THIS VIDEO IS RELEASED IN 3 PARTS, CHECK THE DESCRPITION OR CLICK THE END SCREENS TO SEE THE FULL VIDEO. Hey y'all. RUclips has been a total nightmare for me the last week. For some reason my videos are getting falsely auto flagged and having their comments removed which results in no algorithmic suggestion. So the only way I could get this video up was to use the original uploads in 3 sections. Sorry that this is kinda scuffed but I'm really proud of this video so let me know what you think!
your video essay is excellent , the voice is soothing to listen to the point you're making is great and fun and the way you use the Tlou soundtrack is elevating it even more
You create the Best video essays about the Last of Us. Everything your thoughts, writing, music, your voice... total masterpiece! The way it differentiates from other creators (especially big ones) is that your videos have Soul, real emotions and care. Thank you ones again! Please continue. Instant sub and a fan of your work❤
Hey, great video! I just wanted to say that you should pin this comment so that more people realize it's split into three parts. edit: It has been pinned.
Great video. It was suggested viewing for me. And I really enjoyed your break down of the story and characters and the fans expectations. You did an excellent job of explaining how subjective it all is, with the show still having actual benchmarks to meet for performances/storyline this show is.
i was sold on bella during henrys death scene, her expression her anguish her shocked scream that cuts halfway through and the way her eyes slowly fall along with the body and stay there until the tears come out is incredible
I’m sayin’ Her scream sounded like her trying to get “no” out but failed halfway due to the event. She’s absolutely murdering this role (in a good way).
It kinda reminded me of those awkward noises of terror I'd make during something like the demo for the silent hill game that never came out. When you get hit with a really good jumpscare. I react by making an awkward meaningless noise that I can never recreate. She recreated it
let's be real: a large part of the hate TLOUHBO gets is because of how Bella looks. Ellie in the game looks like a literal doll while Bella just looks like a normal girl. it doesn't take long for any conversation on the internet about this show that someone is gonna bring it up
Game Ellie is essentially a charming supermodel based on a person that doesn't even exist anymore. I guess a lot of people fall in love with her even when the developers drill into you the idea that you are her father.
And a lot of the hate for Joel, Sarah and some others seem to be rooted in some kind of racism. “Sarah was white in the game so she should be white in the series. Joel is a white Texan, Pedro is hispanic!” And then often some complaints of woke culture or somethimg like that.
I definitely agree with you about Bella’s performance. The later half of the season have been very focused on Ellie as a character and she is absolutely delivering. I find people that don’t like her performance have this set in stone concrete idea of who ellie is. The game only shows her through Joel’s lens so players tend to only view her as this naïve little kid that tells jokes and has a potty mouth. But she’s way more complex than that, she so much like joel in terms of her grief, and putting up barriers to protect herself from getting hurt. Because the show can separate itself from joel’s pov and shift to show other perspectives i think people are struggling with that. idk I know i’m in the minority but like this portrayal a little better than the game.
[end of the season/game spoilers] Yep, I think it's also the fact that people can't accept that Ellie is equally the main character just bc we start the show and the game off with Joel's backstory and perspective. But we slowly transition to her POV and start playing as her more near the end of the game. Some players view Ellie as basically an accessory to Joel and don't truly understand her character. Even to the point of invalidating her survivor's guilt bc they think it's inferior to Joel's character arc, and thinking her episode with Riley was 'filler' when it was an important backstory to set up her character. This show is doing Ellie justice in focusing on the fact that she's not just a plot device for Joel, but an individual going through her own arc.
The show explores Ellie a lot more than the game. I think it explores most of the aspects more than the game, Joel’s daughter, the ideology of the fireflies and fedra, Joel’s trauma. But I think the game still has a better version of Ellie. There’s just more emotion in her voice. If you watch the scene from the game where Ellie and Joel are arguing about her going with Tommy, there’s just so much more emotion in both Ellie and Joel. I honestly think it comes down to the actor being British and having to put on an accent. She just can’t be Ellie to me.
@@redphone25 There was plenty of emotion in the confrontation scene, there's just a different context and characterization that shifts the intentions of the scene in the show, making it different from the game. It doesn't have to do with her accent bc the breaks and quivering in Bella's voice is realistic, it's likely just a different performance that you might find jarring bc you're used to the game's version. Joel in the game is far more stubborn, stoic, and emotionless when it comes to talking abt Ellie until that moment; meanwhile show Joel has the added context of PTSD and vulnerability abt his age that makes him breakdown in front of Tommy, which serves to be Joel's most emotional scene rather than the bedroom confrontation. Then Ellie in the game is far more calm and level-headed, but she's not brimming with trauma or anger like Ellie in the show is bc the game doesn't delve much into Ellie's backstory with Riley or FEDRA school to show how it's had an impact on her personality. Ellie in the show isn't saved from bandits by Joel or doesn't run away as she does in the game, making the emotions in the show's scene less angry and explosive. So the scene when done in the show focuses more on Ellie's sadness and her fighting to make Joel stay, bc she heard what Joel said to Tommy after she's been having to defend him from Tommy and Maria's judgment all day, which wasn't a conflict at all in the game. Joel is also more reserved in the scene bc this version of Joel is less angry and more naturally paternal, so he ices her out instead of yelling back at her.
I feel like people are conflating different with bad. It diverges even a little bit from the source material and they lose their shit. Not because it's bad but because it's different
One thing people OFTEN ignore when directly comparing similar scenes from the game and the show is the fact that the CONTEXT LEADING UP TO these similar scenes is VERY DIFFERENT. Take the scene where Ellie tells Joel that his watch his broken. Consider the events leading up to the scene in both the game and the show: GAME 1. Ellie comes at Joel with a knife, Tess stops her 2. Ellie & Joel reluctantly go on a short walk to a safehouse 3. Joel is pretty apathetic, and Ellie is a bit snappy to him 4. They briefly get to know each other 5. This conversation ends on a bit of a dismissive argument after which Joel & Ellie shut down talk between the two. 6. Joel goes to sleep, while telling Ellie to figure out something to do. 7. "Your watch is broken", delivered in an annoyed, apathetic way SHOW 1. Joel THROWS Ellie at a wall when she surprises & rushes him with a knife 2. Joel points a gun at her (finger OFF the trigger. He doesn't shoot before assessing the target) 3. Joel steps on Ellie's knife that is CLEARLY VERY dear to her 4. He kicks the knife away, something Ellie takes great offence to 5. Tess threatens to kill Ellie if Marlene's people don't hold up their end of the bargain 6. After a walk to their safehouse, Ellie is briefly locked in the room while Tess & Joel argue 7. They are now alone. Ellie starts actively meddling with Joel's business by trying to decipher the code, and Joel snatches the book away from her 8. Joel goes to sleep, and they are both pretty frustrated & loud with each other 9. "Your watch is broken" is delivered in a sharper manner Now, people comapred these two scenes DIRECTLY and said "hmmf!! the show version is bad! The line was delivered in a calmer way in the game etc etc". And while they say this... they are ignoring the context that led up to these similar scenes!! Show Joel & Ellie being a bit more stand-offish and rude is justified because their circumstances are different! The actors HAVE TO take into account the PRIOR MOMENT before the scene started. If Game Joel & Ellie were so aggressive to each other in the "watch is broken scene" it would feel out of place cuz their context doesn't support that. And vice versa! This is why all the DIRECT COMPARISION!! videos have been annoying me a little. Cuz people almost always fail to take in the context into account.
The context shouldn't be different. The context should at least feel the same so the characters can grow in the same way. The changes to the writing hurts these characters, not the performances.
@@Shane-kf6lu eh, i think it deepens the characters much more and the changes actually work for the show, maybe not for the game, but if they didn't alter the context as much as they have so far, then there's not really much of a reason to make a show in the first place if it was just gonna be a copy paste
I can always count on you to have W takes!! Thank you for this, I literally talk abt this all the time and it's so important for ppl to take it into account. It's the reason why I hate when gamers complain abt things being cut out such as Joel's "He ain't even hurt" line. Just bc it sounds like a badass one-liner in the game with Troy Baker's more heavy southern accent, doesn't mean it would sound good in the context of the show- Joel's accent here is more realistically faded due to not living in Texas for 20 years, and the rest of his dialogue in the show leading up to that moment would make the line feel like a forced action-movie line.
@@Shane-kf6lu The context has to be different to fit the storytelling of a new medium. The show has to delve deeper into Joel and Ellie's characters and show how their backstories shape who they are, and their characterizations here are slightly different than in the game, such as adding Joel's PTSD. The game also doesn't delve into Ellie's backstory, so we don't see how her trauma and loneliness from FEDRA school had a clear impact on her personality as much as we see it in the show which is now expanding on that. The show isn't just a bunch of cutscenes spliced between hours of gameplay where you have extra time to see their relationship pan out through gameplay, and the show needs to have the character's actions make sense in the context of the world they're living in to make them believable.
TLOU is basically what happens when a great script, a good casting call, and great production team met with each other. The original casts might be great, but the live action script definitely written for specific casts in mind.
I think the show captures the overall feel of the game perfectly, even with the changes, and the emotional investment remains the same for me for both the game and the show.
Yea the game is like that. Pity the show was carried by Pedro which is Gona be hilarious when it tanks in S2 and the copium will go into overdrive on the Sarkessian shills haha
Man, the changes they made stayed true to the core message of each scene they changed from the source material. I've never seen shit like this get pulled off so well.
I've been playing back through the Last of Us 1 and have actually found myself liking Pedro Pascal's Joel better than the original. Not what I expected!
Same. But show Joel wouldn't work as well in the game so I totally respect that, but absolutely. The show made him far more human and we can see his love for Ellie grow with each episode whereas I didn't feel game Joel's love for her until after she runs away and then it was a massive shift that was almost whiplash-like. But that's may just be a me thing. 🤷🏻♀️
yes!!! i love the game, but the shows seems more realistic, i especially like that we get to see a more vulnerable side to Joel, allowing us to understand him further, like the scene where he talks to tommy, absolutely fucking amazing
I was nervous about the adaptation, but Pedro and Bella had me fully invested by episode 4. The 7th and 8th episodes have allowed Bella to shine as her own Ellie- and anyone who does not see that is simply refusing to acknowledge talent.
