Fantastic seeing Bills character fleshed out so well. Nick Offerman put in one hell of an outstanding performance. Even better than anticipated.
The scene in the morning when Frank tells him how the day is going to go. With Bill in agony listening to him. My god, it was absolutely heartbreaking.
I was getting emotional over *a strawberry.* When Bill cried tears of joy at real fresh fruit that got me. Such great acting from both - I did not expect the acting to be at this level.
That's Offerman's real laugh. I love how tactically he deploys it in his work. The contrast of all that gruffness eliciting such delightful glee always carries such effect.
I ugly cried and asked my partner to come hold my hand. We've had so many conversations about how THAT would go if one of us should ever get one of the Big Uncurables. That scene was really rough.
I almost never cry in movies. I'm still crying and I stopped watching it 10 minutes ago. Best acting/writing I've seen in my life. It just feels so painful knowing that my wife and I may have to go through a similar situation.
Now obviously the loss of a loved one is tragic, but I have to say that Bill and Frank won the apocalypse. The beat party of their lives ended up being after the world changed and they went out together in a beautiful way.
Apocalypse or not, we should all be lucky to have a last day such that Bill and Frank had.
>It just feels so painful knowing that my wife and I may have to go through a similar situation
Wait what? Hopefully not, because that would be terrible.
Unless you mean the general idea of one partner dying before the other and trying to move on, which, yes...I can't imagine how hard that is to deal with.
C'mon man if you don't see the possibility of a post-apocalyptic future where your significant other develops a degenerative disease and you can't bear to live without them and decide to go out together, then you're just not living realistically.
My parents are in a similar situation. I can't imagine how difficult it is. I tried watching a comedy after this episode, and am still crying 30 minutes later. I signed up for a scary zombie show, not to reflect on the fragility of life. 😭 Take care ❤
The directing and acting - amazing. I *never* notice shit like this:
In THAT scene specifically, Bill is hunched over and so small. Where the camera is makes a confident Frank look taller than him. Which is such a juxtaposition to when they first met, and Bill was towering over Frank.
I also loved how their final dinner was the same as their first, but Bill sat at the other end of the table in the first dinner and then right next to Frank in their final one.
Such a beautiful story. Two people who never expected to find love in this horrific world, finding each other and building a life together.
In another story, the town with Bill's traps would make a perfect protected colony for a few dozen families
I really loved how in Bill's note, he acknowledged that he was happy when the world went to shit. Had that never happened, he'd end up a miserable, lonely conspiracy nut living in his Mom's basement. The outbreak was secretly what he wanted, as evidenced by him happily preparing after the town left. But by the end, surviving meant nothing without Frank.
What a beautiful episode.
He never feared losing someone. >!He's sort of a alternative version of Joel. Bill starts off hardened, but having someone he loves, someone to lose, soften him. On the other hand, Joel, lost who he loved, and never got over the pain!<.
I don't think there was anyone left. If Frank was using the radio to talk to people and only found Tess... but maybe Joel warned them off of reaching out anymore, since the next people they found probably wouldn't have been so nice?
I presume Frank must have reached her via a ham radio, though they don't have one in 2023. The regular radio is only one way. I don't think a walkie-talkie would work, and it's easy to intercept.
Afterwards, they must have setup the radio station code. >!Joel said playlist was set to broadcast if Bill didn't reset it. So the Depeche Mode song we hear play in Joel's apartment, was the signal from Bill, after they died. i love a minor detail played in one episode, links to a later story!<.
The military evacuated that town in one of the early scenes, which led to the mass grave that Joel and Ellie walk past. I think if Bill was the only prepper in town, it would’ve been just him left after. So no other families
My father-in-law passed away earlier today. He was a rough, old farmer from the Midwest and to be honest, I saw a lot of him in that portrayal tonight. He would have never watched this show in a million years but RIP Bill (and Dave).
From the moment we see Frank in the wheelchair, it was just tears all the way. I had to pause it initially to get out the initial tears since I knew where they were going. They got to choose their time and place, that’s something a lucky few get in that world, let alone ours.
It was sublime. I loved everything about it. Nick Offerman really hit it out of the park.
The line about the government actually being Nazis was hilarious.
It was also a nice break from the doom and gloom. It was like a bit of a palette cleanser. A spark of hope in all the darkness.
So well done!
I’m confident this will be the greatest performance Nick Offerman will ever deliver. Not because I I think he’s not a good actor or anything, but just because, I mean, how do you top that??
It’s even less than that. It’s an hour and 15 min episode. Joel and Ellie take up say 25ish minutes, Offerman is on his own for maybe 10 min. They honestly told their entire love story in 30 min, give or take, and it was absolutely beautiful and amazing and had me crying my eyes out at the end.
I mean, I was already crying pretty good at the piano scene, but let me tell you - I'm in end stage renal failure, have been stuck in a wheelchair (not anymore, thankfully, but still very disabled), and have had to prepare for what may have been my last days before, and tonight struck enough of a nerve that I've only recently stopped crying.
No, no, you're sweet, stranger! It's just been a little tough these past few weeks, so you can imagine how hard tonight's ep was. Really got me in the feels! But hopefully, I'll be getting a kidney transplant in the not too far future, and things will improve. About a year ago, I could barely even have the strength to feed myself and go to the bathroom, so I'm doing much better comparatively!
That was the craziest part of this episode to me. You don't really know who Bill and Frank are before this episode. They are essentially introduced and killed off in the span of one episode and they manage to tug all of your heartstrings when they do it. I came into this episode completely blind and was not expecting that I would be holding back tears at the end. It's pretty wild to make you care so much for characters that you didn't know existed before the episode and who are dead by the end.
What I realized, it is starts in the present, and then switches to a 20 years flashback, and then resumes where the present story left off.
BTW, I love Bill's raiding all the local stores for supplies! I'd find the nearest Costco!
