‘The Last of Us’ Recap: ‘Long, Long Time’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘The Last of Us’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One thing that we can all agree upon, is that we are living in a supremely bleak and unsettling time. After all, we have only begun to emerge from a brutal pandemic, one that not only cost a great deal of people their lives… but left our world in a polarized and divided place. Where ideologies and ego rule the day and that… combined with conflict around the globe and a rise of that which we thought we left behind in the 20th Century, has us on edge and pondering upon the future of our modern world. For it just simply seems we are on the brink of darkness through and through, and we are absolutely wondering… will we make it and are we worth saving as a species and society? Especially after the vitriol we’ve seen over the past few years.  
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Well, as it turns out… fiction is working to answer those questions. For there are books and shows and movies that are pondering deeply upon the human condition as it stands in the now and surprisingly, a great deal of them are answering in the affirmative on questions we sometimes think deserve a no. And one particular story that is doing an incredible job of not only giving us a yes, but explaining the why behind that answer, is The Last of Us on HBO. Simply because this series is a grand reflection upon the pandemic itself and the heartache and worry and uncertainty it left us with, and how we move forward from it. And as we continue our journey with Joel and Ellie, it is becoming apparent that this series will explore in great detail… how and why we will make it and what makes us worth salvation, as evidenced by last night’s powerful and moving story.  

For ‘Long, Long Time’ offered up a unique perspective on such matters and concerns… but not before offering us… a touch more world-building regarding this series. For its opening moments were focused on Ellie and Joel. Wherein they had the opportunity to get to know one another and where Joel was able to finally confirm/reaffirm a long-standing theory for fans on as to how the Cordyceps Infection took hold of the world. All by speaking to and reinforcing how flour and/or sugar were the delivery system, and shortly after confirming that… he explained how the world collapsed in a matter of days because of how widespread the infection was thanks to its delivery method and the Infected’s fungal call to arms to spread the spore far and wide. Not to mention, this episode also informed us of the dark chaos that followed the end of everything, since we came to learn that FEDRA officers made some horrific decisions on who lived and who died when the Quarantine Zones quickly filled up.  
 
All of which made it seem as though, more bleak was on the way. But alas, a lengthy flashback, gave this story incredible focus on far more optimistic matters. For back in ’03, in the town of Lincoln, Massachusetts, we were introduced to a man named Bill. Who was a survivalist and made great efforts to escape FEDRA’s clutches and was successful in his endeavors. Which allowed for him… to claim the town of Lincoln for himself, and he went all out in making it a true safe-haven for its new Mayor and solo citizen. For he surrounded the city in homemade defenses and lethal electrical fences, and they were supported by traps for the infected to fall prey to. Not to mention, he set up a sustainable food supply. Setting the stage for a simple existence for Bill, one that would allow for him to enjoy his days away from the madness of the world.  

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But one fateful day changed everything for Bill for the better. For one of his traps caught a man named Frank. Who was trying to make his way to the Boston QZ since the one in Baltimore had fallen and well… he asked for kindness from Bill and received more than expected. For there was… an instant connection and attraction between these two men and it didn’t take long for them to answer the call of their hearts and go for it in the midst of the end of the everything and that led… to a love affair for the ages. One that had its ups and down of course, but one that was good for both men. Because they brought out the best in one another and even figured out how to slowly make connections with what was left of the world through Tess and Joel and their unwavering support and love for one another, allowed for something that was seemingly impossible, to take place at the end of the world.
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In that… they grew old together and experienced all the difficulties that came with that. Since Frank’s physical health was in decline thanks to old age and genetics and well, rather than slowly waste away in a world where extra care was no longer available… he opted to euthanize with Bill’s help. Which led, to a stunning finale to this story. Wherein these two lived a powerful last day together, one that saw them tie the knot and enjoy the same beautiful meal they enjoyed their first day together before passing into the beyond… together. Simply because Bill wanted no part of a world without the beauty that Frank provided him with. A move that left all of us in tears and offered hope to Joel for the first time, in a long, long time. Since Bill’s final message and gifts to Joel, made it clear that there was a chance he could redeem himself and heal his longstanding pain, by doing something right in this broken world. 

But what matters more in this moment, is that powerful love story. In part because it was beautiful and moving, and surprising to see in a story about the end of the world and the nightmares that roam this land. But it worked and it was incredibly compelling, thanks in large part to Nick Offerman (Bill) and Murray Bartlett’s (Frank) outstanding performances. But what truly made this love story so worth our while, is that it is what spoke to why we are worth saving and how we will make it beyond the darkness that surrounds us. Simply because… we are capable of love. Capable of caring for another human being and capable of giving them that which their soul needs and that does transform us for the better. Because it tasks us to be our better selves, to be the person they see us as and our ability to do that, even in our worst hour… will indeed push us forward as a species.  

But as to how that determines whether or not we are worthy of salvation, well look at Bill’s journey. For he was lost and jaded and of the belief that nothing mattered in this world, and love helped him see otherwise and well, the fact that we are capable of healing and coming back from our darkest hour like Bill did, through love or other means… makes us worth it. Because it means we can leave that darkness behind and inspire wonder in others and that made this… a beautiful episode when all is said and done. One that truly took us on a powerhouse emotional ride and left us with hope in our hearts for Joel and our chaotic world. Which was also unexpected to find in an apocalyptic horror story, but welcome at the same time. Because you simply cannot go wrong with a horror story… that wants to inspire us alongside scaring us and truly… it will be interesting to see what other hopeful lessons and examinations about our worth await us as we continue to follow Joel and Ellie’s journey. Until next time. 

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