I really can't praise Bella enough. All the subtle looks and the just natural chemistry she just seems to have with the people she works with is truly a gift
The actor who played Riley just wasn't near Bella's skill level I felt, no small order I know but she was kinda flat. Started to really take me out of the emotion they we're going for.
How in the world is Bella the midget going to stand a chance against Abby in season 2. No amount of acting, is going to make Bella more physically capable.
In her final scenes with Riley, Bella Ramsey proven beyond a shadow of a doubt she's more than up to the task of portraying TLOU part II Ellie -- she's gonna do great smashing every in-tact window left in post-apocalyptic America.
A note on how Marlene finds Ellie, I think they did a nice simple fix for giving a really plausible explanation for it all in this episode: the fact that Riley is posted in the mall by the Fireflies in the first place. It explains why Riley is so familiar with the place to show so much off to Ellie, and how the Fireflies would even find them after they got bit.
In my fan fiction, it's also how Marlene comes across Ellie after the bite. Marlene likely goes to the Mall to check up on Riley "posted" at the Mall. Once there Marlene finds Riley and Ellie in the aftermath of the attack on them.
You're totally right. When playing it, I didn't even think of that. I guess I figured that Ellie went off to try and find Marlene after having to kill Riley.
I enjoy a lot of reactors but I waited for you guys for this episode. Your insights are honest and revealing. Especially to an old Bill who lost his Frank many years ago. There’s so much about young love I’ve forgotten living as isolated as I do. I especially loved your recognizing the lesbian colors in the mall. What a fantastic touch.
I’m usually “to each their own” when it comes to opinions on media, but anyone saying Bella isn’t Ellie after this episode is an absolute clown, the whole circus even. The way Bella screamed that last “NO” after they got bit was everything.
@@Eveliane If I'm being honest, I had concerns - mainly with the physicality and violence in part II. That was before the show aired. After 7 episodes, there's no way in hell I'd want to see anyone else in the role. I can't wait to see what she brings in S2.
I think it's clear who was Ellie's first kill, it's the same with Bill and Frank, they didn't show the aftermath but we already know what happened. Killing clickers doesn't count because she was for sure referring to a human in ep4. It's either we get a few scenes later or Ellie's just gonna reveal to Joel what she had to do by confession, y'now, as part of their conversation at the end. But what really got me in this episode is the little too realistic representation of young queer love, gay panic, yearning, and all that. This is what happens if we let queer people play queer characters, we get accurate rep on screen. Also the part when the Left Behind theme intensifies as she held Joel's hand and he reciprocated, her desperation to prolong Joel's life. It reminded her of Riley's monologue " Whether it's two minutes or two days, we don't give that up, I don't want to give that up. " Also, I think one of the reason Joel was pushing her away is that it's war flashbacks all over again, it's like the same spot where Sarah got shot, and he doesn't want Ellie to see him die.
It's funny how many reactors (mainly non-gamers) have concluded the first kill she referenced in episode 4 is this infected. Absolutely she is referencing Riley. I think it's masterstroke not to confirm it or show it - it's left to the viewer to infer the truth. Also - and this just popped into my head now - not showing it in a way respects Ellie's decision not to talk about it. She doesn't want to talk to Joel or anyone else about it - and that includes us, the viewer.
this is a fantastic point. I know in the games she definitely didn't kill Riley, as her first human kill is the dude she saves Joel from. but taking this approach in the show while still not being explicit with it is super interesting.
I'm very curious how many of the newbie fans have picked up on the foreshadowing to Ellie being gay, with her very pointed "No" when Tess asks if she has a boyfriend, her purely showing amusement and no interest in Bill's gay porn, and naming Sally Ride as her favorite astronaut.
Fun fact about the "lesbian flag shot" In the podcast episode for this episode of the show, they had this whole discussion about how that entire shot is basically CGI, so for all those people who are saying that people don't put that amount of attention to detail into certain shots can suck a big one
This is the recap I’ve been searching for!! I had to subscribe immediately. I’m convinced the people who did not like this ep have never experienced yearning for their best friend before lol
80s music has a huge amount of nostalgia to me, and couple that with the haunted 'the world that was' element of apocalypse stuff AND the 'teens at the mall' emotions AAAAND the desperate wishing for someone to SEE you and how much you feel for them... Man.
This is one of the reactions I've been waiting for...the excitement, insight, and depth. It's my private theory that the reason we're not shown Ellie dealing with a newly-turned Riley is that they didn't want someone doing something derogatory with edited footage or memes. And...it's not like they need to pack any more pain into the story. It's best left to fancanon, where people get the ending they feel justified with. The implication is that Riley died by Ellie's hand. Neil D. said on the podcast words to the effect that the last twenty years of progress regarding gay rights didn't happen so the society is very much operating still on 2003s (and likely earlier) sexuality mores. So if Ellie makes the leap of faith to the wrong person...the repercussions could be dangerous to fatal, considering how far society has fallen apart in the QZs.
It wasn't really necessary to show how the aftermath was dealt with, imagination itself an incredibly powerful storyteling device. Also, I think they purposely wanted to stay clear of the "bury your gays" trope. In the end it is just the story of two teens finding love -- and tragedy in the blink of an eye.
It's wild. I don't know the gay teen experience, but I somehow just knew in my core that Bella was absolutely nailing it here. I feel like Ellie saying it wasn't the first time she hurt anyone heavily implies that she had to kill Riley after these events. I don't think they really have to show or tell us the details.
every week I'm waiting for your reaction! It's like the closest it can get when it comes to "my" niche: fan of both games, spoilers heavy and queer! what i love about you is the fact that you get excited for the little things most people will ignore (little easter eggs, futures references) and you understand some stuff more deeply than other (a friend crush as a queer person, every gay look etc :p)! anyway, always a pleasure to watch your videos, thank you so much and i can't wait for the last two!
