The show also adds some new narrative wrinkles to the proceedings, such as flashbacks to a 1968 talk show. An epidemiologist (John Hanna) explains that fungi pose a far greater threat to mankind than any virus. Fungi can take over living hosts such as ants and potentially the human body. The word “pandemic” is used prominently, and global warming is also alluded to. This isn’t in the game, but it adds a welcome element of real-world context that grounds the story in a meaningful way.
The story then jumps to 2003, introducing a young Sarah Miller (Nico Parker), her father Joel, and her brother Tommy (Gabrielle Luna). Her one of the game’s masterstrokes was allowing the player to control Sarah for a while. This made her subsequent death at the end of the prologue all the more devastating. The show obviously can’t offer us the same type of immersion, but what it does offer is spending more time with Sarah as she goes about her day and watching her father’s watch on her birthday. Parker’s performance is warm and thoughtful, and the gut punch of the prologue ends just as, if not more intensely, than the game.
It’s no surprise that Pascal is as awesome as the moody and moody Joel. What was unexpected, though, is how much he resembles the Joel of the game. His voice closely matches Troy Baker’s original portrayal of the character, but what’s even more impressive is his physicality. This wasn’t a prerequisite, Parker doesn’t look anything like the game version of Sarah, but she’s still great.But Pascal looks and sounds very much like what Joel fans already know. An added bonus of being similar.
Aside, Pascal’s portrayal is simply fascinating. As the story moves 20 years into his future, Joel finds himself in a devastated Boston, the last remnant of the U.S. government, doing eerily odd jobs for the FEDRA. A brutal post-apocalypse you can feel his survivalism and his grief for his victimized Sarah. And he harbors deep regrets and self-loathing. Meet the leader of the famous Firefly Marlene (Merle Dandridge reprising her role from the game). And of course, Ellie, whom Marlene ordered Joel and Tess to smuggle out of the city.
Ramsey stood out game of thrones As the fearless Lyanna Mormont, and despite her age and petite stature, her natural ability to embody someone beyond her years is fully demonstrated in her turn as Ellie. She, Pascal, and Torv don’t feel like they’re simply copying their video game counterparts. But the material itself, especially the dialogue, doesn’t stray far from the game’s script, sometimes lifting dialogue word for word. Given the strength of the raw material, this is a good thing.
This cannot be overstated: Pascal and Ramsey magic together. It’s heartbreaking to see Joel recoil from the prospect of hooking up with a girl close to Sarah’s age…a sense of hope and wonder that protects her from corruption. Ramsey also really lands Ellie’s smart and brave side.
