It’s easy to overlook the science fiction aspects of The Last of Us. While the initial episodes focus on a terrifying fungal outbreak that transforms people into monsters, the story quickly becomes a tale of love and connection. Joel Miller, a man hardened by loss at the beginning of the outbreak, finds a new reason to live in Ellie, a witty young girl who may hold the key to humanity’s survival. Driven by the fear of losing her, Joel is willing to do terrible things, even harming people who seem well-meaning.
What sets the story of The Last of Us apart is its focus not on saving the world, but on adapting to a changed one. Joel is driven by a need for peace, even if achieving it requires tough decisions. Now, the top sci-fi show of 2025 is drawing inspiration from the popular HBO adaptation, tackling similar themes. However, it’s not a direct copy; the show cleverly subverts one key element of The Last of Us‘s narrative.
The Last of Us Has Some Real Competition
The first season of The Last of Us was a huge success, but the second season unfortunately falls short in several areas. The main problem is that it strays too far from the original game’s story. While the first season also made changes, it had less source material to work with, as the first game is relatively short. The Last of Us Part II is much longer, but the showrunners seemed to think they could significantly alter the plot and still deliver a satisfying season. Ultimately, they didn’t succeed, and part of the reason is that the show loses sight of what made the original story so compelling.
Apple TV+’s new sci-fi show, Pluribus, immediately brings to mind the first season of The Last of Us. The story begins when scientists detect a strange signal from space – a viral sequence. Their attempt to understand it by recreating it in a lab quickly spirals out of control, and soon almost everyone on Earth is infected. Author Carol Sturka discovers she’s immune, but experiences a devastating loss similar to a key moment in The Last of Us before she can find safety.
Pluribus Recreates One of The Last of Us‘ Most Iconic Sequences – With a Twist
Following her return from a book tour featured in Pluribus Episode 1, Carol and her manager, Helen L. Umstead, went out to celebrate with drinks. While discussing Carol’s next book, they witnessed a truck crash. When Carol went to check on the driver, Helen suddenly collapsed and began having a seizure. Despite Carol’s efforts to get help, the city was gripped by widespread chaos and a strange trance seemed to affect everyone. Ultimately, Carol could only manage to get into a truck and drive home.
As Carol drives through Albuquerque that night, she sees unsettling things: people from all different backgrounds coming together and speaking as one. They say they mean no harm, but she’s still uneasy, much like Joel in the beginning of The Last of Us when he’s driving through Texas, witnessing unbelievable sights.
While Pluribus and The Last of Us might not have much else in common, Apple TV+’s show seems determined to unravel the central mystery. It’s encouraging to see science fiction still thriving and paying tribute to a classic, even with its recent flaws.
Pluribus is streaming on Apple TV.
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2025-11-22 21:41