The third episode ofThe Last of Uspacked an emotional punch for critics and audiences around the world. This episode was a surprising narrative shift, veering away from the game’s story. Shifting focus away from Joel and Ellie’s journey allowed viewers to learn more about this world. The third episode focused on two minor characters from the video game, Bill and Frank. Both characters play small roles in the game to teach players new gaming mechanics. Their story in the game wasa dark tale of hate and regret. Instead, the television series changes the story to something quite moving.
Writer Craig Mazin considered it a necessity for audiences to “take a breather” from the two previous tense episodes. Instead of a bleak love story, episode three turns the character’s journey into one of hope. Taking liberties made this episode an emotionally moving and profound love story. Changing this part of the story serves a purpose for all the characters in this cinematic retelling. The starting point of this episode’s success is the performances of Murray Bartlett and Nick Offerman.
The Performances and Structure Anchor the Story
A key ingredient of the episode is the structure of how Bill and Franks’ journey unfolds. Audiences still get moments of Joel and Ellie to start and bookend the episode. As the perspective shifts, viewers are introduced to Bill as a type of survivalist. Turning his home into a fortress is the closest the character gets to his game counterpart. It is not until he stumbles across Frank (Bartlett), that the episode’s heart begins to unfold. Offerman’s performance helps emotionally engage viewers in the story.
Related:The Last of Us: What Was Changed From the Video Game?
This version of Bill almost did not happen as Offerman almost turned down his role. Instead, he is able to bring the character’s guard down once he meets Frank. Watching their relationship blossom feels like you are watching a real couple. Their bonding over Linda Rondstats’sLong Long Timeis where the heart of the episode shines through. It is at this moment that viewers begin to generally care for their outcome. Starting that relationship allows a perfect opportunity for a flashbackwith Joel and Tess.
A dinner betweenthese four charactershelps to deliver the emotional crux for audiences. Joel sees this earnest relationship and plants the seed of a hopeful future being a possibility. While following up with a tense action sequence, viewers become deeply involved in Bill and Frank’s fate. Audiences have spent time going through the highs and lows with the characters. Watching their journey makes their eventual fate a heavy wallop for viewers, especially when Joel and Ellie return. Once Ellie reads Joel the note Frank left after a joint suicide, the dots are connected. Frank and Bill’s journey was meant to show Joel that a prosperous future can be a reality.
Bill and Frank’s Story Gives Joel His Purpose
The phrase “When You’re Lost In The Darkness"is a term to describe the group the Fireflies. Shown as a message on the walls in episode one, it serves as a reminder of where Joel started. When the series begins he is a man who has lost his purpose in a post-apocalyptic world. Joel continuously refers to Ellie as “cargo,” which expresses his emotional distance. It is an understandable coping mechanism in regard to the loss of Sarah in episode one. This defense of Joel’s does not crack until he arrives with Ellie at Bill and Franks’s home.
Related:The Last of Us: How the Show Is Changing Video Game Adaptations
Before Bill meets Frank, he is a character that is very akin to Joel. Both men are willing to do whatever it takes to survive. The respect both men establish for each other makes what happens later have an impact. When they find Bill’s letter, it serves as an epiphany for Joel, Ellie, and the audience. Episodes one and two establishedthe bleak survivalist mentalitythis world called upon its survivors. This rule is what Joel lives by to make it in the infected world. Listening to Bill’s letter changes everything audiences have learned about Joel’s character.
Once Joel and Ellie stock up on Bill’s supplies, the episode ends on an optimistic and hopeful note. Ending withLong Long Timegives audiences a newfound optimism for Joel and Ellie’s future. Watching Bill and Frank’s decade-long journey answered one of life’s most powerful statements. True love can persevere no matter the obstacles that are thrown in its way. Bill teaches Joel that his purpose has been staring at him all along, keeping Ellie safe. Instead of simply reading the letter, viewers were able to uncover that idea by watching Bill and Frank’s journey.
Without seeing Bill and Frank’s story, it would be harder for viewers to engage in the main journey. Now, we the viewers have a goal to hope that Ellie and Joel will achieve over the series. There are certainly going to be highs and lows, but now audiences and the characters have a guiding light. Seeing a story of humaneand honest loveallows a sense of perseverance to be achieved. That sense of joy and happiness makes episode three ofThe Last of Usa perfect love story.