I felt Bella had much more energy as Ellie selling how young she was. Ashley Johnson’s performance was much more held back which made her interactions with Joel work better as background dialogue while exploring the world as opposed to television scenes
Neil Druckman, writer of the game and exec producer of the show, told Bella and Pedro not to play the games when he found out they hadn't already. He didn't want Pedro and Bella to emulate and compare themselves to Troy and Ashley.
Casting Pascal & Ramsey was unexpected for me. They were definitely NOT on my radar for these roles. But right off the bat, I was intrigued & excited. Why? Because it was a clear indication of one thing: The show will kinda be doing its own thing and won't feel pressured to RECREATE everything 1:1. That would be a mistake. The show hasn't done that so far. It is doing its own thing, making changes where necessary, keeping things same when there's no need to change things. Also: They look the part just well enough, while ensuring that the creators aren't fussing too much over superficial things. Above all: these actors were cast because of their acting ability. Because they could stay faithful to the original characters (having the writer + creative director of the game write + co-showrun the show helps with this BIG TIME), while bringing their own flavour to it. Troy Baker said that he's looking forward to see what he can learn about the character of Joel from Pascal's performance. He added that the character is bigger than any one actor or portrayal. And I thought that these were lovely sentiments. And that is the mindset I've tried to adopt. I don't want someone to cheaply imitate the already existing, iconic performance. That is futile. This is why I was not at ALL bothered when it was found out that neither Pascal or Ramsey played the games. Good. They don't need to. If anything, it's a big plus. Cuz the writers & directors are there to ensure that there performances are faithful to the characters from the game. And this just allows these new actors to not feel pressured to recreate something. They could bring their own spin, add something new. TEACH US SOMETHING NEW about Joel & Ellie. And this has worked out perfectly. I really don't have a preference between Baker + Johnson or Pascal + Ramsey. If anything... both of these portrayals have just deepened my love & appreciation for the characters for Joel & Ellie.
I can't understand people who are so offended the actors were told not to play the game in order to prevent a weak copy of the original performance. People who don't understand that don't understand what acting is. Pedro and Bella bring something new and fresh and different to the table. Both sets of Joel and Ellie are unique and I'm able to enjoy both of those versions of the characters. Besides. It's not like Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson had source material to copy and they did just fine!!
Whiners: no! They should have cast the original actors and should’ve made them look exactly like they do in the games! And make Ashley 10-20 years younger too! They should’ve copied the exact performances, dialogue, and plot points! I want a carbon copy of the game made into a show! Wah wah wah
Two things. First, some silly fans want a 1:1 translation of the game and any deviation is selling out/disrespecting the source/whatever; and second, creepy fans were attracted to Ellie and don't find Bella Ramsey as attractive.
I honestly can't understand people who actively shit on the show's cast. Pedro pascal couldn't have been more suited to embody joel's character, the emotion, the prescence and everything is fucking THERE. Same for Henry and Sam, I loved the new backstory they gave them, it feels so refreshshing to watch their dialogues and they have so much character imbued into them. Bella is really awesome too, I think she has taken a more realistic approach to ellie's reactions in the show cause man, ellie had balls of steel that I could've never imagined in myself or any kid my age at the time from even the wildest backgrounds (believe me some were fucking nuts, we were not people with lots of resources growing up and had to do what we could).
A lot of the shit Bella is getting for not looking like Ellie makes me think some of the "fans" have more in common with David than they'd care to admit.
As a longtime TLOU lover, it genuinely shocks me that so many people were upset by the cast. I didn’t know of Pedro Pascal nor Bella Ramsey prior to the series, so I had no idea they were already somewhat big names (or at least they’d be recognized), but upon first watching I was immediately shocked at how much each cast member seemed to perfectly emulate their character. I figured the director must have carefully chose them as that’s what it felt like to me. When I first saw Joel in the show I remember gasping and saying “oh my god! he really looks like Joel!” because even though they may not be identical, Joel, obviously is a lot more than just his facial features. And I could say the same about any of the characters. Also, I didn’t know that people were seriously complaining about the cast for Sarah (not that it’s that much of a surprise) but I don’t understand at all how people can be upset about it when Sarah’s actress is IDENTICAL to Sarah in the game. like they have the same face and all of the same features, the only difference being their skin colors and actress Sarah’s natural hair. they also goddamn SOUND the exact same. I genuinely believed (and am still pretty convinced) that they got Sarah’s game actress for the show or something because Christ, it’s kind of insane. anyways, even an actress like Bella Ramsey, who may not look like Ellie from the game, is a near flawless fit, because if you know anything about Ellie you know that that girl carries and emanates her energy beautifully and authentically. people can have their opinions, but I don’t think anyone upset about any of this is actually a fan because this is literally the best show adaptation to a game ever. I can’t think of a single other one that has managed to portray the whole and fulfilling world that we fell in love with successfully up on the big screen. perfect or not, it should be praised, and we should all just smile and say thank you.
The similarities between the two Sarahs blew my mind. As soon as I saw her on screen I was like “woah, is this her motion capture actor???” I’m so glad I’m not the only one who noticed that.
Exactly, I had to CTRL + F to find this comment because this mfer made me google to make sure that Sam is the younger brother and Henry is the older one.
My only complaint was it needed more episodes, so much of them just exploring and slowly bonding over nothing was I felt was missing. It was nice Ellie not being able to swim didn't come up every episode (like it did in the game), but it only came up the once, and the water was 3 feet deep. She only found a ladder once, which again, 2 times would have been enough. A lot tension was introduced from them being separated to get past an obstacle, only to have one of them encounter trouble. and the other reacts. The world didn't feel as dangerous, fewer zombies, fewer raiders. Again, games include a lot of repetition, but I think 2 more episodes with just Joel and Ellie would have counted for a lot. some minor conflict, just to build the bond, and increase the danger around every corner. That said... 10/10
The thing about the show is that, yeah some things are different… But they serve plot beats which end up the exact same way they do in the game. That’s why they call it an *adaptation* , and they’re pulling it off so well.
it's one of the best television shows I've ever seen. It's truly incredible, and I think it was casted very well, and appreciate the writers own take on the game.
The episode and that ending with Sam. The way that all 4 actors played that whole last part. Heart breaking and seeing this kid not knowing how to react to being bit and not wanting to bother his brother with it. Then Ellie not knowing if she can save him. Henry shoktingbthe ground to stop Joel from attacking Sam and both their reactions to one another and the situation. Ellie screaming for Joel and Henry stepping in then taking himself put. That whole act went hard in the paint.
I prefer our show versions, but only by a tiny amount. It's just easier to connect with them through the TV medium, but all four actors are perfect for the role they're in within the stories they're telling. Troy and Ashley gave these characters life and that's never to be replicated, but the show has expanded upon that development in such a beautiful way. Bella blew me away in episode 7. I don't know if I've ever seen someone be so natural with every emotion they portrayed. And Pedro's episode 6 monologue is outstanding and that he felt that emotion so much that he cried even when the camera wasn't on him. And to improv the line about knowing he lost something only proves he knows exactly what he's doing. I love all versions and am so excited for Ashley's cameo. To be the woman who births Ellie? Fucking. Perfect.
honestly I respect everyone’s opinion but man I rly don’t see how anyone can even put the show versions in the same stratosphere/conversation as the real og characters Ashley and troys, while I am enjoying the adaptation, both show characters just feel like nothing compared to the real Joel and Ellie. Maybe that’s just me though.
@@michaelscarn8608 like I said, I just relate more to the humanized versions of these characters. I LOVE Ashley and Troy. They're perfect for the game. 10/10 no notes. The TV series just allows more character development in a shorter amount of time, so I feel like I know these characters better. That's all. I just think both are perfect for the medium they're in, but I certainly have no qualms about people preferring the game version as long as it's not hateful toward thw show version. And vice versa because there's no need for that.
As a mega fan of the games who has played part 1 and 2 and Left Behind, I love the show. I expected more action bc of the game, but they really decided to hone in on the characters and story and make it even better than the game imo. The only people that dislike it are people who wanted an exact copy
I agree completely. I enjoy the changes to the show that weren't in the game, where there were some scenes that I felt that were rushed, or not as emotion was in the scene like in the game, I do enjoy the parallels and love that we have both versions to enjoy.
Three amount of action and the stakes of that action will always be in conflict in TV or movies because, unlike games, the characters must survive every single encounter the first time until it is the narratively determined time for them to die. The group have gone head to head with infected only a couple times and there have been significant casualties in every instance, which really sells the threat of the infected that was established so well through difficulty (and deeply unpleasant death animations) in the game. That said, I'm hoping to get some good action against infected in the finale. They should have a final test of their strength and bond where we can see what a duo that has reached its full potential can do. That would set up everything quite nicely for the real ending.
Episode 6 sold this for me completely. Joel's panic attacks and his vastly more emotional interactions with Tommy were welcome additions that made the part of the story I loved most even better.
I disagree. There's definitely more problems people have than it not being an exact copy. I'd go as far as to say the performances aren't the problem as much as the writing. Often time it feels like the show is talking down to the audience. Like, when Joel is injured and falls down in the game, Ellie just tells him to get up repeatedly. But in the show, she's gotta be like "Oh, Joel, I don't know where I'm going, I need you so much" and I just felt like it was always telling me what emotions I'm supposed to be feeling
@@cronniec.1723 Yeah, there's more than that. It is just easier to dismiss the criticism that way. I enjoyed the show and I am glad it isn't a exact copy but not all the decisions were good.
What makes me laugh the most is that I feel Bella Ramsey got special attention backlash wise when the casting of Ellie came out but I'd say Bella has been the strongest performer in the show Pedro is great as Joel but Bella is utterly brilliant as Ellie ill admit initially I wasn't sure how she would do but I was put at ease within the first few moments of her playing Ellie she is such a top talent.
It’s funny cause I personally didn’t like Pedro as Joel. I thought Bella was acting circles around him so when I went online and people were hating on Bella my confusion grew tenfold.
I’ve played the game countless of times, bought the original PS3 release and it instantly became one of my favorites. It’s wild to think nearly 10 years this game still resonates, and now it’s presented in a whole new medium for non-gamers. Since the show premiered some of my family want to watch me play the game now lol..
Bella did such a fantastic job as Ellie. It absolutely blew me away how good the show was. My whole family sat and watched it just like they sat and watched my brother and I play the game.
I love how no one realized how hard it was going to be to find embodying actors who could also fit the appearance. Pedro and Bella are so well versed and worl together so well
Exactly. I played through the game twice and two more watches on RUclips in “movie” form. Watching the show gives me a little unknown elements with the other known elements as the best parts of the game.
