So, now that I've watched up to episode six, which I think is a decent sample, I must say that I do like how the show approaches the prospect of a zombie outbreak better than its competitors (*cough* The Walking Dead *cough* World War Z (2013) *cough*.) Let me start with episode three. Episode three was fine. I can't help the suspicion that the adulation the episode has received from the mainstream media is primarily based on the fact that it focused on the intimacy of two homosexual men. The stereotypes took much away from it--i.e. they're gay, therefore they must be "cultured" men who enjoy wine, fine dining, concert piano, and Linda Rondstadt. Not to mention how preposterous it is that one would find someone randomly in one's trap to whom one is attracted who shares one's proclivities. That aside however, it generally is a nice episode, despite the logical and practical inconsistencies--e.g. Bill being able to maintain his gated community by himself. I did like the letter at the end, which was so consistent with Nick Offerman.
As for Joel and Ellie, I like how things are progressing so far, though I do have some criticism for the execution of their, for lack of a better term, iconic clash in episode six. It's not that Oberyn and Lyanna didn't act the hell out of that scene; it's just some of the word choices could've been reconsidered. It gives too much away too early, especially considering that the primary plot point of "Last of Us" is Joel and Ellie's growing relationship. For those wondering what I'm talking about, I'm specifically referring to the part where Ellie states this:
"Do you give a shit about me or not?"
And Joel responds:
"Of course, I do."
Throughout the first part of Last of Us, one is supposed to question Joel's attachment to Ellie--is she's just cargo, or is she more? And this all leads to the culmination of his response to a difficult choice. I'm not saying it has to be a carbon copy of the scene from the game, but if it were I who was writing that scene, I would for the most part keep it the same, except I would construct it this way:
Joel: I made this decision for your own good.
Ellie: Don't act like you give a shit about me.
Joel: You'll be way better off with Tommy. He knows the area better than I do.
Ellie: Stop with the bullshit! What are you afraid of?
Joel: ...
Ellie: I'm not her, you know?
And then proceed with the rest of the scene. I'm nitpicking, I know. Nonetheless, the scene was well-acted as I mentioned before. Given the pace of the series, I don't know how it lasts beyond three seasons at best. With that said though, I am enjoying this series thus far.