HBO's The Last of Us Podcast: Season 1, Episode 2 - “Infected”

Release Date: January 23, 2023

Introduction

In the second episode of HBO's official companion podcast for The Last of Us, host Troy Baker delves deep into the intricacies of Season 1, Episode 2 titled “Infected.” Joined by the show's co-creators, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, and actress Anna Torv, the conversation unpacks pivotal moments, creative decisions, and the emotional weight behind Tess's tragic demise. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into the adaptation process from the beloved video game to the critically acclaimed television series.

Transition from Game to TV: Bringing the Digital to the Practical

Neil Druckmann, who directed this episode, reflects on the monumental shift from the video game's digital landscape to the tangible set of the TV series.

"[00:01:40] Neil Druckmann: It's one of the highlights of my life. I sometimes tell people it's like, oh, it's as if they made Disneyland just for me."

Druckmann emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the TV production, highlighting the caliber of talent involved. Unlike the game’s performance capture technology, TV production demands meticulous planning and practical effects, which Druckmann describes as both challenging and rewarding.

"[02:33] Neil Druckmann: The big difference is you have to plan everything ahead of time on the TV show in a way you don't in the game."

He further elaborates on the necessity of pre-production meetings with various departments to ensure each frame aligns with the envisioned narrative, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collective achievement among the team.

Casting Choices: Pedro Pascal as Joel

The casting of Pedro Pascal as Joel sparked much discussion, particularly regarding the character's portrayal and emotional depth.

Anna Torv underscores the importance of casting in shaping the narrative:

"[04:34] Anna Torv: Casting seems like, wow. Really? That's on the same level as writing and shooting? Absolutely."

The chemistry between Pascal and Torv is highlighted as a cornerstone of Tess and Joel's dynamic. When discussing a pivotal scene where Tess reveals her infection, both Troy Baker and Anna Torv express their admiration for Pascal's nuanced performance.

"[05:54] Anna Torv: It's so good."
"[05:56] Troy Baker: What he did was have such this beauty to see Joel be afraid."

Torv explains how Pascal's portrayal of Joel balances heroism with vulnerability, making the character’s reactions feel genuine and heartfelt.

Scene Analysis: Tess's Demise

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Tess's tragic end, a moment both harrowing and beautifully executed.

Tess’s Character and Vulnerability

Torv delves into Tess’s complex character, emphasizing her hidden vulnerabilities beneath a tough exterior.

"[06:04] Anna Torv: We wanted to undercut heroism with vulnerability, to keep the characters grounded and relatable."

This approach ensures that heroism does not overshadow the characters' human flaws, maintaining a connection with the audience.

Tess’s Final Moments

The conversation turns to the impactful scene where Tess reveals she’s been bitten. Druckmann explains the intention behind not allowing the actors to watch the game to preserve originality in performances.

"[07:30] Neil Druckmann: We're asking the cast to make it their own. Great performances come from the inside, not from the outside."

Torv describes the meticulous effort to convey Tess’s desperation and hope, culminating in a heart-wrenching display of emotion.

"[15:50] Anna Torv: Tess is in mother mode, trying to protect Ellie, believing she might be their only hope."

The scene’s emotional weight is compounded by the visual storytelling—using lighting and camera angles to juxtapose beauty with horror.

"[27:13] Troy Baker: The shot is soft on Tess as infected spill into the building, creating a hauntingly beautiful yet terrifying moment."

Opening Montage and World Building

One of the standout discussions revolves around the episode's opening montage, diverging from the game to offer a global perspective of the outbreak.

"[08:05] Anna Torv: We wanted to show the world beyond America, illustrating that the pandemic was a global catastrophe."

This departure enriches the narrative by presenting a broader context, highlighting different regions and their responses to the crisis.

"[09:24] Neil Druckmann: The game was an Americana love letter, but the show consciously chose to explore the global impact, never leaving the perspective of the United States."

The montage sets the tone for the series, emphasizing the widespread devastation and the varied human responses to the catastrophe.

Design and Portrayal of Clickers

The introduction of clickers, a formidable enemy in both the game and the show, is another focal point of the episode.

Torv explains the creative decision to use practical effects over CGI to enhance realism.

"[19:14] Anna Torv: We wanted to find prosthetics to physically portray clickers, making their presence more tangible and terrifying."

The team’s commitment to authenticity is evident in their choice of performers and the intricate prosthetics designed by the Gowers, ensuring that each clicker movement and sound is both disturbing and believable.

"[19:05] Troy Baker: When you see them moving and hearing screeches, it just heightens the sense of terror."

Themes: Heroism vs. Vulnerability

A recurring theme discussed is the balance between heroism and vulnerability, particularly through Joel's character arc.

"[07:28] Anna Torv: Heroism exists on screen in the absence of vulnerability, then you begin to become unmoored from reality."

The creators aimed to present heroism grounded in real human emotions, preventing characters from becoming one-dimensional heroes and instead portraying them as flawed individuals navigating a broken world.

Character Development: Joel and Tess

The evolving relationship between Joel and Tess is meticulously unpacked, highlighting moments of trust, conflict, and emotional turmoil.

Torv shares insights into Tess’s internal struggles and her influence on Joel’s decisions.

"[15:50] Anna Torv: Tess is trying to convince Joel to save Ellie, representing a shift from his personal grief to a broader sense of hope."

Druckmann and Mazin discuss the narrative choices that emphasize Tess’s desperation and Joel’s increasing cynicism, setting the stage for future conflicts and character development.

"[16:25] Craig Mazin: Tess knows how to influence Joel, pushing him towards actions he might otherwise avoid."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the storytelling techniques that blend horror with emotional depth, ensuring that each character's journey is both gripping and relatable. The creators express pride in the adaptation’s ability to honor the source material while introducing fresh perspectives and expanding the narrative universe.

"[33:14] Neil Druckmann: Trusting actors to deviate from the script led to authentic and unexpected moments that enhanced the story."

Troy Baker encapsulates the essence of the series, emphasizing the balance between suspense and emotional resonance.

"[35:29] Anna Torv: That's TV for you. That's what we do."

Listeners are left with a profound appreciation for the collaborative effort behind The Last of Us TV series, promising more engaging discussions in future podcast episodes.

Notable Quotes

• "It's one of the highlights of my life. I sometimes tell people it's like, oh, it's as if they made Disneyland just for me." — Neil Druckmann [01:40]

• "Casting seems like, wow. Really? That's on the same level as writing and shooting? Absolutely." — Anna Torv [04:34]

• "We're asking the cast to make it their own. Great performances come from the inside, not from the outside." — Neil Druckmann [07:30]

• "Heroism exists on screen in the absence of vulnerability, then you begin to become unmoored from reality." — Anna Torv [07:28]

• "Tess is trying to convince Joel to save Ellie, representing a shift from his personal grief to a broader sense of hope." — Anna Torv [15:50]

Final Thoughts

This episode of HBO's The Last of Us Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the second episode of the series, blending behind-the-scenes insights with deep character analyses. For fans and newcomers alike, it provides a richer understanding of the creative processes that breathe life into the world of The Last of Us.