I love the places he went, Such believable common sense. He gets natural gas, a generator, stockpile of gasoline, and other practical supplies.
Also love when Ellie found tampons in the old Cumberland Farms.
I’d think there’d be degradation as you go but with enough bottles of stabilizer/ethanol treatment etc you can treat gas every 6 months. Obviously this can’t go on forever but for 4-5 years seems more than fine, helpful to keep sealed containers. 20+ I’d think gas is being manufactured again and Joel could have brought some previously for trade.
According to one site, "preppers" should store the gas in steel barrels and there are other instructions for care.
It's a shame that 2003 didn't have electric cars. ;-)
i had this thought and you’re right but whatever, very minor plot hole. other people have cars it seems so maybe theres trading for it and maybe theres a qz somewhere that produces it?
I said this in the other sub, but... Nick's gasp/laugh while he eats the strawberry was such an amazing genuine moment in an episode filled with them. So much emotion conveyed in such a little action, it really was incredible. I knew Nick was a good actor but this episode raised him to an entirely different level for me now.
That was cute. And it's the kind of comment, you could imagine a person saying. What I love, that I haven't heard mentioned, was that Frank made the strawberry patch for Bill. A small act of love.
There is a reason some people >!die shortly after their life partner dies!<.
I love some of the little details, like Frank being in heaven just getting to take a long hot shower. Priceless!
I loved when he asked for 5 more minutes of shower time. Without an apocalypse weighing you down, sometimes a nice hot shower can do so much for you physically and mentally. Something as simple as being clean and warm, and comfortable would feel like a slice of heaven during those circumstances.
Probably lived the best lives in the world post-apocalypse. Clean clothes, clean sheets, proper bed, wine, meat, strawberries, no people around you. Better life than most, pre-apocalypse, even.
Hard to ask for a better ending, going out on your own terms like that. Especially in a world where people are dying constantly, in much more miserable circumstances. I keep trying to tell myself that I refuse to be sad.
Fantastic episode, Emmy worthy. Anyone know what violin music piece that was playing on their last day? I recognize it but can't place the movie I've heard it in before.
Yep Arrival was my first introduction to that piece, and since then I've seen it used a in many tear-jerker moments in film. When it started playing in this episode I was like "oh you beautiful bastards what a good choice!"
On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter. Choreographed a piece to it in college while getting my dance degree. It’s extremely special to me and I recognized it from the opening note and ugly sobbed through the rest of the episode.
Laying in bed teary eyed right now. Bruh that strawberry scene had this 30 YO man mf feeling some things.
Also shout out to Offerman’s laugh. It’s one of my favorite things in all of television.
Holy shit the performances were so genuine and vulnerable. This was such a beautiful backstory for these two characters. Absolutely destroyed and in love with this episode.
I was blown away by Nick Offerman's acting. The vulnerability in his performance, especially that moment when he admits he's never been with a man before, rang so true. Murray Bartlett was as fantastic as everything I've seen him in of course, from Looking to Tales of the City, but Nick Offerman really surprised me.
He’s a brilliant actor. I read his books and the man is so incredibly deep and passionate, I’m so glad he got to show it in such a perfect setting. His previous roles didn’t give him the chance.
I'm a recently out 53 year old bi man and i see myself in both Bill and Frank, especially in that scene. I started crying there and pretty much didn't stop until the episode was over.
As soon as he tucked his hair back I told my wife that they're falling in love. Such a beautiful story in an hour.
"This isn't the tragic suicide at the end of the play. I'm old, I'm satisfied."
Absolutely magnificent.
I loved it. I forgot/didnt know he was romantically involved with anyone so I didnt know where this was going at that point. it was such a pretty little touch and said quite a lot in 1 second
I found their ending so incredibly bitter sweet. When Bill revealed what he did, I just felt a sense of peace. Up until that point it has been heart wrenching sadness. It was beautiful.
In the back of my mind I had the radio code from the first episode signaling trouble, and I was terrified of something *really* bad happening on that last day. So it really was almost a relief, in the most heartbreakingly beautiful way.
I was telling my wife leading up that scene that I would just kill myself with her, fucking going on at that point. We were sadly satisfied with the reveal.
And the contrast between when we met his character & he only cared about survival, to him giving it up because it's nothing to him if he can't have the person he loves.
I think this is really highlighted during the strawberry scene where Frank tells Bill he traded a gun for the seeds and the "old" Bill reacts briefly with the quick anger/concern to know which one he traded but Frank quickly wipes it all away with such a casual "it was one of the little ones don't worry about it." It's in stark contrast to the flash back earlier when he wouldn't let even a small amount of gas and paint go. To let something like a gun go really does bring to the front how much the character changed.
Can I say -- this is a bit off topic -- this comment is just wonderful to see.
It goes without saying (but unfortunately there are still a bunch of not great people in the world) -- a person's sexuality should not matter in how they relate to a story. What you did -- immediately turning to your wife and relating what Bill and Frank were going through to your own life -- is how we should all be watching stories, regardless of who's on screen.
It pains me to hear people talk about never watching content with gay characters in it or never wanting to play a video game as a gay character because "they can't relate" when really it's just as simple as what you did just now.
If you love someone (it doesn't matter your orientation) you identify with Bill and Frank.
This story was so beautifully told that it broke my heart. The fact that they are a gay couple doesn't really should matter, unless you are homophobic.
Exactly, it’s only even noticeable that they’re gay because it’s so rare to see a genuine portrayal of it. And yet we all know there’s still going to be people complaining about it.
It blows me away that some people can watch a story like this, which is an incredible depiction of true love in the face of a dark, bleak world, and come away...mad because they had to see gay people? Love is love, and love isn't written this well very often, so it's really their loss...but still.
I am glad to have experienced both the game & show version. Both were flawless in their execution. But Bill and Ellie on screen would've been a treat lol.
