It’s no surprise that Episode 3 of the highly anticipated The Last of Us TV show was one of the most talked about episodes in the series. Written and directed by Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin, the episode dives into Joel and Ellie’s backstory in ways never before seen. And now, the showrunners have opened up about why they chose to focus on this particular part of the game universe, and what the episode meant for the characters.
The episode kicks off with the tragic story of how Joel’s brother Tommy died, something that shaped the character’s entire life and a key part of the game’s story. While there have been many flashbacks in the series up to this point, they all felt slightly removed from the present and what was happening, which is why Neil and Craig decided to move it back to the center of focus.
In a recent Q&A session on social media, Neil commented on why they chose to do this: “It was important to us that we explore the characters’ motivations for the actions they take throughout the show, the ones that make them who they are. And, it’s through these moments, we better understand the connections between them and how this trauma shaped them. There is a ripple effect happening between Ellie and Joel, and the events of Episode 3 are the core of it.”
The Last of Us also deals heavily with themes of mortality and loss, and this episode was no exception. Craig commented on the meaning behind the episode and how it went further than simply exploring backstories. “Mortality and loss are themes that run throughout the entire show and Episode 3 really brings them to the forefront and explores how people deal with those situations. It’s a heartbreaking event and it reminded us how fragile and short life is, something that the characters are dealing with each and every day.”
Episode 3 of The Last of Us is a powerful reminder of how stories and characters can bring profound messages to life. From the impact of tragedy on the characters to exploring how loss can force us to reconsider mortality, the episode managed to paint a vivid and thought-provoking picture of Joel and Ellie’s journey and their connection to one another. It’s clear that the showrunners put a immense amount of thought and care into the episode, and that their passion for the material was evident from start to finish.
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