There's One Game Mechanic From The Last Of Us That Needs Uploading To The Show
Contains spoilers for "The Last of Us" Season 1, Episode 4 — "Please Hold My Hand"
We're four episodes into "The Last of Us," and it's safe to say that HBO's adaptation isn't putting a foot wrong. Despite taking a different path from that of the game (such as giving more time to Sarah as well as Bill and Frank's heartbreaking stand-alone episode), the tone and execution of bringing Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) to the small screen have been relatively glitch-free. This is finally a video game adaptation that isn't concerned about marking the checklist that makes fans go "they do that in the game" with every frame. Instead, there's a harrowing but meaningful tale to tell, and the game's creator, Neil Druckmann, and "Chernobyl" showrunner Craig Mazin are playing well together so far in bringing it to life.
That being said, there's nothing wrong with giving the occasional nod to the medium that "The Last of Us" originally gripped audiences in that could also propel certain characters in the show in an interesting direction. One potential candidate who may fit the bill is Joel, who could well be colliding with an all-new character in the story. We're referring to Kathleen (Emmy-nominated "Yellowjackets" star Melanie Lynskey), from whom Joel and Ellie are currently hiding. It seems inevitable that a heated confrontation is on the horizon, one that could see Joel put his game face on and handle things in a way fans would be happy to see if done just right.
Is Joel about to get crafty on The Last of Us?
One of the core elements that make the "Last of Us" game such a gripping experience is the struggle for survival and the rationing of the tools to help. Steel pipes used like bats make a more lethal impact if they have a pair of scissors taped on the end of them. For those who are keen on a more explosive approach, things like nail bombs and Molotov cocktails can be crafted at the workbenches that are, in small numbers, scattered throughout the game. These pit stops can mean the difference between life and death against either the Infected or opposing factions. But we haven't seen Joel (whom you control in the game) put his hand to making these kinds of doohickeys on the show. Yet.
Given that the haul he takes from Bill's (Nick Offerman) place in Episode 3 is gone after he and Ellie are ambushed by Kathleen's men, Joel is outgunned and massively outnumbered even with the two new potential allies who appear in this episode's closing moments. It's likely he's going to have to apply more unorthodox methods to defend himself and protect Ellie to ensure their survival — and what better way than with some makeshift tools that are likely to come with very sharp edges? If a light bit of detective work and previous teases are anything to go by, chances are, that is most definitely going to be the case.
Posters and teasers hint that Joel might be nail bombing a Bloater in next week's episode
We're not that educated in subterranean maintenance, but Perry (Jeffrey Pierce) foolishly locking down whatever is heading toward the surface through that secret sinkhole points toward the likelihood of it bursting open next week being pretty high. If so, there comes the even greater chance that we're finally going to see the debut of one of the game's (literally) biggest bosses, the Bloater, which we already got a glimpse of in the final shot of the trailer released last year.
Bloaters are some of the longest-suffering victims of the fungus and have become totally overwhelmed by their growths. Tougher than your average Clicker, Bloaters also have the extra lethal element of throwing their mycotoxin pouches, which are deadly to anyone within range. Good thing, then, that as indicated by Joel's character poster (via IMP Awards), he might be packing nail bombs (a classic tool in the game) to put some distance between him and any Bloaters he and Ellie may come across. Here's hoping he's fully tooled up when "The Last of Us" continues next week.