@@lola.gs1 and she's old enough to play a CGI little girl but she delivered the character of Ellie that we all know and loved.... I'm not saying that she should still play the role.... I'm saying that the HBO Ellie should be really close the game Ellie in terms of acting.... underacting will not work in that situation...real emotional acting is more realistic....
There was this one artist that I heard say that the best works divide the audience. I think the initial fear of failure around this show was what had so many people worried about things like the cast and the writing. Now that we've seen that the writers clearly have a lot of value for the source material (the game) we can simply enjoy the show and watch it play out and appreciate the few moments we get that remind us of where the story came from. Your video is well written and I appreciate a lot of your points. Its a huge bummer that the bar is so low for video game adaptations into shows like this... It blows my mind when you hear that the writers/producers (or whoever it was) for the Halo series for example simply didn't care about the games or even bother to learn the lore surrounding them. At least we can sit back and appreciate the hard work that went into this show. Even if it isnt perfect, its certainly a work of art and you cant deny those moments.
originally when the series aired I wasn't really sold on their versions of Joel and Ellie, I'll be honest, but damn Pedro Pascal and especially Bella Ramsey are incredible. I've never seen Bella act before and I'm like blown away, especially with the newer episodes
I think there are instances where the show exceeds the game, and others where it falls flat. The vulnerability expressed by the characters is more visible and makes them more human to me. Joel especially, as he is a killing machine in the game, but in the show we see him struggle a bit more, and open up to tommy in a way that’s very new. The issues that come up in the show for me are all related to pacing. I do think the show would’ve greatly benefited if it went for more than 9 episodes. There are scenes such as the one in the truck, and the encounter with raiders in the city that were a bit rushed for me. And I might be in the minority that wishes there were a few more infected encounters. But other than that, I am wholeheartedly enjoying the show and am sad it’s already at the season finale.
I honestly prefer the show version of Ellie compared to the game. Bella is such a captivating performer... that raw anger is palpable! Just crazy range she has and she was only 17 at the time of filming. However, Ellie in TLOU2 is goated for me, so I hope Bella can deliver in S2. I have no doubt she given her work thus far.
When people step outside their original expectations and look at this as a new medium, you see how insane everyone's talent really is in this. I watched this with someone that wanted a play-by-play of the video game in the adaptation and was upset when it wasn't, while my husband and I were blown away by the changes that were made to include the depth, and the delivery of it for it's medium.
She is doing a really great job at playing Ellie and Pedro as Joel too... I haven't played the games and I think this gives me the chance to view these characters without any prejudice or assumptions. They play it very convincingly
I love that Both Pedro and Bella could play the characters in their way, without distancing too much from the original characters. They still have that same core of Joel and Ellie, and i still feel the connection between them.
When I think about it, I essencially grew up with Ellie, as I was 14 when the first game came out and I played it. So Bella was a hard-sell when I started the series, think anyone would have been. But there were certain moments even in the first episode, where she drew me in to her portrayal of the character. This'll sound stupid to some, but just before her amazing performance during the ending of the 5th episode, there was one action where I took a moment and noticed my perspective on her had changed. When she lightly pounds her fists against the chair before getting up to see if Sam is alright. I'd realised how little I was questioning her portrayal by that point, and considering how critical I was, that genuinely caught me by surprise, in the best way. From that point on, with how she acted in the coming episodes, I trully appreciated her as Ellie and by the end of the series I feel I trully don't see how anyone else could have done a better job as the character. So hats off to her for making the role her own and bringing a striking authenticity that gripped me despite my concerns and stubbornness.
i really liked both performances and was surprised to see bella's performance being as great as pedro's in my eyes at least. In my opinion she made ellie feel so real and not just like a fictional character.
Game is in my top 3 of all time and the show just might make my top 5 or 10 shows of all time. I feel so lucky and grateful to get a great video game adaptation, and even more so because it’s based off of one of my faves of all time. The gamers who are complaining are the worst and they’ll complain no matter what. Give them Troy and Ashley as the leads and they’ll still complain. Give them the exact plot points, scenes, and dialogue and they’ll still complain. They are worse than trolls, and I would know.
Agreed. Im not sure its just gamers though. There is a huge amount of nerd culture and even broader culture that is so reactionary and binary, and incapable of nuance. They can't just like some a little or be ambivalent; its either orgasmic, or absolutely the worst thing ever and affront to their very being. And very often, that hinges on whether they feel it was made specifically and exactly just for them and their personal taste.
Christ, generalising people as man-babies is real mature. Personally, I have many issues with the show. In comparison to the game it falls flat in a fair few ways. Critiquing something is a good thing. Dismissing criticism is stupid.
Ah yes, just like how generalizing every person that has criticism towards the show as "man-babies" isn't man-baby-isk? At the end of the day, it is still commendable how they adapted it with care and didn't go the easy way, but it is still brimming with problems and avoiding them is just downright delusional. The show clearly has issues, and this is coming from someone that loves Craig's work as a director to death since Chernobyl. It definitely lacked a lot of the charm from the game, and even more so how the characters' were portrayed, I don't think it was the right idea to stop the actors from playing the game, while even some of the writing differences made the relationship between Joel and Ellie so much less interesting, trying to invoke a political statment in every cranny in a freaking apocalypse too wasn't a smart idea... Most of the additions also felt like jarring cuts and didn't actually add much to the overall story, except episode 3 I admit was quite well put together although still unnecessary for the overall run, as if the whole point was trying to show homosexuality in a popular show, that happens in Part 2 so I don't understand the point... This show is definitely a product of its time, just like the game. My only hope is that they actually put the same effort into adapting Part 2 from the mess of a narrative it is in the game. They did a better job making things feel more chronological in the show, so hopefully they'll change up that mess in season 2...
I think Bella did a great job having ellies personality and nailing how she talks and interacts. It was weird at first since she didn't look like ellie. But by the end of it. I was extremely happy with how everything played out
I've been a huge fan of TLOU for years. I watched RUclipsrs play it when it first got popular. I watched the playthroughs on multiple channels and even rewatched them throughout the years. I adore TLOU and will forever be apart of my childhood and apart of my favorite games and favorite storytelling experiences. Ashley Johnson & Troy Baker did an amazing performance while acting for the game. In my opinion, they MADE the game as good as it is and I think most, if not all, will agree with me. As for the HBO adaptation, I had my worries when I first heard about it becoming a show. I thought "What if it's bad? What if the show completely butchers the storytelling?" Despite my worries, i was blown away with the first episode. I was nothing but smiles throughout the entire show. It made me extremely excited to see my favorite game adapted into a show with these two AMAZING actors, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. I know people are very back and forth with the acting or with Bella Ramsey's looks compared to the Ellie from the video game. I never expected an exact match but I don't think they could have chosen a better actress for the role of Ellie. There's no real way to compare the two Ellies from the game and the show because Bella's portrayal of Ellie isn't based on Ashley's Ellie. Bella created her own "Ellie." The same goes for Pedro's portrayal of Joel. I was also very pleased with being able to see the story of Frank and Bill aswell as seeing Ashley play the role of Ellie's mother. I also know that many of the original voice actors/actresses also had an appearance on the show such as Jeffrey Pierce, Troy Baker, and Merle Dandridge. It gave me a sense of familiarity and made me really happy to know that HBO gave a role to the original actors/actresses, which was something that probably meant alot to them.
I played both games and I was one of those who didn't like the HBO casting with Pedro and Bella, but after the first episode, I was totally convinced they can both successfully perform in their own way.
it’s crazy to me that people even find it so easy to compare the acting in the game with the acting in the show because they are honestly two drastically different art forms that cause a drastic difference in the portrayal, line delivery, and blocking. it’s perfectly sound to say that both pairs of actors did incredible jobs at portraying their characters in their respective mediums. i can only assume that the people claiming that one is exceedingly better than the other in any way are just being contrarians.
Completely agree on the translation problem. I will say that it's unavoidable when changing mediums and also with the long string of recent and not so recent debacles in translation to film or tv from our favorite games, graphic novels, anime etc...seeing how they've translated this is such a relief. It's never going to be perfect but at the same time, I wouldn't want nor expect that. They've done an incredible job with this overall.
i left some pretty critical comments on one of your earlier videos and you replied gracefully, just looping back around to say i actually enjoy these a lot now and i think you’ve come a long way in a short time with them. well done!!
haha thanks for letting me know. Glad you're enjoying the content. I remember your critiques, they felt reasonable, even if they were phrased pretty critically
I think what people always forget, or like to ignore, is that these are always Adaptations. They're never meant to be 1:1 conversions from 1 medium to another, which would be nearly impossible and stupid. So, ideally you have to make changes, and want to justify it's existence. After all, if everything is the same, why even do it. So what helped me when watching things that were adapted from material I loved is not expect the literal same stuff but mainly the story/character arcs/themes I loved before adapted to a different medium, told in a new way. I mean yeah, it doesn't help that a lot of adaptations fall short or don't even get the point of the original. But it's getting annoying to hear an outcry over every detail that's different. It can (and imho that's the cast with The Last of Us) still be a great show/movie in its own right. And if it sucks, you can always still enjoy the source material it's based on ;)
At first I was unsure of what to think about the show (ep 1) but after some consideration, I view the game and show almost as an amalgamation. I feel like the show is a way for the directors to include/ explore things they either didnt get to, or just hadn't thought of by time the game released. So no matter how much the show may "divulge from the source material" this is their story and I am so grateful for every second of it.
Last Saturday,when I was watching episode 8 with my family my sister(who is the big tlou fan of the family) told me that at first she was unsure and afraid about how would bella's acting would be (bc of the recent lacking adaptations of games and shows,I'm assuming).However, she added that Bella makes everything more emotional,which is nice Also,I remember that she may have become unsure and afraid of whether Bella would do a good job portraying ellie when that trailer in which she says:'Everyone I have ever loved before has either died of left me.',bc without the "fucking exept for you,Joel" it didn't seem that emotional(although Bella put so much rage on "fucking exept for you").I remember her showing the line in game to me and then the trailer to notice the difference in emotion. I am glad,tho,that the show proved both of us wrong and snatched our wigs in every episode 😀 Ps:I'm sorry that I committed all of these mistakes😅
Pedro has been doing an amazing job. He fits the character really well. I don’t know anyone who could play Joel as good as he does. Bella really doesn’t look anything like Ellie and i’m concerned how she’s gonna play more of a mature older badass in season 2 considering shes 19 in real life but she literally looks like a short 14 year old girl, so i really don’t know how theyre gonna make it work in season 2 but she’s phenomenal actress.
the last of us show is by far the best game adaptation you could get and the changes they made have not dissapointed me at all and they never missed a beat in making me excited seeing how the scenes play out and what they added and what they kept true to the game. Like Ellie and Riley dancing and the carousel and also seeing more of frank and bill's relationship. I am still hoping seeing more in the next episodes like i wanted to see joel and or ellie navigate around the trips that explode and what you had to do in game to fight played out. Bella is an amazing Ellie and Pedro is def a perfect Joel. I'm definitely thoroughly enjoying the show and I actually understand the story a little more than before because change of focus from gameplay. Excited to see more and def excited for the timejump.