Another amazing TLOU reaction! I love y’all’s commentary. As a cinephile, I really appreciate that y’all notice the little details and spotlight the cinematography (this doesn’t happen often with most TLOU reactors). I can’t wait for next weeks epi, but I also am not in a rush, since there’s only 2 episodes left.
Another fantastic episode with a lot of character depth for Ellie. Riley chose Mileena in Mortal Kombat II and Ellie played Baraka (last game). Both were Lovers in the game. Baraka skewered Mileena with his blades as finisher. That was the metaphorical endgame. That's how Ellie killed Runner-Riley. I think it's clear she stabbed her. That's why Ellie asked Joel in episode 2 what it was like for him to kill an infected, knowing that they once were human. I think she needed a comparison to her own feelings because she couldn't classify them. That's why she tortured and stabbed the stalker in episode 3. She first wanted to see if he felt something and then the anger broke through in her because an infected bit her friend and killed him. Ellie kills Riley and because Riley didn't get in touch with Marlene the next day, she showed up at the mall and took Ellie with her. At least that's what I think. There are hardly any other options. Mortal Kombat was supposed to be the game in the game, but Naughty Dog didn't get permission. So they invented a game. Now HBO has rights to both games and that's how it became possible. The escalator can also be seen metaphorically. No matter how much Ellie runs against it (sometimes everything stays the same, sometimes there are highs), it still goes further and further downhill for her. Here it is shown no matter Fedra or Fireflys, for both you are just a number. They tell you what you want to hear and what benefits them, to achieve the respective goals. And there are always only 2 options to choose from. And both are manipulated into thinking there are not more. There is only one clearly good or one clearly bad choice. The officer at the beginning is not nice, he is manipulative. This can be seen in Riley who is allowed to supervise the sewage work. The Fireflys are no different. Everyone comes in quickly, they made you feel you belong to a family and you are important to them. In fact, Riley is parked alone in the mall with bombs. Lives that are stuck. Eat or die. The series in general is all about the number 2. Bill and Frank, Ellie and Joel, Ellie and Riley, Sam and Henry, Joel and Tommy, Kathleen and Daniel, two choices, Mortal Kombat 2, joke book volume 2, red or green. I actually thought Ashley Johnson would have her cameo here. Obviously, this was not the case, but it comes later in another memory. Most likely in the season finale. Next episode Troy Baker will get his cameo.
The excitement and agony of being in love with your best friend and not knowing how they feel about you…Bella is just absolute perfection in embodying it. The DLC was my favorite part of the game, but this episode just elevated everything that I love about it to another level.
Between the heartwarming cute moments showcasing Ellie and Riley finally being able to act like kids again for once, if only for a little while...... only to rip it all away again for the seventh time in a row (damn you, show), this never ending River of tragedy that follows Ellie is emblematic of not just the shows central theme but why Ellie continues to fight, to carry on. It showcases her and Riley on opposite sides of an ideological, real and tribalistic conflict before they lay down their arms and come together to just be close for a little while because they're each others purpose in this moment; a fascinating parallel to the Bill and Frank love story and why it matters greatly when Ellie continues to lose and lose. And now that she does have someone who looks after her, who she can depend on, who matters to them, she’ll be damned if she loses that type of connection again. For Riley’s sake and everyone else who died, Ellie will finish this journey……even if it kills her.
Today I've just felt miserable at home with headache and diarrhea so this really cheered me up. I think you're the only ones reacting who also pick up on all the gay stuff and it is so wholesome to watch. We all need more queer TLOU content. Thank you❤
I cannot express how wholesome it is watching your reactions. Just the sheer joy of being represented so truthfully in media like this.. I can’t help but tear up. I LOVE TLOU and this show is just extending that so much. My god if they can pull off the same as they’ve done here with all the nuance and intricacy and heartbreak Part 2 brings this will be easily one of the greatest shows ever made.
Your observation of how the lighting in the mall invokes the lesbian and bi pride flags is very astute, it's a really nice touch on part of the creators of this series. Reminded me of one of my favourite youtubers, Kyle Kallgren and his video essay on bi lighting & its cultural history & context (which also neatly doubled as his coming out video).
Yeah Ellie's in good hands for Part 2. They just need to find an equally good, or probably even better, Abby, since the whole story kind of requires her to be able to garner empathy from the audience after starting as the biggest villain in recent TV history. This episode was so good for me it's even made me reconsider that final conversation with Joel. Like up to this point I've thought the "well I'm still waiting for my turn" line's been about survivor's guilt or whatever, but now I'm wondering if through this whole journey she's just been waiting to see Riley again.
I have a feeling we'll get more of the other side of the story in ep 9 or something with Marlene! Since we still need to see the flashback with Ellie's mom and stuff so I think we might see her relationship with Ellie and her mom from her perspective! At least I hope we do! It would be a great time to expand on Marlene's role and backstory a bit more
I’m so happy you guys came across my recommended 😊 I have to go back and watch all of your reactions now! I love watching people who have played the game and who haven’t, and the different reactions. I definitely felt the giggling and kicking feet in this episode! I love Bella Ramsey so much. I’m so excited to see her in season 2 ❤
What a performance from both actors, Bella is so good it's ridiculous.. loved the carousel music its a a version of feels like heaven by the Cure..so subtle and perfect for that moment with Riley. Loving the reaction and review awesome vid .. role in the David episode.. yay
It's probably just assumed her first kill was Riley. In Episode 3, when Ellie was cutting and stabbing the stalker in the basement, that was probably her re-living that night.
