The online conversation about The Last of Us season two has been rife with unneeded outrage, largely fueled by criticism of the show’s focus on a same-sex love story and the death of its main character. This backlash, which led to the show being review bombed, is puzzling given that both elements were already part of Neil Druckmann’s acclaimed Naughty Dog game series.
Recently, Bella Ramsey, the show’s Emmy Award-nominated star, shared her thoughts on the backlash regarding Ellie’s lesbian relationship during an interview on the The Awardist podcast. She expressed a sense of acceptance about the criticism, saying, “There’s nothing I can do about it anyway. The show is out. There’s nothing that can be changed or altered. So I’m like, there’s not really any point in reading or looking at anything.” She emphasized that while everyone has the right to their opinions, such views do not impact the show’s direction or quality.
Ramsey also discussed how a vocal minority of critics might choose to disregard the upcoming season three, which will see showrunner Craig Mazin take the lead after Druckmann stepped back. This new season will pivot to explore the character Abby, played by Kaitlyn Dever, who played a pivotal role in Joel’s death. While the controversial twist has been known since its inception in the game, it continues to be a divisive point in the The Last of Us community. Ramsey hopes that those who harbor negative feelings will refrain from watching if they cannot approach the story with an open mind. She stated, “You don’t have to watch it. If you hate it that much, the game exists. You can just play the game again. If you do want to watch it, hope you enjoy it.”
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Understanding the popularity and impact of The Last of Us prompts questions among fans and newcomers alike. Many are eager to know:
What central themes will season three address?
Season three will delve deeper into Abby’s perspective, exploring her motivations and experiences that led her to her controversial actions against Joel.
How does the narrative from the game influence the show?
The show remains faithful to the narrative arcs established in the game, while also evolving characters and storylines to create a richer experience for viewers.
Why did the backlash against LGBTQ+ representation arise?
Some fans seem unable to reconcile their preconceived notions with the expanded character narratives, despite similar themes being present in the original game series.
What’s the show’s strategy for tackling divisive storylines?
The creators aim to stay true to the source material, using these bold choices to enhance character development and provide fresh perspectives, even amidst polarized reactions.
As you explore the intricate storytelling and character developments of The Last of Us, remember that engaging with the narrative on its terms can often provide a rewarding experience. If you’re interested in more discussions and analyses about your favorite shows, check out Moyens I/O for additional content and insights.