"The Last of Us" TV Show Review: Good But Not Ground Breaking...

​"The Last of Us" is a popular post-apocalyptic video game series that has captivated gamers for years. Now, the series has been adapted into a television show, which premiered on HBO  or Sky Atlantic for us British viewers in 2023. Now that the season premiere has aired, I thought I'd give my honest opinion.

​The show has received positive reviews from fans and critics alike, but it falls short of being a masterpiece. In this review, we'll take a closer look at "The Last of Us" TV show and explore why it's good but not ground breaking IMO.

The TV show is based on the first game in the series, which follows the story of Joel, a grizzled survivor, and Ellie, a teenage girl who is immune to the virus that has devastated humanity. Together, they must journey across a post-apocalyptic America to find a cure and save humanity.

The TV show does an excellent job of capturing the bleak and brutal world of the game. The cinematography and production design are top-notch, and the show's creators have succeeded in creating a sense of tension and danger that permeates every scene. The performances of the actors, including Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramsey as Ellie, are outstanding, and they do justice to the characters that fans have grown to love.

However, despite these strengths, the show falls short of being amazingly good. One of the main reasons is that the story of the TV show closely follows the plot of the game. While this is understandable, given the popularity of the game and the need to satisfy fans, it also means that there are no surprises for those who have played the game. The TV show fails to add anything new or different to the story, which limits its impact and makes it feel like a re-tread of the game's plot.

Another issue with the show is that it can be slow-paced at times. While the slow burn can work well in some shows, it can also lead to a lack of engagement from viewers who are looking for more action and excitement. The TV show takes its time to establish the characters and their motivations, but it can feel like a slog at times, especially for those who are already familiar with the game's story.
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In conclusion, "The Last of Us" TV show is a good adaptation of the video game series, but it falls short of being a masterpiece. While it captures the mood and atmosphere of the game, it fails to add anything new or different to the story. The slow pace of the show may also put off some viewers who are looking for more action and excitement. Nonetheless, the performances of the cast, the cinematography, and the production design are excellent, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the game and post-apocalyptic stories.