Of all the reactions to this show, yours is my favorite of people who know the games. You pick up on so many small details that I missed on my first viewing. I love being able to re-watch this and see it through your eyes. And I adore how excited you two get for all the little things. I never would have noticed the lesbian flag colors in the mall lighting, but now I can't not see it. 27:20 I'm surprised you didn't geek out over The Cure Just Like Heaven playing on the carousel. 39:00 Okay, I'm feeling very triggered by Ellie's "goodbye" to Riley. Her armor is up and it's so much easier to walk away rather than wait for someone else to leave, and I see way too much of myself in that moment. Kudos to Ellie for having the courage to go back.
I don't think either of us recognized that song unfortunately! I also found Ellie's goodbye painfully relatable, the feeling of being dramatic and walking away only to rethink a few moments later... such a quintessential teenage experience. brilliant!
I assume the way Marlene found Ellie is that after Riley turned Ellie had to kill her but then she didn't want to leave. Maybe Marlene showed up since Riley was meant to leave the next day.
Did you catch which song was playing while they were riding the merry-go-round? It was Just like heaven by The Cure. Seemed like a perfect song choice for that moment.
"We'r egonna figure it out." so glad the episode ended right then and there, and there definitely werent two more episodes that hurt even more right after this :') surely, right....? RIGHT??
I think it is amazing how all these actors in the series are doing a great job and I thing we shouldn't forget the directors, even the best actor can not shine without a good director. Everyone who worked on the show did an amazing job (the small error in post production with the team at the Bridge shot excluded, but sometimes something like that happens)
@@life09mSome crew got in the shot, out in the corner. It’s fine though like I didn’t even notice until I saw on the internet. Every film has little mistakes like this (or like water levels in a glass between shots etc) and we usually don’t notice it if the editing is good and the rhythm of the story carries the viewer’s attention away from the secondary stuff.
Y'all have never looked more Canadian. As an Alaskan, I approve of the flannel. Also, that was 100% Dina in the last episode. I am now even more stoked for season 2. But also super not stoked. Because the game crushed me. I played Part 1 five times and cried throughout it each time. I played Part 2 once. Because it destroyed me emotionally. I turned off my PS4 and sat in my living room staring at my blank TV screen for fifteen minutes trying to decide whether to cook dinner for my wife and kids before they got home from her parents' house, or go drown myself in the bathtub.
Even I’ve never played the game and I knew, when she said to Joel, she’s killed before, she was talking about Riley. They didn’t need to show more of that scene, as clearly Ellie didn’t turn, Riley did and she had to kill Riley. I imagine, that Marlene came looking for Riley, found Ellie and took her with.
I originally thought they might show us a bit more as well--to Riley's death and Marlene finding them--but in retrospect the thematic point of the flashback is Riley's final words not to give up on the time they have left together, and Ellie's decision not to give up on Joel. In light of that I think it was more meaningful (and tasteful) to leave it where they did. I do think Riley was Ellie's first kill though, and that it may still come up later.
When she talked about having to hurt someone she most certainly talked about Riley I think. I like how they never explain who it was, makes it more interesting for the viewer (sorry for the rubbish English haha)
In MK II, Baraka and Mileena are lovers that both Ellie and Riley chose to fight as at the arcade. Whether the creators knew it or not, their gameplay did showcase a grim foreshadowing.
The detail that she is sowing Joel with a dirty needle is IMO a good reason for her to probably, eventually ask David in the next episode for antibiotic or something else to kill the infection in Joels wound. But I was also thinking, don't they have more alcohol in the bag xD Even though that is not clean alcohol and probably would make it worse.
ohh yeah that makes sense! the wound could have gotten infected without a dirty needle but at least we will see a more urgent consequence lol. and yeah I thought Joel had alcohol in his flask, she could have used that
I am a bisexual man, Ive always kinda identified with Ellie because her relationship with Riley reminded me a lot of my friend. Ride or die kinda stuff. Ive known him my whole life.
It would be so much fun if someone made a TLOU/Star Wars mashup since Pedro is in both francises, borrow elements from throughout both series creating a TLOU/Star Wars mashup parody that passes the Bechdel test. Just sayin.😸💫🌿🌌☮️
I googled the thing about the gay flag in the lights because I didn't see it or the bi flag and thought maybe there would be something about it mentioned online because of the meaning of Ellie and Riley's relationship. There wasn't anything. I didn't notice the flags in the lights myself, but I'm straight, so I'll take your word for it. I did look up "gay panic" too because you mentioned it so many times in your reaction and, yup, Ellie's reaction to all things Riley were the text book definition of it. Love your reactions to the show, btw. Endure and survive is my fave. Your reactions to the World War Z like attack of the infected at the end was priceless. Looking forward to the next one. Take care, ladies.
I dont know about the bi flag, cause neon pink and ciano are kinda colors associated with "gaming", but I'm pretty sure the lesbian flag was intencional. The lights were very well separated and in the correct order. Plus, they could choosen only one color to use in that flame, but they intencionally went for the orange, white and pink.
I cant think of anyone who has made note that Riley says she will be assigned to Sewage Detail and that this reference seems to be a call back to episode one in which Joel is told there is a Sewer Detail available for work the next day.
I learned about The Algorithm!!! So now I leave comments everywhere that I like. Here's a guy boosting the Algo for you two! Eff RUclips ( what's that corporation called again? (I don't wanna Google it because I think Google owns them lol) EDIT: I heard you both had images issues based on comments. I'm headed to say NEVER listen to comments. Uhh except for mine. You both look super fantastic!! I don't even the lady on the right but she is gorgeous! I'm a CIS guy and I'm not hitting on you. EDIT 3: this stuff is so good that I'm leaving in 2 places. This is so good that even if you know what's gonna happen it will surprises you!
