opening scene of Joel, on the verge of death on a mattress in an abandoned basement, wouldn’t have been in the episode if HBO hadn’t suggested it. 

“Joel dying on this mattress in the basement with this very iconic blanket (jacket in the show) on and I love the way how the episode starts with Joel telling her to go,” said co-producer Craig Mazin. The showrunners loved the change that was made due to HBO’s influence, as it added a new layer to the relationship between Joel and Ellie.

Episode 7 very closely adapts the story of the Last of Us part 1 DLC, Left behind. That is why this change in the episode not only enhanced the story but also increased the show’s truthfulness to the source material. 

WATCH THIS STORY: Top 10 changes in the Last of Us Remake 

What do you think about the latest episode of the Last of Us? Do you think the ending of the series will be able to stand up to the hype? Let us know in the comments below!