The Last of Us Episode 5 Review: When Endurance Runs Out!

Hopelessness comes not from our failures, but from happenstance quashing every single of our attempt to do better. That’s what the latest episode of HBO’s The Last of Us tells its viewers about life. Unlike the previous episode, which was just a setup for what’s to come, this one gives a conclusion that remains as shocking as it was in the game.

In episode 4, we were left at Sam and Henry pointing their guns at Joel and Ellie while Kathleen was on hot in pursuit of all four of them. This time we know the reasons and we know where all their paths lead!

There are worse places to be than the Apocalypse!

The fifth episode of the Last of Us starts with a lot of exposition. We are shown how Sam and Henry left the trail that Kathleen and her makeshift army were following. We are shown Kathleen standing in her childhood home, reflecting on her deeds and trying to stay strong. And we are told why Kathleen took that wicked path in the first place.

FEDRA remains present but only in conversations, and it appears, once again, it was FEDRA who was responsible for all that havoc.

Henry convinces Joel to combine forces in order to escape the two. And we are shown some iconic sequences designed very faithfully. They look as remarkable as they were in the games. Joel sneaking to stop a sniper and a very un-ceremonious introduction to the show’s version of Bloaters.

In the game, Bloater shows up when we search the town with Bill. But in the series, they show up in this episode during a very different sequence.

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The story moves forward as anticipated. Things happen and Ellie finally gets that kick in the guts, and Bella Ramsey makes us feel that kick with her near-perfect performance.

This episode is yet another heart-breaking tribute to its source material and is sure to leave the viewers stunned!

The actors were at the top of their game

Unsurprisingly, Bella Ramsey touches on every tiny aspect of Ellie’s character. There’s a scene where we see her giving a character one last moment of peace. And in another scene, we see it on her face as every last bit of hope leaves her. If the makers have done anything perfect with this show, it was casting Bella as Ellie.

Pedro Pascal is Joel, and he shows as much acting prowess as the character of Joel allows him to. He is a brilliant actor and you see him portray that always cautious character effortlessly.

Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard play Henry and Sam beautifully. There would always be a jury out about why makers decided to present Sam as a deaf individual, as it did not serve any purpose at all. But Keivonn, who is a deaf actor, did make us feel his fear and his sadness. Hope to see the little guy at Emmy’s.

Finally, Melanie Lynskey plays a very generic villain who does not care about anything or anyone but her revenge. It could have been far better, but sometimes some characters are out of an actor’s reach. Maybe that was the case here. Or maybe she was asked to play Kathleen this way, sadly we would never know.

Greener pastures await!

This episode ended with us feeling miserable, but the story ahead would allow viewers a much-needed breather. Only if makers decide not to throw us another curveball similar to Episode 3.

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If not, then we would meet you guys next in Wyoming!