[future season spoilers] I don't think it needs to be explained how another Firefly found Riley and Ellie in the mall and brought Ellie to Marlene, esp bc here Riley was specifically stationed by them to stay there and keep a stash of pipebombs for the rebellion. So likely Riley turned and Ellie had to stab her (which is foreshadowed by how Ellie's character kills Mileena (Riley's character) in their final Mortal Combat game). And then likely a Firefly came to talk to Riley or check on the weapons a few days later, found the aftermath, and saw Ellie still hadn't turned. The highlight of this episode for me was just all the amazing nuanced character interactions: Joel being conscious and telling Ellie to leave him but he was crying bc he didn't want to be alone, all of Bella's mannerisms when Ellie was trying to hide her feelings around Riley, and Storm Reid was the PERFECT person to play Riley! Also, that speech by the FEDRA officer to Ellie really does make me wonder if that'll be a similar scene between Abby and Isaac in the future- I hope so bc it'll really bring up how similar Abby is to Ellie, and how Abby got brainwashed into the WLF after losing her sense of purpose within the Fireflies.
Riley was due to leave the very next day, in just a few hours. It's pretty likely the Fireflies would have arrived to take her to Atlanta, plus the large amount of pipe bombs she had made and stashed there. That's too many and too heavy for one teenage girl to carry on her own, in my opinion. So I think we can safely assume Marlene (as Riley's handler) came to pick up Riley and found her freshly dead & a bitten but alive Ellie still with her.
As much as I am sure plenty of fellas who’ve been crushing on Ellie since they were kids may want to believe it, I don’t think they’ve ever given any indication that Ellie is even a little bi. Every romantic interest she has ever expressed has been ladies. It would certainly be dope to have more bi-representation but Ellie is not it.
The comment about the bisexual lighting of the arcade, I as just like "Wait, weren't arcade just like that? That blues/purple/pink neon lighting was really common wasn't it? Were arcades always jsut bisexual lighting? Or are they just lit bisexually in my memory" Though I have to admit I'm horrible at picking up on things like that...
The fact that my midly homophobic mom watched this episode and, in the scene with the Carrousel, said “Yknow I think these girls have a thing going on” lmao
If you ever decide to play the DLC again, I can highly recommend using the Infected against the human NPCs. I had a much easier time leading one to the other and letting them take each other out. This made some of the fights (not all) a heck of a lot more manageable.
@@kingwacky184 Marlene knew Bella's mother. Neil said the mom was infected while pregnant with Bella. The mom gives birth to a healthy human baby. Marlene suspected something. That's why she stashed her at the Fedra School.
I really can't praise Bella enough. All the subtle looks and the just natural chemistry she just seems to have with the people she works with is truly a gift
Dude Bella was acting out of her mind in this episode
True, i now appreciate her acting
The actor who played Riley just wasn't near Bella's skill level I felt, no small order I know but she was kinda flat. Started to really take me out of the emotion they we're going for.
@@sellingacoerwa8318girl what.. explain how and when like wtf are you even talking about
How in the world is Bella the midget going to stand a chance against Abby in season 2. No amount of acting, is going to make Bella more physically capable.
In her final scenes with Riley, Bella Ramsey proven beyond a shadow of a doubt she's more than up to the task of portraying TLOU part II Ellie -- she's gonna do great smashing every in-tact window left in post-apocalyptic America.
xDD
A note on how Marlene finds Ellie, I think they did a nice simple fix for giving a really plausible explanation for it all in this episode: the fact that Riley is posted in the mall by the Fireflies in the first place. It explains why Riley is so familiar with the place to show so much off to Ellie, and how the Fireflies would even find them after they got bit.
In my fan fiction, it's also how Marlene comes across Ellie after the bite. Marlene likely goes to the Mall to check up on Riley "posted" at the Mall. Once there Marlene finds Riley and Ellie in the aftermath of the attack on them.
You can also see some of these in the last of us comic “american dreams”
I think I watched a scene about episode 8 and Marlene appears then...
You're totally right. When playing it, I didn't even think of that. I guess I figured that Ellie went off to try and find Marlene after having to kill Riley.
I enjoy a lot of reactors but I waited for you guys for this episode. Your insights are honest and revealing. Especially to an old Bill who lost his Frank many years ago. There’s so much about young love I’ve forgotten living as isolated as I do. I especially loved your recognizing the lesbian colors in the mall. What a fantastic touch.
I know it's none of my business, but I'm sorry that you lost your Frank.
I'm sorry you lost your Frank💜 thanks for sharing and I'm so glad you're here watching with us.
When they're on the carousel, the song playing in the background is "Just Like Heaven" by The Cure.
I’m usually “to each their own” when it comes to opinions on media, but anyone saying Bella isn’t Ellie after this episode is an absolute clown, the whole circus even. The way Bella screamed that last “NO” after they got bit was everything.
Bella is absolutely incredible, anyone who says otherwise has been lying to themselves since episode 1 tbh
This episode fully convinced me that she can absolutely carry season 2, and it made me so happy, especially as a gay little lesbian
Bella isn't Ellie, she's an actress!! She's that good!
Jk, I agree 💯!! 🤣
@@Eveliane Let’s go, lesbians!!!
@@Eveliane If I'm being honest, I had concerns - mainly with the physicality and violence in part II. That was before the show aired. After 7 episodes, there's no way in hell I'd want to see anyone else in the role. I can't wait to see what she brings in S2.
