Summary
Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, brings Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, to the home of his friend Bill, played by Nick Offerman, only to discover a horrifying truth.
I thought this episode was easily the best yet. Though it deviated from the game in several major ways, I thought the beautiful yet tragic love story of Bill and Frank, played by Murray Bartlett, easily deserved to be told and I personally dare you to watch it and not feel anything. As it came time for the two loves to say goodbye to one another I was wiping away tears, the performances from both Offerman and Bartlett are both so open and raw and truly there are a lot of layers there. I think this will probably be remembered when the season ends as its best episode, I think this will be the episode to win awards and I think that is rightly so.
Furthermore, I also really liked how this episode showed Joel morn for his friends and for Tess and really have a moment to breakdown. I think the whole scene with the letter really shows how much of a pro Pascal is and his real power as a dramatic actor. In addition, much like with last week’s episode this one had me again warming a lot to Ramsey’s Ellie to the point wherein now I do believe she was well cast in the role. I thought the final scene of them in the car together really felt like the game and reminded me why there dynamic worked so well in it. Although I would be remiss if I didn’t point out how the final scene in the car did feel an awful lot like Din and Baby Yoda, but hey I didn’t mind that.
Overall, one of the best episodes of TV I have seen in a long, long time.
4.5/5
Pros.
Bill and Frank’s love story
Joel’s breakdown
The final car scene between Joel and Ellie
Terrific performances all round
An emotional roller-coaster
Cons.
You will need to prepare yourself for just how sad this episode is
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Another Millennial Reviewer 