The Last of Us Season 2: A Disappointment?
The highly anticipated second season of HBO's The Last of Us has concluded, leaving many viewers, including the speaker (referred to as "Kun Captain"), feeling lost and disillusioned. Despite high hopes following the critically acclaimed first season, the second season has been largely considered a failure, with the speaker even likening it to "shit."
Initial Expectations vs. Reality
The first season of The Last of Us was praised for its faithful adaptation of the game, its compelling storyline, and its high production quality. It achieved impressive ratings, with an 8.7 on IMDb and a 9 on Douban. However, the second season has been met with significantly lower scores (7.5 on IMDb and 7.3 on Douban), with some episodes scoring even lower than the lowest-rated episode of the first season.
Issues with the Source Material
Many believe the core issue stems from the game The Last of Us Part II itself. The game is criticized for its controversial narrative choices, including the violent death of a beloved character and a storyline focused on revenge and forgiveness that many found unsatisfying. These controversial elements, compounded with what some consider excessive LGBT representation and melodramatic plotlines, made for a challenging adaptation.
Casting Controversies and Performance
One of the biggest points of contention has been the casting of Bella Ramsey as Ellie. While Ramsey's performance was considered passable in the first season, her portrayal in the second season has been heavily criticized. The speaker highlights Ramsey's perceived lack of emotional range and inaccurate physical portrayal of the character.
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Ramsey's performance is described as lacking depth, often resorting to shouting or appearing blank-faced.
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Critics argue that Ramsey struggles to convey the complex emotions of the character, especially in scenes requiring vulnerability or nuanced expressions.
Script and Character Deviation
Beyond casting, the script and characterization of Ellie have also drawn criticism.
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The speaker argues that the show's version of Ellie is excessively abrasive and unlikeable, lacking the complexity and depth of the game character.
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The motivations and actions of Ellie are described as inconsistent and often nonsensical, particularly regarding her relationships with other characters.
Questionable Narrative Choices
The speaker also criticizes several specific plot points and narrative decisions.
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The romantic subplot between Ellie and Dina is described as feeling forced and out of place given the context of their mission for revenge.
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The speaker questions the realism of certain scenes, such as Ellie performing a self-taught C-section on Mel, deeming them illogical and unnecessary.
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The speaker references a statement by Neil Druckmann that confirms the fireflies would have successfully created a cure if Joel didn't intervene, arguing that it unfairly villainizes Joel and undermines a core moral dilemma.
Overall Assessment
Ultimately, the speaker concludes that the second season of The Last of Us is a significant disappointment. The issues with casting, script, and narrative choices have resulted in a disjointed and unsatisfying viewing experience. They advise those who have positive memories of the original game to avoid the second season, suggesting that it may tarnish their existing fondness for the franchise.
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