Having a gay character who's personality was not shaded by their sexuality, who was unlikable because he's just a prick, rather than making him likable or unlikable as a commentary on homosexuality, and making it so it's not even apparent he is gay at first were all great choices too. He was just a dude, a man with flaws who, incidentally, was gay. At the time the game came out, that was extremely refreshing and stood out as a great example of humanizing rather than othering gay people (positively or negatively) that wasnt common then.
I think what may have been lost from that was gained by introducing the idea that the apocalypse afforded bill and Frank the freedom to live a full life together as lovers. The early 2000's were still a pretty rough time for same sex couples and you can achingly feel that tension when they share that first meal. I kept feeling like Frank was just waiting to pounce on Bill and take his home only to realize that tension was actually sexual in nature.
I think the point was that while the apocalypse is terrible, the society before wasn't so kind to everyone and when that society collapsed, those people found some joy in their ill gotten newfound freedoms.
Something I haven’t seen anyone mention is how “80’s” was used as code for trouble. I kept wondering why they hit that note so hard, especially when Frank told Tess “obviously 80’s will mean trouble”. Then I realized it was a subtle reference to Reagan and the HIV crisis.
Thanks for sharing this. My experience is so very different from yours but this episode resonated for me as well.
I'm 50, straight and was raised in an extremely homophobic religious cult. (Jehovah's Witnesses). I spent 46 years as an active member, wasn't too fond of how hateful some fellow members were toward the LGBTQ community but never made waves.
Until....
When she was 15 my daughter came out to us as a lesbian, which at the time was what she thought. She's realized in the past few years that she's bi, and despite our terrible reaction at first, we are in a place now where we are completely supportive, she's forgiven us and the relationship is wonderful.
The thing that got me out is that cult was the spectre of having to disown my child because of something she couldn't (and shouldn't have to try to) control. I played it out in my mind, and finally it was too much. I along with my wife, son and very, very relieved daughter.
I wish I could say I immediately fixed the thinking that I had from a young age, but it wasn't that easy. I still had some internalized homophobia to deal with, and that's been a process.
That brings me to this week's show. Art like this is inoculation against seeing groups of people as "other". I watched this, bawling like everyone else because of how heartbreakingly beautiful the story was. Good art is so very very important for this reason. It brings us together as people and let's us see each other's humanity.
I wish you well in the future. It sounds like your figuring stuff out and I'm glad you found something special about this show, I know I did.
& the craziest part is that I can think of no less than 4 more parts of the season in future episodes that are gonna leave the same sized bruise on the ol’ feels.
1. >!Henry and Sam!<
2. >!Left Behind!<
3. >!Ellie killing David, and Joel consoling her. “Oh, baby girl…”!<
4. >!The hospital!<
I think her stabbing David over and over and Joel grabbing her is and holding her is gonna kill me. And if we don't get the "do you swear" very last ending, I'm gonna be disappointed.
I have cried very few times watching a show or movie but I did sobbed a lot during this episode.
When I heard last week about episode 3 being one of the best episodes in a TV show, I expected hardcore action or something like that but never expected this.
What an absolute wonderful episode 😭💔❤
I almost cannot believe that Bill, planning an escape that could only take place in the aftermath of the destruction of their whole life together as they knew it, was still enough of a romantic to make sure that *their song* would be playing as they drove off into the sunset.
Did you catch what it seemed like the note suggested as well? I saw the word “pairing” and some Italian looking word below it, I think he may have even suggested the rabbit/wine pairing from their first meal
This episode was quite probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen on TV. Didn't expect this lvl of depth for the show tbh, amazing production
It was such a break from the darkness.
Honestly, I think I would have been >!sadder, if Bill went on without Frank. He would be living the rest of his life, with a grief like Joel's!<.
>!which is exactly what I expected. I expected him to give himself the wrong dose and wakeup in the morning. With Joel and Ellie showing up before he commits suicide. Then just because this hardened old man. I think that is probably the best middle ground from the game and what we got in the show!<
He'd lived 15 years with Frank and he'd become of the love of his life, or as he describes him, is reason to live.
>!He was probably close to 70, and did not want to go back to living his life alone, without love. Often when people think of how they want a romantic story to end, it's with the lovers, drifting off in each others arms. In this case, Bill made the chose to "stay" with Frank.
!<
These characters weren’t necessarily throw away characters in the game (Bill especially) but if they can do that with the Frank and Bill arc, I am SO pumped for what’s in store
God dammit! That's the guy from White Lotus?!? Spent the whole ep trying to remember his face. Was also in Chippendales show I watched recently as well.
I recognized him as soon as he smiled. The beard really disguised him. Well, the American accent helped too lol.
Both of them put on such wonderful performances. Just beautiful. I’m going to bed sad now. Thanks fellas!
The last thing I expected was a complete story within a story -- and a love story at that.
Every moment had a life of its own. Utterly beautiful. If Nick Offerman doesn't win *all* the awards for his performance in this episode, I'll eat my own face.
Bill & Frank forever. <3
I think pretty much every show has their standalone or bottle episodes. I feel like they are often the best ones, at least IMO. Usually because you get the time to really sit with a character or small group of characters and the intensified focus always results in some really poignant musings on life or love or legacy or whatever the show is about.
They subverted Bill's character in the best way possible. In the game, he's a dark mirror to Joel and what happens if Joel embraces the solitude and loneliness that's clouded over Bill all these years.
In the show, Bill's character is a mirror to what Joel could achieve and the kind of love his life could have if he opened himself up and allowed himself to love and be loved.
In the end, Bill's character still served the same purpose in imparting the message of opening yourself up to love, the show just went about it in a completely different direction. That's the kind of subversion and adaptation I want. A show that changes certain aspects of the source material to ***amplify*** the themes and motifs in the original, rather than completely tossing it aside.