The same people who complain about the actors in the show are the same ones who look at games for realism. It’s a game, you literally would have to scour the earth for someone who looks exactly like Ellie, digitally bring her to life, or makeup. However, there are times that Bella’s acting does kinda go flat, but I think it’s mainly because she’s trying to keep her western American English from her real accent. For example in this recent episode she says lines directly from the game, and they just don’t sound convincing. It sounds like it’s being read like a play at times. It’s still an amazing performance nonetheless and I definitely don’t want this season to end
Yeah context, tone, and overall theme of the show is very different to mesh better with part 2. These are different characters with nuanced differences in their driving forces. A different world to be sure as far as how much a hell scape the games world seems to be vs the shows mostly empty, not quite as dangerous world. The route they’ve taken is bitter sweet because I don’t think part 2s story is worth compromising the 1st but here we are and the shows definitely not bad.
I'm so glad that I was unfamiliar with the game so I can watch this show on its own merits. It can be hard when you have preconceived notions of what a character should look like, especially when it's based on pre-existing material. For example, let's take the adaptations of Stephen King's "The Stand." When I read the book back in the 1970s, I envisioned a Frank Langella type as Randall Flagg. So in the 1990s, when the network TV adaptation was done, I had a hard time with Jamey Sheridan's portrayal. Same with Molly Ringwald -- I envisioned Frannie differently. But in later years and viewings, I identified the characters so strongly with the 1990s adaptation that I found myself completely unable to watch the one that was done just a few years ago. So I get the idea of "No, no, s/he's not right for the part!" In this case, there is so much that apparently mirrors the game that I can see where it can be jarring, and difficult to wrap your mind around different casting. It's also been impossible to avoid the Bella Ramsey pushback. I think that when in a January interview she described herself as nonbinary, that didn't help among the anti-"woke" crowd. The clips from the game that I've seen from the many RUclips analyses show game-Ellie as being a very conventionally pretty girl. Bella is what alas, my mother would have called "cute but not pretty" (which is what she called ME), which makes her perhaps a more convincing badass. It's not that pretty girls can't be badass; the world of comic books and fantasy novels has been full of beautiful badass females for a very long time. The TV critic for The New Yorker referred to Bella as "button-eyed," which is actually kinda true, with all the "cute as a button" undercurrent. And yet there's something fascinating about her face that for ME at least, and I am in my 60s, when combined with my lack of extensive familiarity with the source material, makes her seem just perfect for the role.
"Both the game and the show are good in their own way. I think people should stop comparing the casting and instead focus on the show and the game itself."
Being a huge fan of the original game, I have some issues with the show but it’s really not the actors. The parts I like the least are when something is very close to but not quite like the original, particularly verbatim lines, because it’s very easy to compare them. Episodes 3 and 5 were my favourites because even though I loved those sections in the game, I loved the chance to see something new. I have issues with Part II, but I actually enjoyed playing as Abby and Lev more than Ellie and whomever. I liked the similarity more than the direct comparison. I feel like maybe they should have just done that with the show - a new story in the same world, even if it’s heavily based on the original story. They wouldn’t have the issues of recreating the original “wrong” then. Part of why people like Joel and Ellie so much is because of how much Troy and Ashley influenced the characters. I don’t see why they couldn’t let Pedro and Bella do the same, as opposed to recreating Troy and Ashley’s changes.
@@einhorntaschentuch9404 I know, but recently in gaming the performances are actually acted (not just them being behind a mic speaking lines), no different from Avatar or any marvel movie. It kinda just bugs me a little bit that most media refers to them as voice actors as if they they're only just that and nothing else.
i'm truly blown away by the show. it feels like literally everyone working on it really gave it their all to rise to the incredible challenge of adapting this beloved story. the chemestry between the actors is fantastic and all my worries about this show not doing well pretty much disappeared by episode 2
i was a little bit nervous at first about the adaptation but after watching the show, tadaaa i now have bella's photo as my profile picture on almost all of my social media accounts
Bella is my Ellie. Idc. Bella brought Ellie to life in ways I didn't think an HBO series could capture. Same with Pedro, their chemistry and how their relationship is portrayed. Its such a beautiful series, coming from a HUGE fan of the games. I was skeptical, but after episode 1 I knew exactly why they cast them. Amazing! And now the world gets to love something I love ❤️
Same to an extent, I loved the extra material they did in the show and the DLC was much more cattered to it being a show. The Frank and Bill episode was sweet, the two of them living in complete bliss while the world turned to shit. The backstory of how Ellie became immune and why Marleene is so keen on keeping her safe until the end. The shopping mall episode. I have only seen Bella in Game of thrones, she's the embodiment of a badass kid in GoT. I don't think I'd be happy with anyone else playing Ellie in the show Except for the original, because there's not many like her who has the same grit. On the other hand I think Pedro did an alright performance but it's ofcourse dulled down because he has to imitate Troys voice. I think he should've just been himself. He doesn't have the same voice as Troy and that's fine. Be yourself but it was stage personels choice. I think they should've probably casted Boyd Holbrook instead. He's not as tanned as Joel is in the game but his voice is gold and definitely comparable to Troys I'd love it if they did a live action for Detroit Become Human because it is pretty much already a show but with Quick time events and choices. HBO could definitely team up with Quantic Dream and make it reality. People who don't watch games need to see it.
For what it's worth Baker & Johnson will always be my Joel & Ellie. They were the voices and the action that introduced me to the world and how I made my way thru it on the PS3 & 4. But...that doesn't mean Pascal & Ramsey ate any less good. Just different. It's like if they were in two different stage companies playing the same roles. You could make a distinction based on personal criteria, but the casting director has already decided. Or the movie cast vs. the traveling company of the broadway play. I think every actor brings their own strengths to the part. I haven't seen Pascal or Ramsey act much...but that just means they're new to me. There should be room enough on the planet to like both sets of actors.
The thing people don’t understand is a game is setup differently from a show or a movie. The game is purposely long and drawn out so the player can explore the world. That doesn’t really work for tv. You need to hit the important story marks and not drag it out. All the things people love in the game is not important in the overall story. I’ve seen so many people say they could have shown this and that. And I have to remind people that little moment you like is not a main story element that’s put there for the gamer why’ll exploring. Yea gamers would sit through a show that showed every little detail but would new comers no they would probably get bored you have to keep the main story elements by editing it down to a reasonable pace.
![[s1] joel having beef with ellie for 9 minutes](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/z-NF5RVdDJY/mqdefault.jpg)
![[s1] joel having beef with ellie for 9 minutes](/img/tr.png)
THIS VIDEO IS RELEASED IN 3 PARTS, CHECK THE DESCRPITION OR CLICK THE END SCREENS TO SEE THE FULL VIDEO.
Hey y'all. RUclips has been a total nightmare for me the last week. For some reason my videos are getting falsely auto flagged and having their comments removed which results in no algorithmic suggestion. So the only way I could get this video up was to use the original uploads in 3 sections. Sorry that this is kinda scuffed but I'm really proud of this video so let me know what you think!
your video essay is excellent , the voice is soothing to listen to
the point you're making is great and fun
and the way you use the Tlou soundtrack is elevating it even more
You create the Best video essays about the Last of Us. Everything your thoughts, writing, music, your voice... total masterpiece! The way it differentiates from other creators (especially big ones) is that your videos have Soul, real emotions and care.
Thank you ones again! Please continue. Instant sub and a fan of your work❤
Hey, great video! I just wanted to say that you should pin this comment so that more people realize it's split into three parts.
edit: It has been pinned.
Understood. Keep up the great work!
Great video. It was suggested viewing for me. And I really enjoyed your break down of the story and characters and the fans expectations. You did an excellent job of explaining how subjective it all is, with the show still having actual benchmarks to meet for performances/storyline this show is.
i was sold on bella during henrys death scene, her expression her anguish her shocked scream that cuts halfway through and the way her eyes slowly fall along with the body and stay there until the tears come out is incredible
I’m sayin’
Her scream sounded like her trying to get “no” out but failed halfway due to the event.
She’s absolutely murdering this role (in a good way).
Oh yeah that scream was incredible
Best gutteral yelp I ever heard in a show
It kinda reminded me of those awkward noises of terror I'd make during something like the demo for the silent hill game that never came out. When you get hit with a really good jumpscare. I react by making an awkward meaningless noise that I can never recreate. She recreated it
That yelp hurt. The game’s cut to black was crazy good, too, but I think the show did the scene better.
let's be real: a large part of the hate TLOUHBO gets is because of how Bella looks. Ellie in the game looks like a literal doll while Bella just looks like a normal girl. it doesn't take long for any conversation on the internet about this show that someone is gonna bring it up
Game Ellie is essentially a charming supermodel based on a person that doesn't even exist anymore. I guess a lot of people fall in love with her even when the developers drill into you the idea that you are her father.
@@marcoscarrasco92 there is no fear in love
@@marcoscarrasco92 💀💀💀
And a lot of the hate for Joel, Sarah and some others seem to be rooted in some kind of racism. “Sarah was white in the game so she should be white in the series. Joel is a white Texan, Pedro is hispanic!” And then often some complaints of woke culture or somethimg like that.
@@DanDanDoe yup. To me, "woke" is the word people use to not say "i'm racist/sexist/homophobic"
I definitely agree with you about Bella’s performance. The later half of the season have been very focused on Ellie as a character and she is absolutely delivering. I find people that don’t like her performance have this set in stone concrete idea of who ellie is. The game only shows her through Joel’s lens so players tend to only view her as this naïve little kid that tells jokes and has a potty mouth. But she’s way more complex than that, she so much like joel in terms of her grief, and putting up barriers to protect herself from getting hurt. Because the show can separate itself from joel’s pov and shift to show other perspectives i think people are struggling with that. idk I know i’m in the minority but like this portrayal a little better than the game.
