The Last of Us has been one of 2023’s stand-out shows. Following the journey of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) across a post-apocalyptical America, it was rightly praised for its writing and performances.
It also managed something not easily done. It turned a very successful video game into a very successful TV show – there have been quite a few that have failed to transition to the screen (Assassin’s Creed I’m looking at you). And, managed to make what is ostensibly a zombie show where the zombies were actually relatively lightly used during the show. Instead it relied on the drama between the human characters to drive the show – using the ‘infected’ more as a background, ever-present threat.
The basis of this success is the writing. Craig Mazin, who helmed the excellent Chernobyl, was the show runner of The Last of Us and both shows are masterclasses in how to write characters with depth. And not just our two protagonists Joel and Ellie. This is one of the great things about expansive TV – it allows the time to explore other characters’ motivations, conflicts, emotions and to ultimately make them more rounded.
While this was a theme all the way through, Episode Three was praised for its writing and characterisation. And barely features Joel and Ellie.
Following Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett) as they are thrust together, fall in love and support each other through the all the dangers thrown up by the apocalypse is funny, beautiful and deeply affecting. I’ll be honest I shed a tear.
This episode is a perfect example of how it just needs two characters to provide enough drama and conflict to propel a story. Using the situation the characters find themselves in to provide flashpoints and obstacles for them to overcome – but also using things that affect all our lives: tentative love, disagreement over entertaining and how best to die.
So, read Craig Mazin’s script for Episode Three and hopefully get some inspiration on how to write an excellent hour of television.
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Images: HBO/Warner Media