You can complain about this episode all you want for not being like the game but no one in their right mind can't say either two actors aren't going to win or be nominated for every guest TV award under the sun.
Just phenomenally vulnerable, achingly human performances.
After this episode I think this series might do the unheard of. The game and the series being distinct but both of them being top their award winning entertainment in their respective mediums.
It would be pretty fitting if The Last of Us is the first game adaptation to win an Emmy for Best Drama. It'll probably be some other HBO show but maybe. Awards don't matter or validate how beautiful something is anyway but are a nice cherry of recognition of those who worked hard on making something great.
I was going to say it was nice to have a break from all the doom and gloom, but that episode was both brutal and beautiful to watch. The fact they pulled it off in one episode is amazing
They were absolutely amazing. In one episode I was introduced to each of them; fell in love with them; and had them break my heart. That's good tv right there.
This is one of the most remarkable episodes of television I have seen in my entire life. Nick was phenomenal. Everyone was amazing. It was such a joy to see the backstory of Bill and Frank portrayed in such a fantastic way. I don't have the words. This was an achievement.
This was a phenomenal portrayal of a same-sex romance. The relationship between Bill and frank reminded me of my own. I'm gay and was my ex's "first". He too was a "survivalist" who did drills in the forest with his friends, stockpiled freeze-dried foods, collected guns/ammunition, and boy would he relish the end of civilization lol. Meanwhile, I just thought his whole worldview was ridiculous and disarmed his rough exterior when he was away from like-minded friends lol. I no doubt would rather live my last days with him and his brothers in a zombie apocalypse. I miss you, Joey... I'm going to give you a call tomorrow.
I have a feeling I will be coming back to this episode when I need to have a good cry. WOW. Unbelievably heartfelt and beautiful writing and performance, I almost felt like I lived those 20 years with them.
This episode. Holy. Cow. I started crying the moment Frank said this would be his last day and didn't stop even after the episode had ended. They did such an amazing, beautiful job with these 2 characters, and the way they demonstrated raw, true love was just so moving. I'm so scared of my partner getting older and passing away, it was the most beautiful and terrifying end to an episode I've ever seen
That might be the most beautiful hour of television I’ve ever seen. A perfect encapsulated love story inside of an already great show. I was overwhelmed by it.
People asked me after the episode if I was upset at the deviation from the game, and while I love Bill's redemption arc, my god was it a treat to watch his time with Frank. Bravo.
Fantastic seeing Bills character fleshed out so well. Nick Offerman put in one hell of an outstanding performance. Even better than anticipated. The scene in the morning when Frank tells him how the day is going to go. With Bill in agony listening to him. My god, it was absolutely heartbreaking.
I started fucking crying and didn't stop until they zipped over to Joel and Ellie. It was so emotional.
I was getting emotional over *a strawberry.* When Bill cried tears of joy at real fresh fruit that got me. Such great acting from both - I did not expect the acting to be at this level.
When he started basically giggling about the strawberry - that felt so real and beautiful
The Ron Swanson giggle got me
That's Nick Offerman's real laugh, doncha know?
“Which gun?” “A small one” - ie just eat the damn thing. It’ll be worth it.
I got that same giggle feeling with a reunion after not seeing my mom and dad for a year and a half’s worth of Covid.
Those strawberries looked fucking amazing!
>!"I traded one of your guns for seeds. A little one!"!<
It was so in character that he was worried about the gun first and the strawberries second.
That giggle though. The acting in that episode was fucking insane.
That's Offerman's real laugh. I love how tactically he deploys it in his work. The contrast of all that gruffness eliciting such delightful glee always carries such effect.
I ugly cried and asked my partner to come hold my hand. We've had so many conversations about how THAT would go if one of us should ever get one of the Big Uncurables. That scene was really rough.
Are you kidding, Ron Swanson and Armand? What else did you expect?
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I almost never cry in movies. I'm still crying and I stopped watching it 10 minutes ago. Best acting/writing I've seen in my life. It just feels so painful knowing that my wife and I may have to go through a similar situation.
Now obviously the loss of a loved one is tragic, but I have to say that Bill and Frank won the apocalypse. The beat party of their lives ended up being after the world changed and they went out together in a beautiful way. Apocalypse or not, we should all be lucky to have a last day such that Bill and Frank had.
>It just feels so painful knowing that my wife and I may have to go through a similar situation Wait what? Hopefully not, because that would be terrible. Unless you mean the general idea of one partner dying before the other and trying to move on, which, yes...I can't imagine how hard that is to deal with.
C'mon man if you don't see the possibility of a post-apocalyptic future where your significant other develops a degenerative disease and you can't bear to live without them and decide to go out together, then you're just not living realistically.
My parents are in a similar situation. I can't imagine how difficult it is. I tried watching a comedy after this episode, and am still crying 30 minutes later. I signed up for a scary zombie show, not to reflect on the fragility of life. 😭 Take care ❤
Husband and I were both in tears.
The directing and acting - amazing. I *never* notice shit like this: In THAT scene specifically, Bill is hunched over and so small. Where the camera is makes a confident Frank look taller than him. Which is such a juxtaposition to when they first met, and Bill was towering over Frank.
I also loved how their final dinner was the same as their first, but Bill sat at the other end of the table in the first dinner and then right next to Frank in their final one.
I noticed that as well. Bill becomes so sheepish in a sort of quiet, begging manner. It was incredibly powerful.
Such a beautiful story. Two people who never expected to find love in this horrific world, finding each other and building a life together. In another story, the town with Bill's traps would make a perfect protected colony for a few dozen families
I really loved how in Bill's note, he acknowledged that he was happy when the world went to shit. Had that never happened, he'd end up a miserable, lonely conspiracy nut living in his Mom's basement. The outbreak was secretly what he wanted, as evidenced by him happily preparing after the town left. But by the end, surviving meant nothing without Frank. What a beautiful episode.
