The Last of Us Should Repeat Season 1’s Best Episode to Expand the Franchise Beyond Its End

In Episode 3 of The Last of Us‘s first season, titled “Long, Long Time,” Bill and Frank’s introduction set the stage for how the critically acclaimed HBO series might continue beyond the conclusion of its storyline, which is based on the video game of the same name. It has been confirmed that The Last of Us will return for Season 3, with a focus on Abby (Kaitlyn Dever) and her post-Season 2 activities in Seattle following Joel’s (Pedro Pascal) death. While discussions about a potential Season 4 have been ongoing, there are other avenues through which The Last of Us could expand.

In the TV series The Last of Us, although most episodes focus on Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) and Joel, her guardian and paternal figure, as they navigate a world overrun by zombies caused by Cordyceps fungus, one standout episode barely touched upon the main storyline. So far, HBO’s The Last of Us has generally stuck to the story and characters from Naughty Dog’s 2013 and 2020 video games. However, deviating from the game’s narrative could be a smart move for the future of the TV show.

The Last of Us Season 1’s Best Episode Was Separate From the Main Story

In the third episode of “The Last of Us” Season 1, titled “Long, Long Time,” which draws inspiration from Linda Ronstadt’s 1970 song, stands out as one of the show’s finest episodes, if not among the best on modern TV. The character of Bill, played by Nick Offerman in the series, had a minimal presence in the video game, but Craig Mazin chose to delve deeper into his backstory for the live-action adaptation. During this adaptation, we see Bill’s survival skills unfold, and he develops a romantic relationship with Frank (Murray Bartlett). Over time, they grow old together and eventually pass away.

The episode titled ‘Long, Long Time’ significantly enriches the universe of ‘The Last of Us’, showcasing its perils, monotony, and emotional depth. Remarkably, this storyline largely stands apart from the main narrative, featuring brief appearances by Joel, Tess (Anna Torv), and Ellie. Instead, it primarily focuses on Bill and Frank’s tale, allowing their journey to unfold independently but still connecting them to the show’s central characters. This focus makes ‘Long, Long Time’ a poignant and cherished installment in the series, setting a high standard for future episodes.

An Anthology Series After The Last of Us Could Reveal More About the World and Its Characters

After becoming highly acclaimed and a fan favorite, the episode “Long, Long Time” might serve as a blueprint for how The Last of Us could proceed beyond Ellie’s tale. To keep the story alive, self-contained episodes or ‘bottle episodes’, produced with a reduced budget, could be an effective approach. There are numerous untold stories waiting to be unveiled within this universe, making it enticing to imagine an anthology series that delves into new characters, distinct narratives, and fresh locations in the world of The Last of Us afflicted by fungi.

It might be more effective for these tales to steer clear of being influenced by “The Last of Us” video games, instead drawing inspiration from the TV series’ characters like Bill and Frank, but shaping their backgrounds uniquely. For instance, we briefly saw Professor Ratna Pertiwi (Christine Hakim) in “The Last of Us” Episode 2, who initially identified the Cordyceps infection in Jakarta. Characters such as Henry and Sam (Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Montreal Woodard), Kathleen (Melanie Lynskey), Marlon and Florence (Graham Greene and Elaine Miles), among others, could be further developed after they made an appearance in the main series.

Previously proven effective, Tales from The Walking Dead broadened the universe of The Walking Dead by presenting an anthology series following the parent show’s conclusion. In a similar vein, it’s evident that a spin-off for The Last of Us, given its high critical acclaim and strong fanbase, would likely be even more successful and popular. It seems a waste to let the HBO series end once Ellie’s story concludes, whether that’s in Season 3 or potentially Season 4.

It’d be wonderful to witness the universe of “The Last of Us” grow into a comprehensive franchise, especially with an anthology series that spotlights heartfelt tales such as Bill and Frank’s. Such a series could introduce captivating new characters, delve deeper into the origins of the infection, and offer more thrilling Cordyceps zombie encounters. Although “The Last of Us” Season 3 hasn’t been given a specific release date yet, it has the potential to launch an entire anthology series for the franchise’s future.

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2025-06-27 01:12