You’ve got burning questions and A.Ron and Jim have some cool answers. How was the experience of watching this episode different for show-only watcher v. a game player? Does FEDRA kill people for not passing the vibe check? What is the safe transport speed behind a horse when you have a gut wound? What is the evolution of a runner?
In this DLC (downloadable content for the non-gamers) episode we get a close look at Ellie’s past and her relationship with Riley. Jim and A.Ron ponder the questions, “Would this have been better as a Christmas episode?” and “Why did it take so long for the infected to hear them?”. This was the calm before the storm. You’ll be wishing for more wonders as this season starts wrapping up and we have to say goodbye.
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Being a teenager is never easy. It’s worse when you’re in FEDRA school and your best friend disappeared for three weeks. In this episode we take a step into Ellie’s past and her relationship with Riley. Though this episode takes a break from the main action, it is by no means devoid of thrills.
We’ve got a Bloater-size feedback bag this week. Turns out the show Jim pitched already exists in multiple iterations. For the last time, that is a menstrual cup, ok? Is the dog sniffing test equivalent to a PCR or home covid test? What’s the difference between Jackson and Jackson Hole? And if you think Jim and A.Ron are faking their enjoyment, go listen to Bald Move’s Mandalorian podcast.
The emotional damage is high this episode. After the horrors of clickers, raiders, and the Kansas City QZ, Joel and Ellie arrive in Jackson, Wyoming. There are family reunions and safety in this peaceful settlement, but there’s trouble in paradise. Joel considers parting ways with Ellie, and understandably, Ellie is upset. Tune into this podcast before we get the result of the cliffhanger in the next episode of The Last of Us.
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It’s three months later from the last episode and we rejoin Ellie and Joel in Wyoming. Craig Mazin takes an opportunity this episode to build emotional bonds and remind us what is at the heart of this adventure.
Jim and A.Ron put their science hats on to answer your questions and come up with some head canons where answers are lacking. Can bloaters have a midlife crisis? Do practical effects save money? How is FEDRA still operating across the separate quarantine zones? Why is Kathleen the way that she is? Find out the answers to these questions and more!
Henry and Sam join Joel and Ellie in their hazardous adventure out of Kansas City. Pursued by Kathleen and her troops, the four make their way out of the city dodging dangers they have not yet encountered. Weta Workshop, of Lord of the Rings fame, helped create the nightmares in this episode. And between the touching and heart-wrenching moments, we get a Savage Starlight appearance!
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The Last of Us continues to tear our hearts out while delivering its best action scenes in S01E05 “Endure and Survive.” Enjoy the instant take and we’ll reconvene 1 day early this week for the full recap podcast on Monday.
Jim has some hot takes about aging. You can email him directly with your responses. A.Ron and Jim answer your burning questions and quandaries, such as…would a “Karen” survive the apocalypse? Should there be a Christmas episode? Is the plot too simple? REMEMBER: The Instant Take will be this Friday evening after the premiere of episode five.