[end of the season/game spoilers] Yep, I think it's also the fact that people can't accept that Ellie is equally the main character just bc we start the show and the game off with Joel's backstory and perspective. But we slowly transition to her POV and start playing as her more near the end of the game. Some players view Ellie as basically an accessory to Joel and don't truly understand her character. Even to the point of invalidating her survivor's guilt bc they think it's inferior to Joel's character arc, and thinking her episode with Riley was 'filler' when it was an important backstory to set up her character. This show is doing Ellie justice in focusing on the fact that she's not just a plot device for Joel, but an individual going through her own arc.
The show explores Ellie a lot more than the game. I think it explores most of the aspects more than the game, Joel’s daughter, the ideology of the fireflies and fedra, Joel’s trauma.
But I think the game still has a better version of Ellie. There’s just more emotion in her voice. If you watch the scene from the game where Ellie and Joel are arguing about her going with Tommy, there’s just so much more emotion in both Ellie and Joel.
I honestly think it comes down to the actor being British and having to put on an accent. She just can’t be Ellie to me.
@@redphone25 There was plenty of emotion in the confrontation scene, there's just a different context and characterization that shifts the intentions of the scene in the show, making it different from the game. It doesn't have to do with her accent bc the breaks and quivering in Bella's voice is realistic, it's likely just a different performance that you might find jarring bc you're used to the game's version.
Joel in the game is far more stubborn, stoic, and emotionless when it comes to talking abt Ellie until that moment; meanwhile show Joel has the added context of PTSD and vulnerability abt his age that makes him breakdown in front of Tommy, which serves to be Joel's most emotional scene rather than the bedroom confrontation. Then Ellie in the game is far more calm and level-headed, but she's not brimming with trauma or anger like Ellie in the show is bc the game doesn't delve much into Ellie's backstory with Riley or FEDRA school to show how it's had an impact on her personality.
Ellie in the show isn't saved from bandits by Joel or doesn't run away as she does in the game, making the emotions in the show's scene less angry and explosive. So the scene when done in the show focuses more on Ellie's sadness and her fighting to make Joel stay, bc she heard what Joel said to Tommy after she's been having to defend him from Tommy and Maria's judgment all day, which wasn't a conflict at all in the game. Joel is also more reserved in the scene bc this version of Joel is less angry and more naturally paternal, so he ices her out instead of yelling back at her.
I feel like people are conflating different with bad. It diverges even a little bit from the source material and they lose their shit. Not because it's bad but because it's different
@@chrishaven1489 💯
One thing people OFTEN ignore when directly comparing similar scenes from the game and the show is the fact that the CONTEXT LEADING UP TO these similar scenes is VERY DIFFERENT.
Take the scene where Ellie tells Joel that his watch his broken. Consider the events leading up to the scene in both the game and the show:
GAME
1. Ellie comes at Joel with a knife, Tess stops her
2. Ellie & Joel reluctantly go on a short walk to a safehouse
3. Joel is pretty apathetic, and Ellie is a bit snappy to him
4. They briefly get to know each other
5. This conversation ends on a bit of a dismissive argument after which Joel & Ellie shut down talk between the two.
6. Joel goes to sleep, while telling Ellie to figure out something to do.
7. "Your watch is broken", delivered in an annoyed, apathetic way
SHOW
1. Joel THROWS Ellie at a wall when she surprises & rushes him with a knife
2. Joel points a gun at her (finger OFF the trigger. He doesn't shoot before assessing the target)
3. Joel steps on Ellie's knife that is CLEARLY VERY dear to her
4. He kicks the knife away, something Ellie takes great offence to
5. Tess threatens to kill Ellie if Marlene's people don't hold up their end of the bargain
6. After a walk to their safehouse, Ellie is briefly locked in the room while Tess & Joel argue
7. They are now alone. Ellie starts actively meddling with Joel's business by trying to decipher the code, and Joel snatches the book away from her
8. Joel goes to sleep, and they are both pretty frustrated & loud with each other
9. "Your watch is broken" is delivered in a sharper manner
Now, people comapred these two scenes DIRECTLY and said "hmmf!! the show version is bad! The line was delivered in a calmer way in the game etc etc". And while they say this... they are ignoring the context that led up to these similar scenes!! Show Joel & Ellie being a bit more stand-offish and rude is justified because their circumstances are different! The actors HAVE TO take into account the PRIOR MOMENT before the scene started. If Game Joel & Ellie were so aggressive to each other in the "watch is broken scene" it would feel out of place cuz their context doesn't support that. And vice versa!
This is why all the DIRECT COMPARISION!! videos have been annoying me a little. Cuz people almost always fail to take in the context into account.
The context shouldn't be different. The context should at least feel the same so the characters can grow in the same way. The changes to the writing hurts these characters, not the performances.
@@Shane-kf6lu eh, i think it deepens the characters much more and the changes actually work for the show, maybe not for the game, but if they didn't alter the context as much as they have so far, then there's not really much of a reason to make a show in the first place if it was just gonna be a copy paste
I can always count on you to have W takes!! Thank you for this, I literally talk abt this all the time and it's so important for ppl to take it into account. It's the reason why I hate when gamers complain abt things being cut out such as Joel's "He ain't even hurt" line. Just bc it sounds like a badass one-liner in the game with Troy Baker's more heavy southern accent, doesn't mean it would sound good in the context of the show- Joel's accent here is more realistically faded due to not living in Texas for 20 years, and the rest of his dialogue in the show leading up to that moment would make the line feel like a forced action-movie line.
@@Shane-kf6lu The context has to be different to fit the storytelling of a new medium. The show has to delve deeper into Joel and Ellie's characters and show how their backstories shape who they are, and their characterizations here are slightly different than in the game, such as adding Joel's PTSD. The game also doesn't delve into Ellie's backstory, so we don't see how her trauma and loneliness from FEDRA school had a clear impact on her personality as much as we see it in the show which is now expanding on that. The show isn't just a bunch of cutscenes spliced between hours of gameplay where you have extra time to see their relationship pan out through gameplay, and the show needs to have the character's actions make sense in the context of the world they're living in to make them believable.
@@Shane-kf6lu there’s some things you simply cannot do in a tv show as u can in a video game
TLOU is basically what happens when a great script, a good casting call, and great production team met with each other. The original casts might be great, but the live action script definitely written for specific casts in mind.
I think the show captures the overall feel of the game perfectly, even with the changes, and the emotional investment remains the same for me for both the game and the show.
Yea the game is like that. Pity the show was carried by Pedro which is Gona be hilarious when it tanks in S2 and the copium will go into overdrive on the Sarkessian shills haha
@@hbjshowslopper meh i didnt once feel the same way i did playing the game when i was watching the show everything just felt so rushed and awkward
Man, the changes they made stayed true to the core message of each scene they changed from the source material. I've never seen shit like this get pulled off so well.
I've been playing back through the Last of Us 1 and have actually found myself liking Pedro Pascal's Joel better than the original. Not what I expected!
I'm 100% with you on that lol
Same. But show Joel wouldn't work as well in the game so I totally respect that, but absolutely. The show made him far more human and we can see his love for Ellie grow with each episode whereas I didn't feel game Joel's love for her until after she runs away and then it was a massive shift that was almost whiplash-like.
But that's may just be a me thing. 🤷🏻♀️
Same here
yes!!! i love the game, but the shows seems more realistic, i especially like that we get to see a more vulnerable side to Joel, allowing us to understand him further, like the scene where he talks to tommy, absolutely fucking amazing
You are all insane.
I was nervous about the adaptation, but Pedro and Bella had me fully invested by episode 4. The 7th and 8th episodes have allowed Bella to shine as her own Ellie- and anyone who does not see that is simply refusing to acknowledge talent.
I felt Bella had much more energy as Ellie selling how young she was. Ashley Johnson’s performance was much more held back which made her interactions with Joel work better as background dialogue while exploring the world as opposed to television scenes
Delusion
@@austinsavage5962 Cope and seethe
I also thought of this but I realized that we think Game Ellie is much held back is because we didn't get to know her better compared to Show Ellie.
Neil Druckman, writer of the game and exec producer of the show, told Bella and Pedro not to play the games when he found out they hadn't already. He didn't want Pedro and Bella to emulate and compare themselves to Troy and Ashley.
emulate* not immolate. Immolate is to set oneself on fire.
@@ordinarytree4678 It's called dedication to the craft!
*But seriously, noted and fixed.
So you mean Troy and Ashley are worse actors?
@@yoyodude662 I don't think that's what they mean💀💀
Casting Pascal & Ramsey was unexpected for me. They were definitely NOT on my radar for these roles. But right off the bat, I was intrigued & excited. Why? Because it was a clear indication of one thing: The show will kinda be doing its own thing and won't feel pressured to RECREATE everything 1:1. That would be a mistake. The show hasn't done that so far. It is doing its own thing, making changes where necessary, keeping things same when there's no need to change things.
Also: They look the part just well enough, while ensuring that the creators aren't fussing too much over superficial things. Above all: these actors were cast because of their acting ability. Because they could stay faithful to the original characters (having the writer + creative director of the game write + co-showrun the show helps with this BIG TIME), while bringing their own flavour to it.
Troy Baker said that he's looking forward to see what he can learn about the character of Joel from Pascal's performance. He added that the character is bigger than any one actor or portrayal. And I thought that these were lovely sentiments. And that is the mindset I've tried to adopt.
I don't want someone to cheaply imitate the already existing, iconic performance. That is futile. This is why I was not at ALL bothered when it was found out that neither Pascal or Ramsey played the games. Good. They don't need to. If anything, it's a big plus. Cuz the writers & directors are there to ensure that there performances are faithful to the characters from the game. And this just allows these new actors to not feel pressured to recreate something. They could bring their own spin, add something new. TEACH US SOMETHING NEW about Joel & Ellie.
And this has worked out perfectly. I really don't have a preference between Baker + Johnson or Pascal + Ramsey. If anything... both of these portrayals have just deepened my love & appreciation for the characters for Joel & Ellie.
I can't understand people who are so offended the actors were told not to play the game in order to prevent a weak copy of the original performance. People who don't understand that don't understand what acting is. Pedro and Bella bring something new and fresh and different to the table. Both sets of Joel and Ellie are unique and I'm able to enjoy both of those versions of the characters.
