The show feels back on track
This episode just encapsulates everything Joel and Ellie's relationship is supposed to feel like. The season as a whole has felt a little empty with how every episode has very charged moments and very low moments at the same time. You kind of don't know what to expect every Sunday, which is way this episode felt great. Amazing cinematography, proper pacing and the final scene of both of them, executed in the most beautiful way possible. With that said, its not a perfect episode and I wish I could give it a 8.5 instead of a 9, but honestly the issues I have with this episode in particular are completely personal. The main problem for me was that in the game that final scene in the episode was also the final scene of the game which I felt was more impactful because of it ending on it. I was a little annoyed at it being showed so soon, so even though I loved the scene I kind of wish they kept it secret for longer. With that said, this episode was directed by Neil Druckmann who is the director and creator of the game, which only proved to me how much better he understands the characters in contrast of Craig Mazin, especially because of how different the tone felt. So is this episode action pack? No, but that is not the point of the story. The heart of this show are its characters and their relationships in this unforgiving world. So to finally see what happened all those years between them, only makes the narrative of revenge and death far more compelling. I really hope they can keep this momentum going into the final episode because it feels like they finally got their footing. But, with Craig Mazin at the wheel you never know.
- abelyair
- 18 may 2025