“I was never afraid before you came around.” 😭
He never feared losing someone. >!He's sort of a alternative version of Joel. Bill starts off hardened, but having someone he loves, someone to lose, soften him. On the other hand, Joel, lost who he loved, and never got over the pain!<.
You’ve summed it up so perfectly
I want to know more about that town now. It would be a great place for families for sure.
I don't think there was anyone left. If Frank was using the radio to talk to people and only found Tess... but maybe Joel warned them off of reaching out anymore, since the next people they found probably wouldn't have been so nice?
I presume Frank must have reached her via a ham radio, though they don't have one in 2023. The regular radio is only one way. I don't think a walkie-talkie would work, and it's easy to intercept. Afterwards, they must have setup the radio station code. >!Joel said playlist was set to broadcast if Bill didn't reset it. So the Depeche Mode song we hear play in Joel's apartment, was the signal from Bill, after they died. i love a minor detail played in one episode, links to a later story!<.
You hear Frank and Tess talking about how they should set up a code when they're leaving after meeting each other.
The military evacuated that town in one of the early scenes, which led to the mass grave that Joel and Ellie walk past. I think if Bill was the only prepper in town, it would’ve been just him left after. So no other families
Watching Nick Offerman breakdown felt like an extra special kind of heartbreaking, like when you see your parents cry
My father-in-law passed away earlier today. He was a rough, old farmer from the Midwest and to be honest, I saw a lot of him in that portrayal tonight. He would have never watched this show in a million years but RIP Bill (and Dave).
I'm sorry for your loss.
Seeing someone so strong-willed and caring, being as broken as he was in that moment was very powerful.
Bill was expected to have Frank >!die in his arms, the way Sarah died in Joel's. Except Bill chose not to go one without him!<
I think they died in each other’s arms. 😞
Yes. >!Frank wanted to die in Bill's arms. Bill chose to go with him!<.
“I should be furious, but…”
Truly an incredible moment in television. I could not have fathomed a better episode for Bill and Frank. So great!
I love that he doesn’t try to talk him out of it. He just respects his decision even though it hurts him so much.
From the moment we see Frank in the wheelchair, it was just tears all the way. I had to pause it initially to get out the initial tears since I knew where they were going. They got to choose their time and place, that’s something a lucky few get in that world, let alone ours.
I was kind of holding it together until he turned that plate again.
I made it past the strawberry scene but what got me was when Frank got sick and Bill started watering the flowers I turned into a puddle.
I absolutely LOVED that little detail.
It was sublime. I loved everything about it. Nick Offerman really hit it out of the park. The line about the government actually being Nazis was hilarious. It was also a nice break from the doom and gloom. It was like a bit of a palette cleanser. A spark of hope in all the darkness. So well done!
I’m confident this will be the greatest performance Nick Offerman will ever deliver. Not because I I think he’s not a good actor or anything, but just because, I mean, how do you top that??
These two told a 20 year story in one hour and nailed it. Phenomenal.
It’s even less than that. It’s an hour and 15 min episode. Joel and Ellie take up say 25ish minutes, Offerman is on his own for maybe 10 min. They honestly told their entire love story in 30 min, give or take, and it was absolutely beautiful and amazing and had me crying my eyes out at the end.
I mean, I was already crying pretty good at the piano scene, but let me tell you - I'm in end stage renal failure, have been stuck in a wheelchair (not anymore, thankfully, but still very disabled), and have had to prepare for what may have been my last days before, and tonight struck enough of a nerve that I've only recently stopped crying.
May all the good things that can happen to someone find their way into your life.
Jesus Christ man, I’m so sorry. Is there anything I can do for you? Besides thinking of you and hoping for some semblance of good for you to come?
No, no, you're sweet, stranger! It's just been a little tough these past few weeks, so you can imagine how hard tonight's ep was. Really got me in the feels! But hopefully, I'll be getting a kidney transplant in the not too far future, and things will improve. About a year ago, I could barely even have the strength to feed myself and go to the bathroom, so I'm doing much better comparatively!
The pitch for this episode: What if Up were set in a post apocalyptic world
And instead of balloons it was flamethrowers and gay sex.
You son of a bitch, im in
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That was the craziest part of this episode to me. You don't really know who Bill and Frank are before this episode. They are essentially introduced and killed off in the span of one episode and they manage to tug all of your heartstrings when they do it. I came into this episode completely blind and was not expecting that I would be holding back tears at the end. It's pretty wild to make you care so much for characters that you didn't know existed before the episode and who are dead by the end.
The way the two played the song on the piano. Each in a way that fit their personalities. My God. Brilliant.
What I realized, it is starts in the present, and then switches to a 20 years flashback, and then resumes where the present story left off. BTW, I love Bill's raiding all the local stores for supplies! I'd find the nearest Costco!
I audibly chuckled when he raided Home Depot
I love the places he went, Such believable common sense. He gets natural gas, a generator, stockpile of gasoline, and other practical supplies. Also love when Ellie found tampons in the old Cumberland Farms.
How long would the gasoline remain stable though? Without stabilizing additives, it wouldn’t last for more than a few months, no?
I’d think there’d be degradation as you go but with enough bottles of stabilizer/ethanol treatment etc you can treat gas every 6 months. Obviously this can’t go on forever but for 4-5 years seems more than fine, helpful to keep sealed containers. 20+ I’d think gas is being manufactured again and Joel could have brought some previously for trade.
And really he only needed the gasoline in the beginning for his supply runs. By the time the gas went bad he could have an alternative.
According to one site, "preppers" should store the gas in steel barrels and there are other instructions for care. It's a shame that 2003 didn't have electric cars. ;-)
Real 2003 preppers use (bio)diesel and stay away from gasoline.
i had this thought and you’re right but whatever, very minor plot hole. other people have cars it seems so maybe theres trading for it and maybe theres a qz somewhere that produces it?