Besides.
It's not like Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson had source material to copy and they did just fine!!
Whiners: no! They should have cast the original actors and should’ve made them look exactly like they do in the games! And make Ashley 10-20 years younger too! They should’ve copied the exact performances, dialogue, and plot points! I want a carbon copy of the game made into a show! Wah wah wah
Two things. First, some silly fans want a 1:1 translation of the game and any deviation is selling out/disrespecting the source/whatever; and second, creepy fans were attracted to Ellie and don't find Bella Ramsey as attractive.
I'm guessing you're an actor then
@@CommanderquesoTV yes
I honestly can't understand people who actively shit on the show's cast. Pedro pascal couldn't have been more suited to embody joel's character, the emotion, the prescence and everything is fucking THERE. Same for Henry and Sam, I loved the new backstory they gave them, it feels so refreshshing to watch their dialogues and they have so much character imbued into them.
Bella is really awesome too, I think she has taken a more realistic approach to ellie's reactions in the show cause man, ellie had balls of steel that I could've never imagined in myself or any kid my age at the time from even the wildest backgrounds (believe me some were fucking nuts, we were not people with lots of resources growing up and had to do what we could).
A lot of the shit Bella is getting for not looking like Ellie makes me think some of the "fans" have more in common with David than they'd care to admit.
She looks like Greta thunbergs American cousin lmao.
@@zachrohler1047 she looks like a normal looking girl
Who's david
@@Whaterman1 They’re talking about David in the game. He is in the winter portion and is in the burning restaurant near the end.
@@zachrohler1047 we get it, you like good looking kids...
As a longtime TLOU lover, it genuinely shocks me that so many people were upset by the cast. I didn’t know of Pedro Pascal nor Bella Ramsey prior to the series, so I had no idea they were already somewhat big names (or at least they’d be recognized), but upon first watching I was immediately shocked at how much each cast member seemed to perfectly emulate their character. I figured the director must have carefully chose them as that’s what it felt like to me. When I first saw Joel in the show I remember gasping and saying “oh my god! he really looks like Joel!” because even though they may not be identical, Joel, obviously is a lot more than just his facial features. And I could say the same about any of the characters.
Also, I didn’t know that people were seriously complaining about the cast for Sarah (not that it’s that much of a surprise) but I don’t understand at all how people can be upset about it when Sarah’s actress is IDENTICAL to Sarah in the game. like they have the same face and all of the same features, the only difference being their skin colors and actress Sarah’s natural hair. they also goddamn SOUND the exact same. I genuinely believed (and am still pretty convinced) that they got Sarah’s game actress for the show or something because Christ, it’s kind of insane.
anyways, even an actress like Bella Ramsey, who may not look like Ellie from the game, is a near flawless fit, because if you know anything about Ellie you know that that girl carries and emanates her energy beautifully and authentically. people can have their opinions, but I don’t think anyone upset about any of this is actually a fan because this is literally the best show adaptation to a game ever. I can’t think of a single other one that has managed to portray the whole and fulfilling world that we fell in love with successfully up on the big screen. perfect or not, it should be praised, and we should all just smile and say thank you.
The similarities between the two Sarahs blew my mind. As soon as I saw her on screen I was like “woah, is this her motion capture actor???” I’m so glad I’m not the only one who noticed that.
I agree 100%, my sentiments exactly, especially about Sarah.
Really? Lmaoo
Not knowing Pedro Pascal is pretty wild.
Why's nobody talking about the fact that this man called Sam "Henry" the entire time 💀
right? xD
thank you. I thought I was crazy. Like "wait do I have it wrong?". Lol.
Literally 😭
Exactly, I had to CTRL + F to find this comment because this mfer made me google to make sure that Sam is the younger brother and Henry is the older one.
Thank you, I came here to see if I was the only one that noticed 😂😅
My only complaint was it needed more episodes, so much of them just exploring and slowly bonding over nothing was I felt was missing. It was nice Ellie not being able to swim didn't come up every episode (like it did in the game), but it only came up the once, and the water was 3 feet deep. She only found a ladder once, which again, 2 times would have been enough. A lot tension was introduced from them being separated to get past an obstacle, only to have one of them encounter trouble. and the other reacts. The world didn't feel as dangerous, fewer zombies, fewer raiders. Again, games include a lot of repetition, but I think 2 more episodes with just Joel and Ellie would have counted for a lot. some minor conflict, just to build the bond, and increase the danger around every corner. That said... 10/10
The thing about the show is that, yeah some things are different… But they serve plot beats which end up the exact same way they do in the game. That’s why they call it an *adaptation* , and they’re pulling it off so well.
it's one of the best television shows I've ever seen. It's truly incredible, and I think it was casted very well, and appreciate the writers own take on the game.
The episode and that ending with Sam. The way that all 4 actors played that whole last part. Heart breaking and seeing this kid not knowing how to react to being bit and not wanting to bother his brother with it. Then Ellie not knowing if she can save him. Henry shoktingbthe ground to stop Joel from attacking Sam and both their reactions to one another and the situation. Ellie screaming for Joel and Henry stepping in then taking himself put. That whole act went hard in the paint.
Pey you’ve motivated me to get back into writing. Keep up the incredible work man
I hope your writing endeavors go amazing!
I prefer our show versions, but only by a tiny amount. It's just easier to connect with them through the TV medium, but all four actors are perfect for the role they're in within the stories they're telling. Troy and Ashley gave these characters life and that's never to be replicated, but the show has expanded upon that development in such a beautiful way. Bella blew me away in episode 7. I don't know if I've ever seen someone be so natural with every emotion they portrayed. And Pedro's episode 6 monologue is outstanding and that he felt that emotion so much that he cried even when the camera wasn't on him. And to improv the line about knowing he lost something only proves he knows exactly what he's doing.
I love all versions and am so excited for Ashley's cameo. To be the woman who births Ellie?
Fucking. Perfect.
You must be joking.
honestly I respect everyone’s opinion but man I rly don’t see how anyone can even put the show versions in the same stratosphere/conversation as the real og characters Ashley and troys, while I am enjoying the adaptation, both show characters just feel like nothing compared to the real Joel and Ellie. Maybe that’s just me though.
@@michaelscarn8608 like I said, I just relate more to the humanized versions of these characters. I LOVE Ashley and Troy. They're perfect for the game. 10/10 no notes.
The TV series just allows more character development in a shorter amount of time, so I feel like I know these characters better. That's all. I just think both are perfect for the medium they're in, but I certainly have no qualms about people preferring the game version as long as it's not hateful toward thw show version. And vice versa because there's no need for that.
@@sarcasmxkate perfectly said
@@Hero_Of_Old ever heard of an opinion
As a mega fan of the games who has played part 1 and 2 and Left Behind, I love the show. I expected more action bc of the game, but they really decided to hone in on the characters and story and make it even better than the game imo. The only people that dislike it are people who wanted an exact copy
I agree completely. I enjoy the changes to the show that weren't in the game, where there were some scenes that I felt that were rushed, or not as emotion was in the scene like in the game, I do enjoy the parallels and love that we have both versions to enjoy.
Three amount of action and the stakes of that action will always be in conflict in TV or movies because, unlike games, the characters must survive every single encounter the first time until it is the narratively determined time for them to die. The group have gone head to head with infected only a couple times and there have been significant casualties in every instance, which really sells the threat of the infected that was established so well through difficulty (and deeply unpleasant death animations) in the game.
That said, I'm hoping to get some good action against infected in the finale. They should have a final test of their strength and bond where we can see what a duo that has reached its full potential can do. That would set up everything quite nicely for the real ending.
Episode 6 sold this for me completely. Joel's panic attacks and his vastly more emotional interactions with Tommy were welcome additions that made the part of the story I loved most even better.
I disagree. There's definitely more problems people have than it not being an exact copy. I'd go as far as to say the performances aren't the problem as much as the writing. Often time it feels like the show is talking down to the audience.
Like, when Joel is injured and falls down in the game, Ellie just tells him to get up repeatedly. But in the show, she's gotta be like "Oh, Joel, I don't know where I'm going, I need you so much" and I just felt like it was always telling me what emotions I'm supposed to be feeling
@@cronniec.1723 Yeah, there's more than that. It is just easier to dismiss the criticism that way. I enjoyed the show and I am glad it isn't a exact copy but not all the decisions were good.
I absolutely love Bella as Ellie she’s delivering such great acting
What makes me laugh the most is that I feel Bella Ramsey got special attention backlash wise when the casting of Ellie came out but I'd say Bella has been the strongest performer in the show Pedro is great as Joel but Bella is utterly brilliant as Ellie ill admit initially I wasn't sure how she would do but I was put at ease within the first few moments of her playing Ellie she is such a top talent.
It’s funny cause I personally didn’t like Pedro as Joel. I thought Bella was acting circles around him so when I went online and people were hating on Bella my confusion grew tenfold.
That little girl will end up winning an Oscar. She's amazing
he's not a little girl.... they're 19 lol not a child
Emmy*
@@ko-wl7vg she's*
@@fallen6060 they use all pronouns :)
@@ko-wl7vg I dont understand?
I’ve played the game countless of times, bought the original PS3 release and it instantly became one of my favorites. It’s wild to think nearly 10 years this game still resonates, and now it’s presented in a whole new medium for non-gamers. Since the show premiered some of my family want to watch me play the game now lol..
Bella did such a fantastic job as Ellie. It absolutely blew me away how good the show was. My whole family sat and watched it just like they sat and watched my brother and I play the game.
I love how no one realized how hard it was going to be to find embodying actors who could also fit the appearance. Pedro and Bella are so well versed and worl together so well
It makes those who haven't played the game have a different experience than that of the one who had played the game
Exactly. I played through the game twice and two more watches on RUclips in “movie” form. Watching the show gives me a little unknown elements with the other known elements as the best parts of the game.
I was skeptical of the casting at first. I was so wrong though. The casting is perfect. Two great performances from two great actors.
I really like the shows interpretation of Ellie. Bella Ramsey is extremely talented and captures Ellie’s mannerisms and voice really well
...but not as emotional and Bad Ass Ashley Johnson Ellie
@@rafaellucero5098 she is literally almost 40 years old. she can't have played ellie, did you watch the series? she played ellie's MOTHER.