I think it's clear who was Ellie's first kill, it's the same with Bill and Frank, they didn't show the aftermath but we already know what happened. Killing clickers doesn't count because she was for sure referring to a human in ep4. It's either we get a few scenes later or Ellie's just gonna reveal to Joel what she had to do by confession, y'now, as part of their conversation at the end.
But what really got me in this episode is the little too realistic representation of young queer love, gay panic, yearning, and all that. This is what happens if we let queer people play queer characters, we get accurate rep on screen. Also the part when the Left Behind theme intensifies as she held Joel's hand and he reciprocated, her desperation to prolong Joel's life. It reminded her of Riley's monologue " Whether it's two minutes or two days, we don't give that up, I don't want to give that up. " Also, I think one of the reason Joel was pushing her away is that it's war flashbacks all over again, it's like the same spot where Sarah got shot, and he doesn't want Ellie to see him die.
It's funny how many reactors (mainly non-gamers) have concluded the first kill she referenced in episode 4 is this infected. Absolutely she is referencing Riley. I think it's masterstroke not to confirm it or show it - it's left to the viewer to infer the truth. Also - and this just popped into my head now - not showing it in a way respects Ellie's decision not to talk about it. She doesn't want to talk to Joel or anyone else about it - and that includes us, the viewer.
this is a fantastic point. I know in the games she definitely didn't kill Riley, as her first human kill is the dude she saves Joel from. but taking this approach in the show while still not being explicit with it is super interesting.
I'm very curious how many of the newbie fans have picked up on the foreshadowing to Ellie being gay, with her very pointed "No" when Tess asks if she has a boyfriend, her purely showing amusement and no interest in Bill's gay porn, and naming Sally Ride as her favorite astronaut.
The way Ellie looks at Riley's face in the carousel like she's everything 😭
"Joel in one" got me good.
...got him good too!
Bella Ramsey is just amazing
Its perfect
I’ll say it again, 80s means trouble but it also means love, falling in love and that can cause trouble
Fun fact about the "lesbian flag shot"
In the podcast episode for this episode of the show, they had this whole discussion about how that entire shot is basically CGI, so for all those people who are saying that people don't put that amount of attention to detail into certain shots can suck a big one
This is the recap I’ve been searching for!! I had to subscribe immediately. I’m convinced the people who did not like this ep have never experienced yearning for their best friend before lol
Also was that infected a Stalker? Like a reference to the stalkers you encounter in game when Ellie’s got to siphon gas to get the generator on lol
Welcome! Glad you're enjoying our reactions!
Your level of joy during this episode is everything.
The look in the carousel got me. It's the cutest crush look in the world.
I didn't cry during the carousel scene until y'all cried during the carousel scene.
Also I love that The Cure's Just Like Heaven scored that scene.
Oh it was just like heaven!!!
80s music has a huge amount of nostalgia to me, and couple that with the haunted 'the world that was' element of apocalypse stuff AND the 'teens at the mall' emotions AAAAND the desperate wishing for someone to SEE you and how much you feel for them...
Man.
This is one of the reactions I've been waiting for...the excitement, insight, and depth.
It's my private theory that the reason we're not shown Ellie dealing with a newly-turned Riley is that they didn't want someone doing something derogatory with edited footage or memes. And...it's not like they need to pack any more pain into the story. It's best left to fancanon, where people get the ending they feel justified with. The implication is that Riley died by Ellie's hand.
Neil D. said on the podcast words to the effect that the last twenty years of progress regarding gay rights didn't happen so the society is very much operating still on 2003s (and likely earlier) sexuality mores. So if Ellie makes the leap of faith to the wrong person...the repercussions could be dangerous to fatal, considering how far society has fallen apart in the QZs.
It wasn't really necessary to show how the aftermath was dealt with, imagination itself an incredibly powerful storyteling device. Also, I think they purposely wanted to stay clear of the "bury your gays" trope. In the end it is just the story of two teens finding love -- and tragedy in the blink of an eye.
It's wild. I don't know the gay teen experience, but I somehow just knew in my core that Bella was absolutely nailing it here.
I feel like Ellie saying it wasn't the first time she hurt anyone heavily implies that she had to kill Riley after these events. I don't think they really have to show or tell us the details.
Another great episode. Bella Ramsey gave her best performance so far, the subtle looks she gives conveys so much.
every week I'm waiting for your reaction! It's like the closest it can get when it comes to "my" niche: fan of both games, spoilers heavy and queer! what i love about you is the fact that you get excited for the little things most people will ignore (little easter eggs, futures references) and you understand some stuff more deeply than other (a friend crush as a queer person, every gay look etc :p)! anyway, always a pleasure to watch your videos, thank you so much and i can't wait for the last two!
Finally, a TLOU reaction video worth my time. I appreciate you doing this.. keep it up and keep it real. You fellas are awesome!
Not gonna miss this before it gets taken down this time. Let's go!
Another amazing TLOU reaction! I love y’all’s commentary. As a cinephile, I really appreciate that y’all notice the little details and spotlight the cinematography (this doesn’t happen often with most TLOU reactors). I can’t wait for next weeks epi, but I also am not in a rush, since there’s only 2 episodes left.
Wow, nice catch about the lesbian flag. I just realized this now, what a beautiful detail. Cheers from Brazil ❤
Another fantastic episode with a lot of character depth for Ellie.
Riley chose Mileena in Mortal Kombat II and Ellie played Baraka (last game).
Both were Lovers in the game.
Baraka skewered Mileena with his blades as finisher. That was the metaphorical endgame. That's how Ellie killed Runner-Riley.
I think it's clear she stabbed her.
