'The Last of Us' Robbed Ellie of Game's Most Important Reveal

'The Last of Us' Robbed Ellie of Game's Most Important Reveal
Image credit: HBO

The Last of Us rushed storytelling got us worried. HBO took too many creative liberties with one of the game's most emotionally charged moments.

From Ellie's bizarre reaction to Dina's pregnancy to the introduction of the completely new character, The Last of Us has taken bold risks already. However, as we approach the finale, this particular creative decision stands out as potentially the most controversial one yet.

‘The Last of Us’ Is Rushing Through Joel and Ellie’s Flashbacks

'The Last of Us' Robbed Ellie of Game's Most Important Reveal - image 1

The latest episode of the series follows the relationship between Ellie and Joel, including the porch scene, which occurs much later in the game. That's where we start having some issues.

The show managed to squeeze the flashbacks into one dense episode. In the game, however, these moments were given room to breathe. The game allowed players to absorb the emotional weight of Ellie's vengefulness. And the reveal of the porch scene was pivotal in understanding her perspective.

Ellie’s Descent Into Madness Is Lost Because of the Changes

'The Last of Us' Robbed Ellie of Game's Most Important Reveal - image 2

In the game, players gradually pieced together Ellie's descent into darkness. The distance between them prior to the tragic events made her vengeful turn all the more complex. And when we finally get to the porch scene, all the puzzle pieces fall into place: Ellie regrets being resentful toward Joel.

“Show, don't tell” is the main reason players came to love the game, but it seems like the show is taking a slightly different approach, giving away everything at once.

The HBO adaptation seems to be in a hurry to wrap things up, which feels like a missed opportunity. Rather than gradually revealing flashbacks, they threw everything at us at once.

What Do Fans Say About ‘The Last of Us’ Porch Scene?

'The Last of Us' Robbed Ellie of Game's Most Important Reveal - image 3

Is it lazy writing? Or is it HBO's deliberate attempt to streamline the story? Whatever the reason, fans can't help but feel a bit cheated by how the show handled one of the game's most pivotal revelations.

"This is just insanity to me. It's on the same level as putting the I Am Your Father scene in star wars near the middle. Things are put in certain places in a story for good reason!" Redditor Thunder_Punt pointed out.

'The Last of Us' Robbed Ellie of Game's Most Important Reveal - image 4

“Not just where it was, but that they COMBINED IT WITH THE CONFESSION. Ellie is ready to forgive Joel 15 seconds after he confirms what he did. F– hell. This decision lost me. I'm f– floored that they went this direction,” Redditor Bojangles1987 wrote.

And what do you think about Episode 6?

When ‘The Last of Us’ Finale Comes Out?

The finale airs next Sunday at 9pm ET on HBO and Max.

🧡
😁
👏
🤔
😡
Crush of the day
Jenna Ortega - Crush of the day
Jenna Ortega From: Wednesday

She's one of our favorite things.

or
Hot (67%) Not (33%)