@@lola.gs1 and she's old enough to play a CGI little girl but she delivered the character of Ellie that we all know and loved.... I'm not saying that she should still play the role.... I'm saying that the HBO Ellie should be really close the game Ellie in terms of acting.... underacting will not work in that situation...real emotional acting is more realistic....
@@rafaellucero5098 She does have emotional acting, the game ellie chose her as well.
@@lola.gs1 it's more underacting....just compare it for yourself...... i
Bella and Pedro are doing a lovely job
As ever, lovely analysis. Food for thought.
There was this one artist that I heard say that the best works divide the audience. I think the initial fear of failure around this show was what had so many people worried about things like the cast and the writing. Now that we've seen that the writers clearly have a lot of value for the source material (the game) we can simply enjoy the show and watch it play out and appreciate the few moments we get that remind us of where the story came from. Your video is well written and I appreciate a lot of your points. Its a huge bummer that the bar is so low for video game adaptations into shows like this... It blows my mind when you hear that the writers/producers (or whoever it was) for the Halo series for example simply didn't care about the games or even bother to learn the lore surrounding them. At least we can sit back and appreciate the hard work that went into this show. Even if it isnt perfect, its certainly a work of art and you cant deny those moments.
there were many moments that stood out to me when i was blown away by-
I absolutely loved their performances! I also loved the additions the show added to the characters and scenes
5:05 he wasn't joking when he said he was blown away
*Starts watching video*
*Hears "JERALT"*
*closes video*
I love all of these TLOU essays, keep it up
"when I was blown away by-"
guess we'll never know.
originally when the series aired I wasn't really sold on their versions of Joel and Ellie, I'll be honest, but damn Pedro Pascal and especially Bella Ramsey are incredible. I've never seen Bella act before and I'm like blown away, especially with the newer episodes
I think there are instances where the show exceeds the game, and others where it falls flat. The vulnerability expressed by the characters is more visible and makes them more human to me. Joel especially, as he is a killing machine in the game, but in the show we see him struggle a bit more, and open up to tommy in a way that’s very new. The issues that come up in the show for me are all related to pacing. I do think the show would’ve greatly benefited if it went for more than 9 episodes. There are scenes such as the one in the truck, and the encounter with raiders in the city that were a bit rushed for me. And I might be in the minority that wishes there were a few more infected encounters. But other than that, I am wholeheartedly enjoying the show and am sad it’s already at the season finale.
i absolutely loved pedros preformance in the first season of the show
I honestly prefer the show version of Ellie compared to the game. Bella is such a captivating performer... that raw anger is palpable! Just crazy range she has and she was only 17 at the time of filming. However, Ellie in TLOU2 is goated for me, so I hope Bella can deliver in S2. I have no doubt she given her work thus far.
agreed ngl
Npc take
@@lachanclita5907 nah, it’s an opinion lmfao
@@xviiityler a bot opinion if I’ve ever seen one lmao.
@@JUSTLJ_ why is it a bot opinion 😭😭
When people step outside their original expectations and look at this as a new medium, you see how insane everyone's talent really is in this.
I watched this with someone that wanted a play-by-play of the video game in the adaptation and was upset when it wasn't, while my husband and I were blown away by the changes that were made to include the depth, and the delivery of it for it's medium.
My heart jumped when Heartless journey started !
Perfect edit and emotions in this video
She is doing a really great job at playing Ellie and Pedro as Joel too... I haven't played the games and I think this gives me the chance to view these characters without any prejudice or assumptions. They play it very convincingly
Bella said in an interview that Niel forbade her to play the game, but she secretly watched a playthrough. 😆
The tv show cast is on par with the game and also added new details to the characters
I love that Both Pedro and Bella could play the characters in their way, without distancing too much from the original characters. They still have that same core of Joel and Ellie, and i still feel the connection between them.
When I think about it, I essencially grew up with Ellie, as I was 14 when the first game came out and I played it. So Bella was a hard-sell when I started the series, think anyone would have been. But there were certain moments even in the first episode, where she drew me in to her portrayal of the character. This'll sound stupid to some, but just before her amazing performance during the ending of the 5th episode, there was one action where I took a moment and noticed my perspective on her had changed. When she lightly pounds her fists against the chair before getting up to see if Sam is alright. I'd realised how little I was questioning her portrayal by that point, and considering how critical I was, that genuinely caught me by surprise, in the best way. From that point on, with how she acted in the coming episodes, I trully appreciated her as Ellie and by the end of the series I feel I trully don't see how anyone else could have done a better job as the character. So hats off to her for making the role her own and bringing a striking authenticity that gripped me despite my concerns and stubbornness.
This show is awesome. Love every second of it. Also, the little brother is Sam.
i really liked both performances and was surprised to see bella's performance being as great as pedro's in my eyes at least. In my opinion she made ellie feel so real and not just like a fictional character.
This whole discussion reminds me what man-babies gamers really are. The series holds up on it's own. That's all any story has to do.
Game is in my top 3 of all time and the show just might make my top 5 or 10 shows of all time. I feel so lucky and grateful to get a great video game adaptation, and even more so because it’s based off of one of my faves of all time.
The gamers who are complaining are the worst and they’ll complain no matter what. Give them Troy and Ashley as the leads and they’ll still complain. Give them the exact plot points, scenes, and dialogue and they’ll still complain. They are worse than trolls, and I would know.
Agreed. Im not sure its just gamers though. There is a huge amount of nerd culture and even broader culture that is so reactionary and binary, and incapable of nuance. They can't just like some a little or be ambivalent; its either orgasmic, or absolutely the worst thing ever and affront to their very being. And very often, that hinges on whether they feel it was made specifically and exactly just for them and their personal taste.
@@kellywilliam3708 THANK YOUUU!!!
Christ, generalising people as man-babies is real mature.
Personally, I have many issues with the show. In comparison to the game it falls flat in a fair few ways.
Critiquing something is a good thing. Dismissing criticism is stupid.
Ah yes, just like how generalizing every person that has criticism towards the show as "man-babies" isn't man-baby-isk? At the end of the day, it is still commendable how they adapted it with care and didn't go the easy way, but it is still brimming with problems and avoiding them is just downright delusional. The show clearly has issues, and this is coming from someone that loves Craig's work as a director to death since Chernobyl. It definitely lacked a lot of the charm from the game, and even more so how the characters' were portrayed, I don't think it was the right idea to stop the actors from playing the game, while even some of the writing differences made the relationship between Joel and Ellie so much less interesting, trying to invoke a political statment in every cranny in a freaking apocalypse too wasn't a smart idea... Most of the additions also felt like jarring cuts and didn't actually add much to the overall story, except episode 3 I admit was quite well put together although still unnecessary for the overall run, as if the whole point was trying to show homosexuality in a popular show, that happens in Part 2 so I don't understand the point... This show is definitely a product of its time, just like the game.
My only hope is that they actually put the same effort into adapting Part 2 from the mess of a narrative it is in the game. They did a better job making things feel more chronological in the show, so hopefully they'll change up that mess in season 2...
I think Bella did a great job having ellies personality and nailing how she talks and interacts. It was weird at first since she didn't look like ellie. But by the end of it. I was extremely happy with how everything played out
Knowing the performance they had to follow up. These 2 killed it
Your videos are really great! I can only wish further growth of it
I've been a huge fan of TLOU for years. I watched RUclipsrs play it when it first got popular. I watched the playthroughs on multiple channels and even rewatched them throughout the years. I adore TLOU and will forever be apart of my childhood and apart of my favorite games and favorite storytelling experiences.
Ashley Johnson & Troy Baker did an amazing performance while acting for the game. In my opinion, they MADE the game as good as it is and I think most, if not all, will agree with me.
As for the HBO adaptation, I had my worries when I first heard about it becoming a show. I thought "What if it's bad? What if the show completely butchers the storytelling?" Despite my worries, i was blown away with the first episode. I was nothing but smiles throughout the entire show. It made me extremely excited to see my favorite game adapted into a show with these two AMAZING actors, Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey. I know people are very back and forth with the acting or with Bella Ramsey's looks compared to the Ellie from the video game. I never expected an exact match but I don't think they could have chosen a better actress for the role of Ellie.
There's no real way to compare the two Ellies from the game and the show because Bella's portrayal of Ellie isn't based on Ashley's Ellie. Bella created her own "Ellie." The same goes for Pedro's portrayal of Joel. I was also very pleased with being able to see the story of Frank and Bill aswell as seeing Ashley play the role of Ellie's mother. I also know that many of the original voice actors/actresses also had an appearance on the show such as Jeffrey Pierce, Troy Baker, and Merle Dandridge. It gave me a sense of familiarity and made me really happy to know that HBO gave a role to the original actors/actresses, which was something that probably meant alot to them.
I played both games and I was one of those who didn't like the HBO casting with Pedro and Bella, but after the first episode, I was totally convinced they can both successfully perform in their own way.
I love how Pedro and Bella were able to have their own spins on the character to make them spin-off from the game.
it’s crazy to me that people even find it so easy to compare the acting in the game with the acting in the show because they are honestly two drastically different art forms that cause a drastic difference in the portrayal, line delivery, and blocking. it’s perfectly sound to say that both pairs of actors did incredible jobs at portraying their characters in their respective mediums. i can only assume that the people claiming that one is exceedingly better than the other in any way are just being contrarians.
Completely agree on the translation problem. I will say that it's unavoidable when changing mediums and also with the long string of recent and not so recent debacles in translation to film or tv from our favorite games, graphic novels, anime etc...seeing how they've translated this is such a relief. It's never going to be perfect but at the same time, I wouldn't want nor expect that. They've done an incredible job with this overall.
Great video! Keep up the good work!
i left some pretty critical comments on one of your earlier videos and you replied gracefully, just looping back around to say i actually enjoy these a lot now and i think you’ve come a long way in a short time with them. well done!!
haha thanks for letting me know. Glad you're enjoying the content. I remember your critiques, they felt reasonable, even if they were phrased pretty critically
I think what people always forget, or like to ignore, is that these are always Adaptations. They're never meant to be 1:1 conversions from 1 medium to another, which would be nearly impossible and stupid. So, ideally you have to make changes, and want to justify it's existence. After all, if everything is the same, why even do it.
So what helped me when watching things that were adapted from material I loved is not expect the literal same stuff but mainly the story/character arcs/themes I loved before adapted to a different medium, told in a new way. I mean yeah, it doesn't help that a lot of adaptations fall short or don't even get the point of the original. But it's getting annoying to hear an outcry over every detail that's different. It can (and imho that's the cast with The Last of Us) still be a great show/movie in its own right.