That's why Ellie asked Joel in episode 2 what it was like for him to kill an infected, knowing that they once were human. I think she needed a comparison to her own feelings because she couldn't classify them. That's why she tortured and stabbed the stalker in episode 3. She first wanted to see if he felt something and then the anger broke through in her because an infected bit her friend and killed him.
Ellie kills Riley and because Riley didn't get in touch with Marlene the next day, she showed up at the mall and took Ellie with her.
At least that's what I think. There are hardly any other options.
Mortal Kombat was supposed to be the game in the game, but Naughty Dog didn't get permission. So they invented a game. Now HBO has rights to both games and that's how it became possible.
The escalator can also be seen metaphorically. No matter how much Ellie runs against it (sometimes everything stays the same, sometimes there are highs), it still goes further and further downhill for her.
Here it is shown no matter Fedra or Fireflys, for both you are just a number. They tell you what you want to hear and what benefits them, to achieve the respective goals. And there are always only 2 options to choose from. And both are manipulated into thinking there are not more. There is only one clearly good or one clearly bad choice. The officer at the beginning is not nice, he is manipulative. This can be seen in Riley who is allowed to supervise the sewage work. The Fireflys are no different. Everyone comes in quickly, they made you feel you belong to a family and you are important to them. In fact, Riley is parked alone in the mall with bombs. Lives that are stuck. Eat or die.
The series in general is all about the number 2.
Bill and Frank, Ellie and Joel, Ellie and Riley, Sam and Henry, Joel and Tommy, Kathleen and Daniel, two choices, Mortal Kombat 2, joke book volume 2, red or green.
I actually thought Ashley Johnson would have her cameo here. Obviously, this was not the case, but it comes later in another memory. Most likely in the season finale.
Next episode Troy Baker will get his cameo.
You nailed that about Troy and Ashley
The excitement and agony of being in love with your best friend and not knowing how they feel about you…Bella is just absolute perfection in embodying it. The DLC was my favorite part of the game, but this episode just elevated everything that I love about it to another level.
I had so many nights exactly like the one they had wondering if the cute boy I was with wanted to kiss another boy 😭
Between the heartwarming cute moments showcasing Ellie and Riley finally being able to act like kids again for once, if only for a little while...... only to rip it all away again for the seventh time in a row (damn you, show), this never ending River of tragedy that follows Ellie is emblematic of not just the shows central theme but why Ellie continues to fight, to carry on.
It showcases her and Riley on opposite sides of an ideological, real and tribalistic conflict before they lay down their arms and come together to just be close for a little while because they're each others purpose in this moment; a fascinating parallel to the Bill and Frank love story and why it matters greatly when Ellie continues to lose and lose. And now that she does have someone who looks after her, who she can depend on, who matters to them, she’ll be damned if she loses that type of connection again.
For Riley’s sake and everyone else who died, Ellie will finish this journey……even if it kills her.
The Naughty Dog paws on Cpt. Kwong's keychain.... Lol🤣🤣
watching you guys has been a ritual for me, thank you so much for doing this...I LOVE IT
Today I've just felt miserable at home with headache and diarrhea so this really cheered me up. I think you're the only ones reacting who also pick up on all the gay stuff and it is so wholesome to watch. We all need more queer TLOU content. Thank you❤
bella is SO SO good. and storm was a perfect riley!
Spot on. They're both perfect.
Watching you both react to this makes me so happy that stories like this are being told.
Bella has truly mastered the longing gay stare
I cannot express how wholesome it is watching your reactions. Just the sheer joy of being represented so truthfully in media like this.. I can’t help but tear up. I LOVE TLOU and this show is just extending that so much. My god if they can pull off the same as they’ve done here with all the nuance and intricacy and heartbreak Part 2 brings this will be easily one of the greatest shows ever made.
Your observation of how the lighting in the mall invokes the lesbian and bi pride flags is very astute, it's a really nice touch on part of the creators of this series. Reminded me of one of my favourite youtubers, Kyle Kallgren and his video essay on bi lighting & its cultural history & context (which also neatly doubled as his coming out video).
Yeah Ellie's in good hands for Part 2. They just need to find an equally good, or probably even better, Abby, since the whole story kind of requires her to be able to garner empathy from the audience after starting as the biggest villain in recent TV history.
This episode was so good for me it's even made me reconsider that final conversation with Joel. Like up to this point I've thought the "well I'm still waiting for my turn" line's been about survivor's guilt or whatever, but now I'm wondering if through this whole journey she's just been waiting to see Riley again.
"we can be all poetic and just lose our minds together. I'm still waiting for my turn" omg😭
I have a feeling we'll get more of the other side of the story in ep 9 or something with Marlene! Since we still need to see the flashback with Ellie's mom and stuff so I think we might see her relationship with Ellie and her mom from her perspective! At least I hope we do! It would be a great time to expand on Marlene's role and backstory a bit more
Ellie fixing her hair in the VS window reflection made me tear up knowing what was coming...
Bella and storm did so good
For real
That moment with The Cure music, omg my heart explode.
The tune the carousel plays is The Cure, Just Like Heaven, by the way.
The Principle guy you said you saw before, he's the actor that played Pax in The Expanse, maybe that is where you recognize him from?
I’m so happy you guys came across my recommended 😊 I have to go back and watch all of your reactions now! I love watching people who have played the game and who haven’t, and the different reactions. I definitely felt the giggling and kicking feet in this episode! I love Bella Ramsey so much. I’m so excited to see her in season 2 ❤
the universal victoria's secret moment was so fucking funny
What a performance from both actors, Bella is so good it's ridiculous.. loved the carousel music its a a version of feels like heaven by the Cure..so subtle and perfect for that moment with Riley. Loving the reaction and review awesome vid .. role in the David episode.. yay
It's probably just assumed her first kill was Riley. In Episode 3, when Ellie was cutting and stabbing the stalker in the basement, that was probably her re-living that night.