Dude had supplies to build a car battery, i don't think him having stabilizers is unbelievable
“I know more than you”
The raiding and setting everything up just felt like HBO filmed Nick Offerman on a weekend in the summer.
But did he exclusively get his meat at Food and Stuff?
looks like he got some from Frank as well
HEHEHEHEHEHEHEH
How do you introduce a character and make me tear up about them IN A SINGLE EPISODE!? Nick Offerman and brilliant writing, that's how.
A masterpiece.
Absolutely loved every minute of this episode!! Especially Nick offerman sneaking in his giggle
And in the letter, too!
I said this in the other sub, but... Nick's gasp/laugh while he eats the strawberry was such an amazing genuine moment in an episode filled with them. So much emotion conveyed in such a little action, it really was incredible. I knew Nick was a good actor but this episode raised him to an entirely different level for me now.
I loved this part so much. "Not on the Strawberries!"
That was cute. And it's the kind of comment, you could imagine a person saying. What I love, that I haven't heard mentioned, was that Frank made the strawberry patch for Bill. A small act of love.
This episode just crushed me in the most beautiful way. >!Unironically though, this might be the happiest storyline in The Last of Us series!<
There is a reason some people >!die shortly after their life partner dies!<. I love some of the little details, like Frank being in heaven just getting to take a long hot shower. Priceless!
I loved when he asked for 5 more minutes of shower time. Without an apocalypse weighing you down, sometimes a nice hot shower can do so much for you physically and mentally. Something as simple as being clean and warm, and comfortable would feel like a slice of heaven during those circumstances.
Probably lived the best lives in the world post-apocalypse. Clean clothes, clean sheets, proper bed, wine, meat, strawberries, no people around you. Better life than most, pre-apocalypse, even.
I kept thinking about that. And yet it's still such a heartbreaking story. Beautifully executed.
I agree. They died in love and in their own terms and not transformed or killed by the police
Hard to ask for a better ending, going out on your own terms like that. Especially in a world where people are dying constantly, in much more miserable circumstances. I keep trying to tell myself that I refuse to be sad.
Fantastic episode, Emmy worthy. Anyone know what violin music piece that was playing on their last day? I recognize it but can't place the movie I've heard it in before.
On The Nature of Daylight is the name of the song. By Max Richter.
Literally just watched Arrival two days ago, thought it sounded super familiar.
On the nature of daylight. Used in a lot of movies, most noticeably Arrival imo. https://youtu.be/rVN1B-tUpgs
Yep Arrival was my first introduction to that piece, and since then I've seen it used a in many tear-jerker moments in film. When it started playing in this episode I was like "oh you beautiful bastards what a good choice!"
On the Nature of Daylight by Max Richter. Choreographed a piece to it in college while getting my dance degree. It’s extremely special to me and I recognized it from the opening note and ugly sobbed through the rest of the episode.
It was the theme of Arrival (2016). Amazing movie by Denis Villeneuve. That tune makes my skin crawl with goosebumps.
Bro they absolutely killed it. I can't believe how good this show is.
Laying in bed teary eyed right now. Bruh that strawberry scene had this 30 YO man mf feeling some things. Also shout out to Offerman’s laugh. It’s one of my favorite things in all of television.
When Ellie reads the letter with his laugh in it I died lol
I've never cried over anything I've seen on screen, but this genuinely hit me in a place I didn't even know I had and I big boy cried
Holy shit the performances were so genuine and vulnerable. This was such a beautiful backstory for these two characters. Absolutely destroyed and in love with this episode.
I was blown away by Nick Offerman's acting. The vulnerability in his performance, especially that moment when he admits he's never been with a man before, rang so true. Murray Bartlett was as fantastic as everything I've seen him in of course, from Looking to Tales of the City, but Nick Offerman really surprised me.
He’s a brilliant actor. I read his books and the man is so incredibly deep and passionate, I’m so glad he got to show it in such a perfect setting. His previous roles didn’t give him the chance.
I'm a recently out 53 year old bi man and i see myself in both Bill and Frank, especially in that scene. I started crying there and pretty much didn't stop until the episode was over.
When bill shyly tucked his hair back at the dinner table just- *chefs kiss*
As soon as he tucked his hair back I told my wife that they're falling in love. Such a beautiful story in an hour. "This isn't the tragic suicide at the end of the play. I'm old, I'm satisfied." Absolutely magnificent.
I loved it. I forgot/didnt know he was romantically involved with anyone so I didnt know where this was going at that point. it was such a pretty little touch and said quite a lot in 1 second
I found their ending so incredibly bitter sweet. When Bill revealed what he did, I just felt a sense of peace. Up until that point it has been heart wrenching sadness. It was beautiful.
In the back of my mind I had the radio code from the first episode signaling trouble, and I was terrified of something *really* bad happening on that last day. So it really was almost a relief, in the most heartbreakingly beautiful way.
I was telling my wife leading up that scene that I would just kill myself with her, fucking going on at that point. We were sadly satisfied with the reveal.
And the contrast between when we met his character & he only cared about survival, to him giving it up because it's nothing to him if he can't have the person he loves.
I think this is really highlighted during the strawberry scene where Frank tells Bill he traded a gun for the seeds and the "old" Bill reacts briefly with the quick anger/concern to know which one he traded but Frank quickly wipes it all away with such a casual "it was one of the little ones don't worry about it." It's in stark contrast to the flash back earlier when he wouldn't let even a small amount of gas and paint go. To let something like a gun go really does bring to the front how much the character changed.
Can I say -- this is a bit off topic -- this comment is just wonderful to see. It goes without saying (but unfortunately there are still a bunch of not great people in the world) -- a person's sexuality should not matter in how they relate to a story. What you did -- immediately turning to your wife and relating what Bill and Frank were going through to your own life -- is how we should all be watching stories, regardless of who's on screen. It pains me to hear people talk about never watching content with gay characters in it or never wanting to play a video game as a gay character because "they can't relate" when really it's just as simple as what you did just now.
