Initial pledges to remain as close to the 2013 video game source as possible were thankfully honored in the new HBO TV series The Last of Us.
However, the differences noticed so far have divided audiences. While these changes seem minor to some, the vocal minority are disappointed producers haven’t remained 100 percent loyal to the revered Naughty Dog game.
‘The Last of Us’ The Timeline
The Game: The story begins in late September 2014 before fast-forwarding 20 years to 2033, where we catch up to our protagonist Joel who has adjusted well to life in the apocalyptic wasteland.
The TV Show: The first episode opens with a 1968 television conversation about the likelihood of future fungal outbreaks. The show kick-started a decade earlier, in 2003, before taking the same 20-year shift forward and landing in 2023.
Joel’s Time in the Quarantine Zone
The Game: Unfortunately, there’s little information detailing Joel’s time in the zone or his dealings with Tess. His time with Tess tracking down Robert after a deal went awry is featured. Afterward, Tess pulls the trigger on the unreliable arms dealer.
The TV Show: The show decides to cast a light on Joel’s time in the quarantine zone until the present day. It certainly helps viewers understand the character a little more. A key difference here, though, is when tracking Robert, he’s already dead, and instead, they encounter Marlene.
The Spores
The Game: This airborne virus causes havoc for the player and is a fundamental barrier in the struggle for survival. Ellie can breathe in these life-ending spores without harm, which leads Joel to question her immunity against the virus.
The TV Show: Spores are absent from the TV show. Instead, Ellie’s potential immunity to the virus was shown via her outcome when bitten by an infected. The lack of spores doesn’t make this world any less frightening, and parasites are core to the virus spreading.
Why Joel Left
The Game: Finding Marlene is why he and Tess turn their back on the quarantine zone. Though, the matter of missing firearms is still rather pressing. Tess thinks resolving this is easily achievable — all they need to do is escort Ellie to the Capitol Building.
The TV Show: Joel is searching for his brother Tommy and is eager to reconnect. In the game, Tommy joined the Fireflies gang, a primary source of the ire in Joel’s life. The reason for their separation in the show is still under wraps.
Tess’s Sacrifice
The Game: The group reaches the Capitol Building to find it took back by the military. Tess reveals her condition before encouraging the others to go on and promising to delay the military. Joel turns around to see her mortally wounded.
The TV Show: Upon reaching the Capitol Building and finding the Fireflies wiped out by an infected member, the group gets overrun with infected. Tess stays behind and uses the gas and grenades in the building to ensure Joel and Ellie’s safety.
Bill and Frank
The Game: Bill is alive, while Frank has already taken his own life after getting infected.
The TV Show: Co-writer and co-creator Neil Druckmann hinted towards things being a little different for the next episode of The Last of Us by admitting that some fans will get annoyed. Be sure to tune in and find out!
