The End of 'Succession.' Plus, 'The Last of Us' E7, the 'Party Down' Revival, and 'Cunk on Earth.'

Episode Recap

In the latest episode of 'The Last of Us,' the narrative picks up with Joel's dire situation after being impaled, highlighting the urgency for medical attention. Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discuss the episode's contained nature, focusing on the aftermath of Joel's injury and Ellie's subsequent flashback to her time in the Boston QZ 1. This flashback reveals Ellie's traumatic past and her relationship with her best friend, Riley, who introduces her to the Fireflies. As Chris notes, "Ellie has alluded to everybody that she's ever cared about has either died or disappeared," underscoring the emotional weight of her journey 2.

   

Character Development

The episode delves into Ellie's character development, particularly her resilience and outlook on life shaped by loss. Chris Ryan highlights a poignant moment where Ellie and Riley share a tender kiss before being attacked by an infected, a scene that profoundly impacts Ellie's worldview 3. Andy Greenwald reflects on Ellie's coming-of-age journey, noting her consistent personality despite the harsh realities of her environment. "It's a lovely and touching coming of age story," Andy remarks, emphasizing the emotional depth of Ellie's character arc 4.

   

Apocalypse Aesthetics

The visual and thematic aesthetics of the episode are striking, with Chris Ryan and Andy Greenwald discussing the unique atmosphere of the post-apocalyptic setting. The mall serves as a significant backdrop, symbolizing both nostalgia and danger, as Chris humorously notes the chaotic state of the mall, "there was just glass everywhere" 5. The Fireflies' aesthetic and the contrasting environments of Fedra and the Fireflies add layers to the narrative, with Andy suggesting that the Fireflies' "pretty rad aesthetic" might have been appealing 6.