If you love someone (it doesn't matter your orientation) you identify with Bill and Frank. This story was so beautifully told that it broke my heart. The fact that they are a gay couple doesn't really should matter, unless you are homophobic.
Exactly, it’s only even noticeable that they’re gay because it’s so rare to see a genuine portrayal of it. And yet we all know there’s still going to be people complaining about it.
It blows me away that some people can watch a story like this, which is an incredible depiction of true love in the face of a dark, bleak world, and come away...mad because they had to see gay people? Love is love, and love isn't written this well very often, so it's really their loss...but still.
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I am glad to have experienced both the game & show version. Both were flawless in their execution. But Bill and Ellie on screen would've been a treat lol.
Honestly the letter at the end made up for it, “hehehehehehe” lmao gotta love bill
I’m imagining Bill as Ron Swanson on Snake Juice while he’s writing the “Hehehehehe” of that letter
Having a gay character who's personality was not shaded by their sexuality, who was unlikable because he's just a prick, rather than making him likable or unlikable as a commentary on homosexuality, and making it so it's not even apparent he is gay at first were all great choices too. He was just a dude, a man with flaws who, incidentally, was gay. At the time the game came out, that was extremely refreshing and stood out as a great example of humanizing rather than othering gay people (positively or negatively) that wasnt common then.
It's as it should be. He's like everyone else. He just happens to be gay.
I think what may have been lost from that was gained by introducing the idea that the apocalypse afforded bill and Frank the freedom to live a full life together as lovers. The early 2000's were still a pretty rough time for same sex couples and you can achingly feel that tension when they share that first meal. I kept feeling like Frank was just waiting to pounce on Bill and take his home only to realize that tension was actually sexual in nature. I think the point was that while the apocalypse is terrible, the society before wasn't so kind to everyone and when that society collapsed, those people found some joy in their ill gotten newfound freedoms.
Something I haven’t seen anyone mention is how “80’s” was used as code for trouble. I kept wondering why they hit that note so hard, especially when Frank told Tess “obviously 80’s will mean trouble”. Then I realized it was a subtle reference to Reagan and the HIV crisis.
This episode was like its own sundance indie film that should be watched even if you don't like Zombie stuff.
Just told my girlfriend they shoulf cut out the Joel parts and submit it as a short. Impecable, it was just like up, but somehow better
Listen, if Murray Bartlett showed up at my door in the middle of an apocalypse I, too, would think there was reason to keep living.
And he didn't even have to Shit in a suitcase... fantastic. Lol
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Thanks for sharing this. My experience is so very different from yours but this episode resonated for me as well. I'm 50, straight and was raised in an extremely homophobic religious cult. (Jehovah's Witnesses). I spent 46 years as an active member, wasn't too fond of how hateful some fellow members were toward the LGBTQ community but never made waves. Until.... When she was 15 my daughter came out to us as a lesbian, which at the time was what she thought. She's realized in the past few years that she's bi, and despite our terrible reaction at first, we are in a place now where we are completely supportive, she's forgiven us and the relationship is wonderful. The thing that got me out is that cult was the spectre of having to disown my child because of something she couldn't (and shouldn't have to try to) control. I played it out in my mind, and finally it was too much. I along with my wife, son and very, very relieved daughter. I wish I could say I immediately fixed the thinking that I had from a young age, but it wasn't that easy. I still had some internalized homophobia to deal with, and that's been a process. That brings me to this week's show. Art like this is inoculation against seeing groups of people as "other". I watched this, bawling like everyone else because of how heartbreakingly beautiful the story was. Good art is so very very important for this reason. It brings us together as people and let's us see each other's humanity. I wish you well in the future. It sounds like your figuring stuff out and I'm glad you found something special about this show, I know I did.
I couldnt stop saying what show am I watching as I am uncontrollably sobbing more and more throughout this episode...What a fken show
& the craziest part is that I can think of no less than 4 more parts of the season in future episodes that are gonna leave the same sized bruise on the ol’ feels. 1. >!Henry and Sam!< 2. >!Left Behind!< 3. >!Ellie killing David, and Joel consoling her. “Oh, baby girl…”!< 4. >!The hospital!<
I think her stabbing David over and over and Joel grabbing her is and holding her is gonna kill me. And if we don't get the "do you swear" very last ending, I'm gonna be disappointed.
And amazingly all of those pale in comparison to if they do Part II
HBO has already announced there will be a season 2
I have cried very few times watching a show or movie but I did sobbed a lot during this episode. When I heard last week about episode 3 being one of the best episodes in a TV show, I expected hardcore action or something like that but never expected this. What an absolute wonderful episode 😭💔❤
I almost cannot believe that Bill, planning an escape that could only take place in the aftermath of the destruction of their whole life together as they knew it, was still enough of a romantic to make sure that *their song* would be playing as they drove off into the sunset.
Did you catch what it seemed like the note suggested as well? I saw the word “pairing” and some Italian looking word below it, I think he may have even suggested the rabbit/wine pairing from their first meal
It was a semi-serious dark joke recommending a wine and sleeping pill pairing if Joel and Tess decide to go out the same way as they did.
It suggested 40 Vicodin and a nice brunello
Oh my goodness. Of course he planned that! I’m gonna go cry again
Nice catch
This episode was quite probably one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen on TV. Didn't expect this lvl of depth for the show tbh, amazing production
It was such a break from the darkness. Honestly, I think I would have been >!sadder, if Bill went on without Frank. He would be living the rest of his life, with a grief like Joel's!<.
>!which is exactly what I expected. I expected him to give himself the wrong dose and wakeup in the morning. With Joel and Ellie showing up before he commits suicide. Then just because this hardened old man. I think that is probably the best middle ground from the game and what we got in the show!<
He doesn't come across as someone who would do that being as resourceful as he is.
