The Last of Us Season 1 was a major hit, with the HBO series gaining universal acclaim. However, episode 7 received mixed reviews despite following the source material.
The Last of Us is based on the popular video game of the same name and it follows Joel and Ellie in a post-apocalyptical world. While the series is a mostly faithful adaptation of the video game, episode 7, which is based on the DLC The Last of Us: Left Behind, has received both negative and positive reviews. The episode’s director, Liza Johnson, addressed the backlash she received when speaking to ScreenRant.
Episode 7 gives a throwback to Ellie’s life before her journey with Joel and further explains how she got bitten at the mall. The episode included an LGBTQ+ storyline, as Ellie and her best friend, Riley, move past the barriers of friendship when Ellie kisses her. Left Behind explores their relationship, just like the series adaptation, yet the episode received backlash for its LGBTQ+ potrayal.
Addressing the poor reviews, Johnson explained, “Well, someone told me — it was the actress Christine Lahti, actually — “Just don’t read your reviews, because if you believe the good ones, you have to believe the bad ones, or else you’re crazy. So, just don’t read them.” And I was like, “Really?” Because that’s not what Joan Didion says, she says, “It’s like there’s a dumpster fire burning out your window, and if you don’t know it, it’s dangerous.” I took her advice, and I have taken it ever since she told it to me.”
It’s also what happens in the game, so it’s not like adding new changes to make something different.
She addressed the episode, praising Bella Ramsey (Ellie) and Storm Reid’s (Riley Abel) performances. “What I think is that it’s a really beautiful episode. It’s also what happens in the game, so it’s not like adding new changes to make something different. Also, I couldn’t be more delighted with the work of those two young women who were legit, like, very young. At most 20. I think, actually, they were 18 at the time. But, legit very young people who did performance work that was as sophisticated as any that I’ve ever seen.”
Johnson continued, “I think people really love that series, and when I went to the hair salon, the guy in the chair next to me was talking about how profound he experienced it, philosophically. I was sitting there texting Craig what he was saying. I think it’s a hit, and if there are some people that wish it was a different story, I would encourage them to just get good enough at the game so that you can get to the place where that chapter is, because that’s just what happens. I just want everyone to love me. That’s what I want, but the truth is, it’s not bad for the work if it sparks controversy. It’s not what I’m going for, but it’s actually not bad for the work.”
The Last of Us Episode 7 Is The Lowest-Rated Episode Yet
The Last of Us received critical acclaim, and currently holds a Certified Fresh rating of 96% from the critics, with 88% from the audience. The series also won 8 Primetime Emmys and fans are excited to see the upcoming Season 2, as Season 1 was Max’s most-watched series. However, Episode 7 (and Episode, if LGBTQ+ stories are accounted for) has received a lot of backlash.
Episode 3, “Long, Long Time,” which tells the beautiful love story between Nick Offerman’s Bill and Murray Bartlett’s Frank in times of apocalypse, is Season 1’s most-rated episode, with 227k ratings, and an overall score of 8.1. Episode 7, “Left Behind” has an even lower score, of 7.4 out of 68k reviews. Overall, both episodes enriched the series by focusing on characters instead of action, and many people praised the writing, acting, and directing.
The Last of Us Season 1 is available to stream on Max, with Season 2 expected to premiere sometime in 2025.