And if it sucks, you can always still enjoy the source material it's based on ;)
i personally prefer the games acting performances almost always but pedro and bella are really good
At first I was unsure of what to think about the show (ep 1) but after some consideration, I view the game and show almost as an amalgamation. I feel like the show is a way for the directors to include/ explore things they either didnt get to, or just hadn't thought of by time the game released. So no matter how much the show may "divulge from the source material" this is their story and I am so grateful for every second of it.
Last Saturday,when I was watching episode 8 with my family my sister(who is the big tlou fan of the family) told me that at first she was unsure and afraid about how would bella's acting would be (bc of the recent lacking adaptations of games and shows,I'm assuming).However, she added that Bella makes everything more emotional,which is nice
Also,I remember that she may have become unsure and afraid of whether Bella would do a good job portraying ellie when that trailer in which she says:'Everyone I have ever loved before has either died of left me.',bc without the "fucking exept for you,Joel" it didn't seem that emotional(although Bella put so much rage on "fucking exept for you").I remember her showing the line in game to me and then the trailer to notice the difference in emotion.
I am glad,tho,that the show proved both of us wrong and snatched our wigs in every episode 😀
Ps:I'm sorry that I committed all of these mistakes😅
Amazing review everything very nicely put and very on point
Pedro has been doing an amazing job. He fits the character really well. I don’t know anyone who could play Joel as good as he does. Bella really doesn’t look anything like Ellie and i’m concerned how she’s gonna play more of a mature older badass in season 2 considering shes 19 in real life but she literally looks like a short 14 year old girl, so i really don’t know how theyre gonna make it work in season 2 but she’s phenomenal actress.
Oh for fucks sake. ELLIE ISNT REAL. NOBODY is going to look like her because she isn’t real. She’s fake. Get that into your head, Bella is perfect.
Just because she doesn’t look like what YOU want doesn’t mean she isn’t a good fit 🖕
Both are excellent actors, both did the source material justice.
I love your videos dude, they’re so clever
can we talk about the recent episode though, they acted their asses off.
the last of us show is by far the best game adaptation you could get and the changes they made have not dissapointed me at all and they never missed a beat in making me excited seeing how the scenes play out and what they added and what they kept true to the game. Like Ellie and Riley dancing and the carousel and also seeing more of frank and bill's relationship. I am still hoping seeing more in the next episodes like i wanted to see joel and or ellie navigate around the trips that explode and what you had to do in game to fight played out. Bella is an amazing Ellie and Pedro is def a perfect Joel. I'm definitely thoroughly enjoying the show and I actually understand the story a little more than before because change of focus from gameplay. Excited to see more and def excited for the timejump.
The same people who complain about the actors in the show are the same ones who look at games for realism.
It’s a game, you literally would have to scour the earth for someone who looks exactly like Ellie, digitally bring her to life, or makeup.
However, there are times that Bella’s acting does kinda go flat, but I think it’s mainly because she’s trying to keep her western American English from her real accent.
For example in this recent episode she says lines directly from the game, and they just don’t sound convincing. It sounds like it’s being read like a play at times. It’s still an amazing performance nonetheless and I definitely don’t want this season to end
So are we just not gonna talk about how he called Geralt “Jurault”
Yeah context, tone, and overall theme of the show is very different to mesh better with part 2. These are different characters with nuanced differences in their driving forces. A different world to be sure as far as how much a hell scape the games world seems to be vs the shows mostly empty, not quite as dangerous world. The route they’ve taken is bitter sweet because I don’t think part 2s story is worth compromising the 1st but here we are and the shows definitely not bad.
I'm so glad that I was unfamiliar with the game so I can watch this show on its own merits. It can be hard when you have preconceived notions of what a character should look like, especially when it's based on pre-existing material. For example, let's take the adaptations of Stephen King's "The Stand." When I read the book back in the 1970s, I envisioned a Frank Langella type as Randall Flagg. So in the 1990s, when the network TV adaptation was done, I had a hard time with Jamey Sheridan's portrayal. Same with Molly Ringwald -- I envisioned Frannie differently. But in later years and viewings, I identified the characters so strongly with the 1990s adaptation that I found myself completely unable to watch the one that was done just a few years ago. So I get the idea of "No, no, s/he's not right for the part!"
In this case, there is so much that apparently mirrors the game that I can see where it can be jarring, and difficult to wrap your mind around different casting.
It's also been impossible to avoid the Bella Ramsey pushback. I think that when in a January interview she described herself as nonbinary, that didn't help among the anti-"woke" crowd. The clips from the game that I've seen from the many RUclips analyses show game-Ellie as being a very conventionally pretty girl. Bella is what alas, my mother would have called "cute but not pretty" (which is what she called ME), which makes her perhaps a more convincing badass. It's not that pretty girls can't be badass; the world of comic books and fantasy novels has been full of beautiful badass females for a very long time. The TV critic for The New Yorker referred to Bella as "button-eyed," which is actually kinda true, with all the "cute as a button" undercurrent. And yet there's something fascinating about her face that for ME at least, and I am in my 60s, when combined with my lack of extensive familiarity with the source material, makes her seem just perfect for the role.
"Both the game and the show are good in their own way. I think people should stop comparing the casting and instead focus on the show and the game itself."
I was also definitely blown away by
Being a huge fan of the original game, I have some issues with the show but it’s really not the actors. The parts I like the least are when something is very close to but not quite like the original, particularly verbatim lines, because it’s very easy to compare them. Episodes 3 and 5 were my favourites because even though I loved those sections in the game, I loved the chance to see something new. I have issues with Part II, but I actually enjoyed playing as Abby and Lev more than Ellie and whomever. I liked the similarity more than the direct comparison. I feel like maybe they should have just done that with the show - a new story in the same world, even if it’s heavily based on the original story. They wouldn’t have the issues of recreating the original “wrong” then. Part of why people like Joel and Ellie so much is because of how much Troy and Ashley influenced the characters. I don’t see why they couldn’t let Pedro and Bella do the same, as opposed to recreating Troy and Ashley’s changes.
Ah yes “jeralt”
your voice just get me men... beautiful video
I love how you refer to Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson as just actors instead of voice actors.
Because they are actors. They literally play side characters in the show.
@@einhorntaschentuch9404 I know, but recently in gaming the performances are actually acted (not just them being behind a mic speaking lines), no different from Avatar or any marvel movie. It kinda just bugs me a little bit that most media refers to them as voice actors as if they they're only just that and nothing else.
i'm truly blown away by the show. it feels like literally everyone working on it really gave it their all to rise to the incredible challenge of adapting this beloved story. the chemestry between the actors is fantastic and all my worries about this show not doing well pretty much disappeared by episode 2
as of ep 8 bella did amazing, the story is amazing so im saying its good!!
i was a little bit nervous at first about the adaptation but after watching the show, tadaaa i now have bella's photo as my profile picture on almost all of my social media accounts
Bella is my Ellie. Idc. Bella brought Ellie to life in ways I didn't think an HBO series could capture. Same with Pedro, their chemistry and how their relationship is portrayed. Its such a beautiful series, coming from a HUGE fan of the games.
I was skeptical, but after episode 1 I knew exactly why they cast them. Amazing! And now the world gets to love something I love ❤️
Fr, Ellie felt like more of a character, with an actual backstory and emotion. The game Ellie was really flat and not very emotion filled.
I think people just like accuracy. Treat characters like real people. That’s why in the Elvis biopic he wasn’t played by a red headed Hispanic guy 😂
Bella Ramsey actually looks like Ashley Johnson which is pretty cool
That shocking gasp from Bella in episode 5 when Henry shot himself are brilliant!!
If I hadn't played the game I'd be a lot more impressed with the show. It's still very good, I just like everything about the original more.
Same to an extent, I loved the extra material they did in the show and the DLC was much more cattered to it being a show. The Frank and Bill episode was sweet, the two of them living in complete bliss while the world turned to shit. The backstory of how Ellie became immune and why Marleene is so keen on keeping her safe until the end. The shopping mall episode.
I have only seen Bella in Game of thrones, she's the embodiment of a badass kid in GoT. I don't think I'd be happy with anyone else playing Ellie in the show Except for the original, because there's not many like her who has the same grit.
On the other hand I think Pedro did an alright performance but it's ofcourse dulled down because he has to imitate Troys voice.
I think he should've just been himself. He doesn't have the same voice as Troy and that's fine. Be yourself but it was stage personels choice.
I think they should've probably casted Boyd Holbrook instead. He's not as tanned as Joel is in the game but his voice is gold and definitely comparable to Troys
I'd love it if they did a live action for Detroit Become Human because it is pretty much already a show but with Quick time events and choices. HBO could definitely team up with Quantic Dream and make it reality. People who don't watch games need to see it.
2:25 nah the way you just said Geralt is crazy.
HBOs TLOU proves gamers are going to bitch no matter how much fan service, attention to detail, and strong acting is put into a live adaptation.
For what it's worth Baker & Johnson will always be my Joel & Ellie. They were the voices and the action that introduced me to the world and how I made my way thru it on the PS3 & 4.
But...that doesn't mean Pascal & Ramsey ate any less good. Just different. It's like if they were in two different stage companies playing the same roles. You could make a distinction based on personal criteria, but the casting director has already decided. Or the movie cast vs. the traveling company of the broadway play.
I think every actor brings their own strengths to the part. I haven't seen Pascal or Ramsey act much...but that just means they're new to me.
There should be room enough on the planet to like both sets of actors.
The thing people don’t understand is a game is setup differently from a show or a movie. The game is purposely long and drawn out so the player can explore the world. That doesn’t really work for tv. You need to hit the important story marks and not drag it out. All the things people love in the game is not important in the overall story. I’ve seen so many people say they could have shown this and that. And I have to remind people that little moment you like is not a main story element that’s put there for the gamer why’ll exploring. Yea gamers would sit through a show that showed every little detail but would new comers no they would probably get bored you have to keep the main story elements by editing it down to a reasonable pace.
Then explain episode 3.
This man really just ended part 1 of this video in the middle of a sentence
I think Bella Ramsey was cast not only because she is a good actor, but because she looks like Ashley Johnson instead of Ellie
yes! and also ashley johnson had a say in casting her.
I don't even know what the video was about, I was vibing to that absolute toe tapper of a background song the whole thing through.