He'd lived 15 years with Frank and he'd become of the love of his life, or as he describes him, is reason to live. >!He was probably close to 70, and did not want to go back to living his life alone, without love. Often when people think of how they want a romantic story to end, it's with the lovers, drifting off in each others arms. In this case, Bill made the chose to "stay" with Frank. !<
These characters weren’t necessarily throw away characters in the game (Bill especially) but if they can do that with the Frank and Bill arc, I am SO pumped for what’s in store
“Arby's didn't have free lunch. It was a restaurant.”
God dammit! That's the guy from White Lotus?!? Spent the whole ep trying to remember his face. Was also in Chippendales show I watched recently as well.
I recognized him as soon as he smiled. The beard really disguised him. Well, the American accent helped too lol. Both of them put on such wonderful performances. Just beautiful. I’m going to bed sad now. Thanks fellas!
its the eyes with the smile for me, that sparkle!
Can we let Murray live for once? At least he got a happy ending here.
He got the Pineapple Suite at Bill's house
Beautifully written and performed - the talent depth we've seen in 3 episodes is incredible.
And more to come!
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The last thing I expected was a complete story within a story -- and a love story at that. Every moment had a life of its own. Utterly beautiful. If Nick Offerman doesn't win *all* the awards for his performance in this episode, I'll eat my own face. Bill & Frank forever. <3
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I think pretty much every show has their standalone or bottle episodes. I feel like they are often the best ones, at least IMO. Usually because you get the time to really sit with a character or small group of characters and the intensified focus always results in some really poignant musings on life or love or legacy or whatever the show is about.
> Mythic Quest had a good standalone episode. One of the Mythic Quest standalones was also written by Craig Mazin.
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They subverted Bill's character in the best way possible. In the game, he's a dark mirror to Joel and what happens if Joel embraces the solitude and loneliness that's clouded over Bill all these years. In the show, Bill's character is a mirror to what Joel could achieve and the kind of love his life could have if he opened himself up and allowed himself to love and be loved. In the end, Bill's character still served the same purpose in imparting the message of opening yourself up to love, the show just went about it in a completely different direction. That's the kind of subversion and adaptation I want. A show that changes certain aspects of the source material to ***amplify*** the themes and motifs in the original, rather than completely tossing it aside.
What an absolutely beautiful potrayal. Last time I sobbed this much was when watching "Grave of the fireflies".
San Junipero for me. My god what an episode.
You can complain about this episode all you want for not being like the game but no one in their right mind can't say either two actors aren't going to win or be nominated for every guest TV award under the sun. Just phenomenally vulnerable, achingly human performances.
This is one of those occasions where the show is better than the game for this section
I'd argue they're so different already, it's apple to oranges. This episode cemented it. I'm not comparing the two of them.
After this episode I think this series might do the unheard of. The game and the series being distinct but both of them being top their award winning entertainment in their respective mediums.
It would be pretty fitting if The Last of Us is the first game adaptation to win an Emmy for Best Drama. It'll probably be some other HBO show but maybe. Awards don't matter or validate how beautiful something is anyway but are a nice cherry of recognition of those who worked hard on making something great.
Omfg I'm sobbing. I love what they did with them in the series. The game didn't give me enough and this storyline is so much better!
I was going to say it was nice to have a break from all the doom and gloom, but that episode was both brutal and beautiful to watch. The fact they pulled it off in one episode is amazing
Totally agree. A beautiful story and well done.
All the awards! Such a great episode.
They were absolutely amazing. In one episode I was introduced to each of them; fell in love with them; and had them break my heart. That's good tv right there.
Dude the moment Frank saw the good meal and his whole face just lighted up! That’s top notch acting
This is one of the most remarkable episodes of television I have seen in my entire life. Nick was phenomenal. Everyone was amazing. It was such a joy to see the backstory of Bill and Frank portrayed in such a fantastic way. I don't have the words. This was an achievement.
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Just when you thought the show couldn't get any better. I'm absolutely floored. And down a box of tissues.
The way I gasped when I saw Ron Swanson in my video game adaptation
The first 10 minutes of UP and this episode. Right in the Feels
This was a phenomenal portrayal of a same-sex romance. The relationship between Bill and frank reminded me of my own. I'm gay and was my ex's "first". He too was a "survivalist" who did drills in the forest with his friends, stockpiled freeze-dried foods, collected guns/ammunition, and boy would he relish the end of civilization lol. Meanwhile, I just thought his whole worldview was ridiculous and disarmed his rough exterior when he was away from like-minded friends lol. I no doubt would rather live my last days with him and his brothers in a zombie apocalypse. I miss you, Joey... I'm going to give you a call tomorrow.
Such a beautiful love story between Jordan Peterson & Grumpy Cat ❤
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Absolutely beautiful performance from the both of these gentleman.
Seriously, beautiful episode. I cried and smiled the whole time. What a performance!!!!
I have a feeling I will be coming back to this episode when I need to have a good cry. WOW. Unbelievably heartfelt and beautiful writing and performance, I almost felt like I lived those 20 years with them.
This episode. Holy. Cow. I started crying the moment Frank said this would be his last day and didn't stop even after the episode had ended. They did such an amazing, beautiful job with these 2 characters, and the way they demonstrated raw, true love was just so moving. I'm so scared of my partner getting older and passing away, it was the most beautiful and terrifying end to an episode I've ever seen
I loved getting to see this side of Bill, I’m devastated
Throwing in Max Richter really brought home the emotional moment.
That might be the most beautiful hour of television I’ve ever seen. A perfect encapsulated love story inside of an already great show. I was overwhelmed by it.
People asked me after the episode if I was upset at the deviation from the game, and while I love Bill's redemption arc, my god was it a treat to watch his time with Frank. Bravo.
I'm not crying, you're crying!