Left Behind: Exploring Ellie’s Backstory
A Surprise Blood Trail
The seventh episode of The Last Of Us takes us on a gripping journey as it opens with a trail of blood leading into an abandoned house. Joel, our beloved protagonist, finds himself in a perilous situation, but still manages to convince Ellie to leave. However, Ellie, displaying her unwavering loyalty, covers Joel with a coat before venturing upstairs to gather essential supplies.
Delving into Ellie’s Past
Our narrative takes a leap back in time to explore Ellie’s intriguing backstory. This intriguing twist of events unveils Ellie engaging in a gym session, lost in the melodies of her Walkman. Unfortunately, her peaceful reverie is shattered when a girl named Bethany snatches away her precious device, sparking a bitter altercation. Captain Kwong intervenes and questions the motivations behind Ellie’s behavior, revealing that she possesses the power to shape her future. He emphasizes that she can steer clear of delinquency and instead embrace a path as an officer, utilizing her potential for leadership to contribute constructively. Captain Kwong acknowledges their vital role in maintaining order within the zone.
A Reunion with Riley
Under the cover of darkness, Riley, Ellie’s close friend, stealthily enters through the window, catching Ellie off guard. Having been absent for three weeks, Riley’s return surprises and annoys Ellie. To Ellie’s astonishment, Riley confesses that she has now become a member of the Fireflies, a faction fighting against the tyranny of FEDRA. Riley eagerly convinces Ellie to join her for a memorable adventure, promising her the best few hours of her life. Though initially hesitant, Ellie eventually succumbs to her friend’s persistence, donning a new mindset and slipping out into the night.
An Unexpected Escapade
Navigating their way past vigilant FEDRA guards, Ellie and Riley discover a stash of alcohol, leading them to partake in a brief moment of escape. In the midst of their playful banter, Riley divulges her journey of becoming a Firefly, driven by her disdain for the fascistic guards and her desire to contribute to Marlene’s cause. Their escapade eventually leads them to an old, abandoned mall, challenging Ellie’s doubts concerning the presence of infected creatures. Riley assures her that it is safe and persuades Ellie to follow her lead, flicking on the lights within the mall and unveiling a breathtaking and vibrant display, reminiscent of an electric parade.
A Playful Interlude
Within the mall’s nostalgic environment, Ellie and Riley immerse themselves in a carefree evening. They capture precious moments in a photo booth, revel in the joy of riding a carousel, and engage in friendly combat within the arcade while battling on Mortal Kombat II. Their engrossment is such that they remain unaware of an unseen infected creature stirring to life, extending its menacing tendrils across the floor.
Revelations and Farewells
As Ellie explores further, she discovers evidence of Riley’s prolonged stay in the mall, including a sleeping bag and an assortment of survival gear. The lighthearted atmosphere abruptly shifts when Ellie stumbles upon a stockpile of homemade grenades, unraveling the truth behind Riley’s lies. Riley confesses that her presence in the mall was orchestrated by the Fireflies as a temporary assignment before her relocation to the Atlanta QZ. Despite the revelation, Riley expresses her genuine desire for Ellie to accompany her, as this is her last night in Boston. Ellie realizes that the entire charade at the mall was Riley’s way of bidding her farewell.
An Unexpected Turn of Events
As emotions run high, Ellie and Riley engage in a whimsical dance atop countertops, adorned with masks. Their connection deepens, leading to an intimate and heartfelt kiss. However, the moment of tenderness is abruptly interrupted by the shocking appearance of an infected creature in their midst. In a rare occurrence, Ellie tries to protect herself and Riley by swiftly dispatching the threat with a well-aimed stab to its head. Tragically, both girls are now faced with the consequences of their encounter, as Ellie bears a bite mark and Riley carries a scratch on her hand. Their uncertain fate hangs in the balance as they contemplate their options.
An Episode Review: Balancing Pacing and Action
A Glimpse into the Series’ Challenges
While the ambition to explore Ellie’s backstory through the Left Behind DLC is commendable, it exposes one of the series’ greatest challenges – pacing. Unfortunately, the minimal presence of infected creatures throughout these episodes diminishes the tension and suspense that typically accompany post-apocalyptic narratives. By comparison, successful shows such as The Walking Dead expertly balance drama with thrilling zombie encounters. In contrast, this TV adaptation of The Last Of Us struggles to replicate the game’s seamless integration of action, intense storytelling, and profound themes.
A Lackluster Chapter
Regrettably, episode seven feels somewhat disjointed, with two filler episodes that could easily be omitted without impacting the overall narrative. Although episode three stands out as an engaging chapter that offers plenty of enjoyable moments, episode seven fails to deliver a similarly captivating experience. Apart from showcasing the extended interaction between Ellie and Riley, where they discuss the merits and drawbacks of the Fireflies, this chapter lacks substantial depth. Consequently, when compared to other post-apocalyptic shows, The Last Of Us wouldn’t currently secure a position within the top five. The final episodes of the series hold the potential to redeem the overall experience, and only time will reveal if they can successfully accomplish this task.