Of all the reactions to this show, yours is my favorite of people who know the games. You pick up on so many small details that I missed on my first viewing. I love being able to re-watch this and see it through your eyes. And I adore how excited you two get for all the little things. I never would have noticed the lesbian flag colors in the mall lighting, but now I can't not see it.
27:20 I'm surprised you didn't geek out over The Cure Just Like Heaven playing on the carousel.
39:00 Okay, I'm feeling very triggered by Ellie's "goodbye" to Riley. Her armor is up and it's so much easier to walk away rather than wait for someone else to leave, and I see way too much of myself in that moment. Kudos to Ellie for having the courage to go back.
I don't think either of us recognized that song unfortunately!
I also found Ellie's goodbye painfully relatable, the feeling of being dramatic and walking away only to rethink a few moments later... such a quintessential teenage experience. brilliant!
I assume the way Marlene found Ellie is that after Riley turned Ellie had to kill her but then she didn't want to leave. Maybe Marlene showed up since Riley was meant to leave the next day.
I honestly would love to see your reactions/thoughts to the “behind the episodes” that they play after the credits.
we're thinking of reacting to those once the series is done airing!
I always love you reactions I can't wait for ur reaction of episode 8 it's so good 💖 💓
Part of me really hopes Ellie will use the "throw up your hands" pun at David next episode...
Your reactions always make me laugh I love them sm. i can’t wait for ep8. It’s gonna ruin us emotionally
i played the DLC when i was going through a break up back in 2016. it was actually quite healing
The Savage starlight that ellie was reading at the start of the episode was the same one that they read with Sam
Did you catch which song was playing while they were riding the merry-go-round? It was Just like heaven by The Cure. Seemed like a perfect song choice for that moment.
"We'r egonna figure it out." so glad the episode ended right then and there, and there definitely werent two more episodes that hurt even more right after this :') surely, right....? RIGHT??
joel in one is crazy 😭😭😭
I think it is amazing how all these actors in the series are doing a great job and I thing we shouldn't forget the directors, even the best actor can not shine without a good director. Everyone who worked on the show did an amazing job (the small error in post production with the team at the Bridge shot excluded, but sometimes something like that happens)
What was wrong with the bridge shot?
@@life09mSome crew got in the shot, out in the corner. It’s fine though like I didn’t even notice until I saw on the internet. Every film has little mistakes like this (or like water levels in a glass between shots etc) and we usually don’t notice it if the editing is good and the rhythm of the story carries the viewer’s attention away from the secondary stuff.
@@dialecticsjunkie7653 yes and they edited it out by cutting the right side of. It wasn't really a big thing
Y'all have never looked more Canadian. As an Alaskan, I approve of the flannel. Also, that was 100% Dina in the last episode. I am now even more stoked for season 2. But also super not stoked. Because the game crushed me. I played Part 1 five times and cried throughout it each time. I played Part 2 once. Because it destroyed me emotionally. I turned off my PS4 and sat in my living room staring at my blank TV screen for fifteen minutes trying to decide whether to cook dinner for my wife and kids before they got home from her parents' house, or go drown myself in the bathtub.
I now realizing that Riley with push they in "option" 2, save Ellie's life.
Great reaction, you two!
I love your cat, Brittany! 😊
One more gay episode and I couldn't be happier. Great reaction yeeeey
"40 or 50" actually isn't that bad a guess. Merle Dandridge is 46 in this show (though she was 37 when she first played Marlene in the game).
The actor is the same as the person who voiced her? That's pretty cool
@@kiamaria331 And two more of the game's actors are in the show, but not as the same character.
I’ll be gone, in a day or two. 😭😭😭
Even I’ve never played the game and I knew, when she said to Joel, she’s killed before, she was talking about Riley. They didn’t need to show more of that scene, as clearly Ellie didn’t turn, Riley did and she had to kill Riley. I imagine, that Marlene came looking for Riley, found Ellie and took her with.
RILELLIE I WILL AVENGE YOOOOU😭
I originally thought they might show us a bit more as well--to Riley's death and Marlene finding them--but in retrospect the thematic point of the flashback is Riley's final words not to give up on the time they have left together, and Ellie's decision not to give up on Joel. In light of that I think it was more meaningful (and tasteful) to leave it where they did. I do think Riley was Ellie's first kill though, and that it may still come up later.
When she talked about having to hurt someone she most certainly talked about Riley I think. I like how they never explain who it was, makes it more interesting for the viewer (sorry for the rubbish English haha)
Bro wrote in perfect English and then apologized for it
In MK II, Baraka and Mileena are lovers that both Ellie and Riley chose to fight as at the arcade. Whether the creators knew it or not, their gameplay did showcase a grim foreshadowing.
ruclips.net/video/EWS8Dijj6eE/видео.html
The detail that she is sowing Joel with a dirty needle is IMO a good reason for her to probably, eventually ask David in the next episode for antibiotic or something else to kill the infection in Joels wound. But I was also thinking, don't they have more alcohol in the bag xD Even though that is not clean alcohol and probably would make it worse.
ohh yeah that makes sense! the wound could have gotten infected without a dirty needle but at least we will see a more urgent consequence lol. and yeah I thought Joel had alcohol in his flask, she could have used that
Bella makes Ellie really perfect with her little adds
That was a very Ellie reaction to an escalator.
