- The HBO version of The Last of Us deviates from the source material regarding character interactions, such as when Ellie comes across one infected rather than a group.
- The series introduces a voting scene and elaborates on Ellie’s immunity, offering additional background information not present in the video game.
- In the series, Ellie’s character is depicted as being more combative and annoying compared to her appealing portrayal in the video game.
When considering some of the greatest and most significant games ever created, you have to discuss
The Last of Us
At some point or another, regardless of whether you’re a fan or not, the quality and narrative influence of these games cannot be disputed.
The same could be stated about the live-action adaptation produced by HBO. It is widely considered one of the
best video game adaptations
In this world, it remains true to the original content, yet that does not imply it adheres strictly to it.
occasionally taking some freedoms now and then
, particularly when involving certain characters.
Ellie and Riley’s Assault at the Shopping Center
Single Infected Vs. An Entire Horde
During the first season of HBO’s The Last of Us, Ellie and her friend and first romantic interest, Riley, escape to visit an old mall, and they start having a lot of fun with the lights, costumes and arcade machines, when they are attacked by a single infected.
The video game’s DLC, Left Behind, on the other hand, has them attacked by an entire horde. This is obviously made from a mechanical standpoint, since it’s fairly easy to kill a single infected, and it wouldn’t pose much of a threat to the player-controlled Ellie.
Ellie Leaving Jackson First
In The Game, She Leaves After Tommy
Following Joel’s unexpected passing, his relatives in Jackson naturally seek vengeance. In the game series, it was Tommy Miller, Joel’s sibling, who initially embarked on this quest during an impulsive act. This shift is significant since HBO’s portrayal of Tommy is considerably more composed and less assertive compared to Naughty Dog’s version.
This impacts Ellie too, since Tommy personally instructs her to depart and hunt down Joel’s murderers on her own, while he remains in Jackson. Consequently, Ellie and Dina embark on a mission to locate Abby and the remaining members of the WLF, receiving assistance from Seth along the way.
Big Voting Speech
There Is No Voting In This Game
In this entirely fresh segment of the live-action version, a significant voting sequence takes place where nearly all the residents of Jackson convene to decide whether they should dispatch a team to search for those responsible for Joel’s death. During this assembly, numerous individuals voice their opinions before the council casts its ballots either supporting or opposing the proposal.
Of course, one person allowed to speak is Ellie, delivering an inspiring and heartfelt speech about her motivations without truly aiming for vengeance. This marks a significant development for her character, as such openness wasn’t evident during the events of the games.
Ellie’s Immunity
It’s Explained In The Series
During the events of the games, Ellie’s immunity is never really explained. All we know is that she was bitten during the attack at the mall, and she somehow did not become infected. This adds a sense of mystery and weight to Ellie’s character.
On the contrary, the television series provides us with a straightforward explanation of her resistance to the infection. In this version, Ellie’s mother, Anna—who is voiced by Ashley Johnson, just like in the video game—gets bitten and infected during childbirth. This definitively answers a significant question many have pondered and offers a more explicit reason for why the Fireflies would seek to utilize Ellie as a potential cure.
She Is Extremely Annoying In The Series
But Very Likable In The Games
Naughty Dog’s version of Ellie is one of the most likable characters in all video game history. You’re immediately drawn to her, because of both
her near-flawless writing
and
Ashley Johnson’s incredible performance
In the show, however, Ellie’s character has a distinct demeanor.
HBO’s depiction of Ellie is far more combative and irritating, resembling a typical teenager who has endured what she has been through. This portrayal feels more authentic and less whimsical compared to her role as an escort mission character in the video games. The change reflects HBO’s approach in crafting a TV persona rather than adhering strictly to the original gaming narrative.
Ellie’s Final Chat with Joel
It’s Completely Removed From The Show
After the party, when Ellie and Dina have their first kiss and Joel attacks Seth for his homophobic comments, Joel leaves and Ellie later finds him playing guitar outside his house. She confronts him about not letting her die at the hospital, which would’ve given meaning to her life, but Joel took that from her.
Ellie then admits she doesn’t know if she’ll ever be able to forgive Joel, but she’d like to try. It’s a very deep and emotional moment, one that’s completely removed from the show. Ellie just ignores Joel and goes on her way. It’s obviously done this way to give more weight and regret to Ellie’s decision.
Ellie’s Meeting with the Intelligent Infected
It Doesn’t Occur In The Matches
While exploring an old deserted store or warehouse during the event, Ellie and Dina come across some infected creatures. As they venture inside, Ellie accidentally breaks through weak floorboards and ends up downstairs. Down there, she encounters a more intelligent infected creature that stealthily conceals itself, remains silent, and then ambushes Ellie, which contrasts sharply with typical zombie-like behaviors of less aware infected beings. The situation worsens when Ellie sustains a bite wound as well.
During the gameplay, Ellie and Dina go through an experience where they face ordinary infected creatures without encountering anything showing advanced intelligence or behavior. This alteration could pave the way for new developments outside what we’ve seen in previous games, potentially introducing a scenario where these infected may undergo some form of evolution.
Ellie’s Loving Scene with Dina
It hasn’t occurred on the show.
During a heavy snowstorm, Ellie and Dina head out for a patrol and stumble upon Eugene’s marijuana cache. Seeking refuge from the weather, they decide to stay there and light up, eventually engaging in conversation about their initial kisses. Before long, the atmosphere becomes quite intimate, leading to an intense makeout session on one of the sofas.
During the performance, though, none of this occurs. While some lines have been redistributed across various scenes, there isn’t any fervent smooch. Actually, Ellie and Dina do not pair up for their rounds; instead, Ellie stumbles upon Eugene’s supply alongside Jesse. This change likely aims to heighten the suspense between Ellie and Dina, paving the way for a potential love story down the line.