Becoming way too emotionally invested in Joel and Ellie. The gut-wrenching weight of every decision. That slow, guttural, stuttering sound of a clicker on the other side of a wall. The Last of Us wasn’t just a game – it was an experience. A cinematic masterpiece (yes, even before HBO and Sky Atlantic got involved) that proved games could be as narratively enthralling and emotionally impactful as the best of Hollywood.

And now, with The Last of Us Season 2 ready to hit our screens this weekend, the conversation isn’t just about what’s next for Joel and Ellie – it’s about how gaming has redefined storytelling, sparked global fandoms, and become a force in the entertainment industry and beyond.

A strong adaptation stands as its own masterpiece by embracing what made the game exceptional from the start, transforming it into a cinematic experience that delights both die-hard fans and newcomers alike. It respects the source material, rather than just slapping a famous title on a mediocre script. The Last of Us did this perfectly. 

For starters, it wasn't afraid to go deep. This wasn’t your bog standard ‘survive the apocalypse and shoot up a load of zombies’ kind of tale. It was a brutal, emotional, gut-punch of a story, where taking out the monsters took a back seat.

In fact, The Last of Us is more about human connection than anything else. About love born from loss. And, if you ask me, the evolving relationship between Joel and Ellie is a masterclass in character development. There’s something universally moving about two broken people finding comfort in each other… even if that comfort sometimes involves a morally questionable decision or two.

Joel’s actions at the end of Season 1 sparked debates that haven’t stopped since the game first released in 2013. Was he right? Was he selfish? Does love justify radical actions? It’s the same grey-area storytelling that made epic shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones pop culture juggernauts. 

And let’s not forget to talk about Bill and Frank. In just over an hour, the show delivered one of the most tender, honest portrayals of a same-sex relationship (in my humble, romantic opinion). That sweet yet tragic episode broke the internet, won hearts globally, and left me a snivelling, snotty mess all three times that I’ve watched it.

You see, The Last of Us didn’t just include LGBTQ+ characters as tokens. It gave them space and natural depth. Ellie herself, openly queer, is now a powerful protagonist, offering LGBTQ+ representation in gaming and TV for younger fans who may have rarely seen themselves represented in these worlds before.

If the show follows the game (which I have a feeling it will), then buckle up. Without getting into spoiler territory, those of us who’ve played The Last of Us Part II are prepared for things to get intense. And emotional. IYKYK.

Season 2 will likely introduce us to Abby, a new central character who stirs the pot. A lot. Expect themes of revenge, grief, and the cyclical nature of violence, paired with big emotions, bold storytelling, and potentially a fair few people yelling at their TVs.

Bring tissues, and a cushion to hide behind.