HBO's The Last of Us Podcast: Season 1, Episode 9 - "Look For The Light"

Release Date: March 13, 2023

Introduction

In the ninth episode of HBO's official companion podcast for The Last of Us, titled "Look For The Light," host Troy Baker—the voice of Joel in the original video game—engages in a profound discussion with showrunners Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, alongside the beloved actress Ashley Johnson, who portrays Ellie and, in this episode, takes on the role of Anna, Ellie's mother. This episode delves deep into the creative processes behind pivotal moments in the series, explores the emotional landscapes of the characters, and unpacks the moral complexities that define the narrative.

Exploring Anna: Ellie's Mother

One of the episode's focal points is the introduction and development of Anna, Ellie's mother—a character who remains largely undefined in the original game except for her brief appearance and the legacy items she leaves behind, such as a note and a switchblade.

Neil Druckmann explains the genesis of Anna, emphasizing the importance of fleshing out Ellie's backstory to provide a richer understanding of her immunity and the world she inhabits:

"It was about defining her history, including what her mother went through and what she left Ellie."
(02:00)

Troy Baker shares his emotional connection to incorporating Anna into the series, highlighting how this backstory adds layers of sadness and resilience to Ellie’s character:

"This bit of backstory was so gorgeous to me and so upsetting, but it also explains something important... it’s soaking in sadness."
(04:00)

Ashley Johnson, upon learning she would portray Anna, recounts her emotional reaction and the significance of bringing this character to life:

"I just instantly burst into tears. There’s so much emotion tied to this character and what Ellie means to us."
(05:59)

Emotional and Ethical Dimensions

The discussion transitions to the morally ambiguous decisions characters make, particularly focusing on Joel's actions in the final episode. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin dissect Joel's choice to save Ellie at the expense of humanity, drawing parallels to Anna's protective instincts:

"Anna kills the clicker by stabbing it in the brain... and Joel struggles to keep Ellie alive."
(21:35)

Troy Baker reflects on the innate human instincts that drive love and protection, which often lead to morally questionable actions:

"One of the powers of love is that it will motivate your hand to violence."
(46:17)

The episode delves into the trolley problem, illustrating how different characters’ philosophies influence their decisions:

"Marlene is making the right choice from a utilitarian perspective, trying to save as many lives as possible, even at great personal cost."
(44:38)

Ashley Johnson adds depth by exploring Ellie's grappling with Joel's lies and the ensuing trust issues:

"Ellie is saying, I love you, but this was one thing that my life would have mattered, and I could have maybe made a difference somehow."
(60:41)

Key Scenes and Creative Choices

A significant portion of the episode analyzes the opening scene featuring Anna giving birth to Ellie, juxtaposed with the season's finale where Joel makes his fateful decision.

Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann discuss the thematic and emotional elements of these scenes:

"Structurally, we needed Anna's scene at the beginning to contextualize Joel's choice at the end."
(16:12)

Troy Baker emphasizes the importance of fidelity to the game's narrative while adapting it for television:

"We recreated that moment one for one because it was so powerful to watch."
(09:21)

Ashley Johnson praises the stuntwork and acting that bring these intense moments to life:

"Kelsey Andrees, the stuntwoman, was unbelievable. Her performance brought an authentic sense of fear to the scene."
(20:10)

Character Development and Relationships

The podcast explores the evolving dynamics between Joel and Ellie, highlighting how their relationship matures throughout the season.

Neil Druckmann notes the shift in their interactions, particularly Ellie's emotional shutdown following traumatic events:

"Ellie has been traumatically affected, and Joel is now the one trying to reach out, reversing their earlier dynamic."
(28:02)

Troy Baker reflects on the depth of their bond, illustrating how shared experiences and mutual understanding shape their actions:

"Elsie's relationship with Joel is so intertwined that when he lies to her, it fundamentally alters their connection."
(53:48)

Ashley Johnson discusses the emotional weight of Ellie realizing Joel's sacrifices and the complexities of their trust:

"Ellie knows something is off; she feels him lying, and it changes how she views their relationship."
(60:41)

Preparation for the Next Season

Looking ahead, the trio anticipates the continuation of the story in Season 2, with Neil Druckmann outlining the adaptation process:

"We will look at what made the story special and ensure the soul of the narrative remains intact while taking advantage of the new medium."
(67:40)

Troy Baker teases upcoming elements, such as the increased threat posed by the infected and the expanded universe of The Last of Us:

"In the next season, the interconnectivity of the infected and the dangers of stepping on the wrong thing will be further explored."
(68:27)

Cameos and Easter Eggs

The episode features a fun nod to another beloved voice actress, Laura Bailey, who voices Abby in the game. Bailey makes a cameo appearance as one of the nurses in the operating room, adding a layer of insider connection for fans:

"Laura Bailey’s cameo was a delightful surprise, especially for long-time fans who recognize her multiple roles."
(69:40)

Conclusion

"Look For The Light" offers listeners an in-depth exploration of the intricate storytelling and character development that define The Last of Us. Through heartfelt discussions and critical analyses, Troy Baker, Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann, and Ashley Johnson provide valuable insights into the emotional and ethical underpinnings of the series. The episode successfully bridges the gap between the video game and its television adaptation, ensuring both new viewers and longtime fans gain a deeper appreciation for the narrative's complexity and the creative decisions that bring it to life.

As the season finale wraps up with intense moral choices and emotional revelations, the podcast sets the stage for an equally compelling Season 2, promising to expand the universe and delve further into the characters' journeys.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Neil Druckmann: "It was about defining her history, including what her mother went through and what she left Ellie."
  (01:58)

• Troy Baker: "This bit of backstory was so gorgeous to me and so upsetting, but it also explains something important... it’s soaking in sadness."
  (04:00)

• Ashley Johnson: "I just instantly burst into tears... There’s so much emotion tied to this character."
  (05:59)

• Neil Druckmann: "Anna kills the clicker by stabbing it in the brain... and Joel struggles to keep Ellie alive."
  (21:35)

• Troy Baker: "One of the powers of love is that it will motivate your hand to violence."
  (46:17)

• Craig Mazin: "We have one of his best moments, playing that emotion... to play empty is truly markable."
  (51:22)

• Neil Druckmann: "I always say, I hope I would have the willpower that Joel has in that same situation."
  (56:13)

• Troy Baker: "There is no right or wrong answer. It’s a dilemma... the point that as flawed human beings, this is one of the prices we pay for loving people."
  (45:13)

• Ashley Johnson: "Ellie is saying, I love you, but this was one thing that my life would have mattered, and I could have maybe made a difference somehow."
  (60:41)

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 9, "Look For The Light," offering a rich and engaging overview that highlights the episode's key discussions, insights, and emotional depths.