ALL HAIL THE BAGGED MILK!!!! Bring it to the finale
Joel in one I am DEAD
I am a bisexual man, Ive always kinda identified with Ellie because her relationship with Riley reminded me a lot of my friend. Ride or die kinda stuff. Ive known him my whole life.
No, i didn't skip the intro, it was great :)
This was my absolute favorite tlou episode I'm a huge fan of both games and love the show as well but her and Riley killed this episode
The Carroussel jingle is, Just like Heaven by The Cure❣️
i love your reactions keep it up and have fun with it
Your reactions to this one were adorable ❤
It would be so much fun if someone made a TLOU/Star Wars mashup since Pedro is in both francises, borrow elements from throughout both series creating a TLOU/Star Wars mashup parody that passes the Bechdel test. Just sayin.😸💫🌿🌌☮️
I googled the thing about the gay flag in the lights because I didn't see it or the bi flag and thought maybe there would be something about it mentioned online because of the meaning of Ellie and Riley's relationship. There wasn't anything. I didn't notice the flags in the lights myself, but I'm straight, so I'll take your word for it. I did look up "gay panic" too because you mentioned it so many times in your reaction and, yup, Ellie's reaction to all things Riley were the text book definition of it. Love your reactions to the show, btw. Endure and survive is my fave. Your reactions to the World War Z like attack of the infected at the end was priceless. Looking forward to the next one. Take care, ladies.
I dont know about the bi flag, cause neon pink and ciano are kinda colors associated with "gaming", but I'm pretty sure the lesbian flag was intencional. The lights were very well separated and in the correct order. Plus, they could choosen only one color to use in that flame, but they intencionally went for the orange, white and pink.
“Seen him before”… Prax! Plant guy!
I cant think of anyone who has made note that Riley says she will be assigned to Sewage Detail and that this reference seems to be a call back to episode one in which Joel is told there is a Sewer Detail available for work the next day.
That eyes game devasting me
*skips the intro* "You probably just skipped the intro!" ...busted. :o
I learned about The Algorithm!!! So now I leave comments everywhere that I like. Here's a guy boosting the Algo for you two! Eff RUclips ( what's that corporation called again? (I don't wanna Google it because I think Google owns them lol)
EDIT: I heard you both had images issues based on comments. I'm headed to say NEVER listen to comments. Uhh except for mine. You both look super fantastic!! I don't even the lady on the right but she is gorgeous! I'm a CIS guy and I'm not hitting on you.
EDIT 3: this stuff is so good that I'm leaving in 2 places. This is so good that even if you know what's gonna happen it will surprises you!
Thanks for the vote of confidence!
7:03 I GASPED
loved this episode about 2 gals just being really good pals 💅
Did anyone else catch the carousel song was a calliope/ lullaby version of * edit * Just Like Heaven by The Cure?
[future season spoilers] I don't think it needs to be explained how another Firefly found Riley and Ellie in the mall and brought Ellie to Marlene, esp bc here Riley was specifically stationed by them to stay there and keep a stash of pipebombs for the rebellion. So likely Riley turned and Ellie had to stab her (which is foreshadowed by how Ellie's character kills Mileena (Riley's character) in their final Mortal Combat game). And then likely a Firefly came to talk to Riley or check on the weapons a few days later, found the aftermath, and saw Ellie still hadn't turned.
The highlight of this episode for me was just all the amazing nuanced character interactions: Joel being conscious and telling Ellie to leave him but he was crying bc he didn't want to be alone, all of Bella's mannerisms when Ellie was trying to hide her feelings around Riley, and Storm Reid was the PERFECT person to play Riley! Also, that speech by the FEDRA officer to Ellie really does make me wonder if that'll be a similar scene between Abby and Isaac in the future- I hope so bc it'll really bring up how similar Abby is to Ellie, and how Abby got brainwashed into the WLF after losing her sense of purpose within the Fireflies.
Riley was due to leave the very next day, in just a few hours. It's pretty likely the Fireflies would have arrived to take her to Atlanta, plus the large amount of pipe bombs she had made and stashed there. That's too many and too heavy for one teenage girl to carry on her own, in my opinion. So I think we can safely assume Marlene (as Riley's handler) came to pick up Riley and found her freshly dead & a bitten but alive Ellie still with her.
@@annemoore3590 true!
As much as I am sure plenty of fellas who’ve been crushing on Ellie since they were kids may want to believe it, I don’t think they’ve ever given any indication that Ellie is even a little bi.
Every romantic interest she has ever expressed has been ladies.
It would certainly be dope to have more bi-representation but Ellie is not it.
The comment about the bisexual lighting of the arcade, I as just like "Wait, weren't arcade just like that? That blues/purple/pink neon lighting was really common wasn't it? Were arcades always jsut bisexual lighting? Or are they just lit bisexually in my memory" Though I have to admit I'm horrible at picking up on things like that...
The fact that my midly homophobic mom watched this episode and, in the scene with the Carrousel, said “Yknow I think these girls have a thing going on” lmao
Q: What did Abby score?
A: A Joel-in-one.
-Will Livingston, No Pun Intended Vol 3.
If you ever decide to play the DLC again, I can highly recommend using the Infected against the human NPCs. I had a much easier time leading one to the other and letting them take each other out. This made some of the fights (not all) a heck of a lot more manageable.
Of course Marlene didn't want to send Ellie to Atlanta. She has other plans.
But she did not know that when she said no.
@@kingwacky184 Marlene knew Bella's mother. Neil said the mom was infected while pregnant with Bella. The mom gives birth to a healthy human baby. Marlene suspected something. That's why she stashed her at the Fedra School.
Hey, we still have the giraffe scene before the final major event 😂
The appropriate reaction to Pearl Jam