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The Last of Us Season 2 Episode 3, “The Path,” takes viewers deeper into the emotional aftermath of Joel’s death and sets the stage for Ellie’s journey for revenge. Temple of Geek’s Danielle and Olivia provided an insightful discussion about the episode, highlighting key moments and changes from the game.
Reactions and Changes from the Game for The Last of Us: Season 2, Episode 3 – “The Path”
Both Danielle and Olivia, hosts of the Temple of Geek podcast, acknowledged the continued deviations from the game’s original storyline. Olivia, a self-proclaimed “purist,” expressed initial reservations about the changes but admitted that they often make sense for the show’s narrative. She states, “As the episode goes on, just like every week, I just kind of have to accept that the changes are going to happen. This is an adaptation. It is not the game.”
Danielle noted that certain parts of the episode’s pacing felt rushed, especially for game players. However, she also considered how these changes might be perceived by viewers unfamiliar with the game, suggesting that the pacing might work better for them.
One of the significant changes discussed was the three-month time jump following Joel’s death. While the game depicts Ellie dealing with her grief almost immediately, the show allows time for her physical recovery and for the town of Jackson to begin rebuilding. Olivia found this jarring but acknowledged that it made sense within the context of the show’s narrative.
Ellie’s Emotional State
A pivotal scene in the hospital, where Ellie interacts with Gail, was a highlight for both hosts. They praised Bella Ramsey’s acting, particularly the subtle shift in Ellie’s demeanor as she leaves Gail, revealing the depth of her suppressed emotions. Danielle described it as, “Her entire face just slowly changes. And I was like, there it is.”
The hosts also delved into Ellie’s visit to Joel’s house, emphasizing the emotional weight of the scene where she finds his jacket. Olivia described this moment as “devastating” and praised the inclusion of the jacket-sniffing detail, a small but significant moment from the game.
The conversation between Gail and Tommy provided further insight into Ellie’s character. Gail’s observation that Ellie was perhaps only ever honest with Joel sparked a discussion about the nature of Ellie and Joel’s relationship. Danielle appreciated the show’s exploration of this, noting, “I really love that’s one of the things I love about the show is that it dives into that it shows that Ellie has had this in her this entire time and it’s why her and Joel fit together so well because they see that in each other.”
Olivia agreed, emphasizing that Ellie and Joel hold up a mirror to each other, for better or worse.
The town hall scene, where the community debates whether to pursue Abby and her group, was another key point of discussion. The hosts analyzed Ellie’s speech, recognizing its manipulative undertones, and her struggle to reconcile her desire for revenge with the community’s safety. Olivia pointed out the show’s exploration of democracy and community, contrasting Jackson’s approach with the violence seen in other factions like the WLF and FEDRA.
Cry Tracker and Standout Performances
Danielle and Olivia shared their “cry tracker” moments, with both hosts admitting to being moved to tears during several scenes, particularly those involving Ellie’s grief. They also named Bella Ramsey as the standout actor of the week for her portrayal of Ellie’s complex emotions. Danielle also gave credit to Gabriel Luna for his portrayal of Tommy.
The episode also introduced the Seraphites, a new group in the Last of Us universe. The hosts discussed how the show presented them differently than in the game, providing more context and humanizing them. Olivia praised the explanation of the Seraphites’ whistle system and the exploration of their beliefs and values.
As the podcast concluded, Danielle and Olivia shared their anticipation for the upcoming episodes. Olivia expressed her desire to see more of the Seraphites and their dynamic with the WLF, while Danielle is looking forward to seeing Ellie face the consequences of her actions.
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