IR TV Review: THE LAST OF US - EPISODE 2 (“Infected”) [HBO]

The context of path reverberates in the idea of what needs to be sacrificed for the greater good. As our heroes exit the intention of the city in Episode 2 of "The Last Of Us" moving towards Boston, the idea of survival is one both of luck but also of will. Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Tess (Anna Torv) have always been on the quest for something better. Ellie (Bella Ramsey) just seems to be a means to an end whom they have to keep at arms length. The isolation of life in a city completely undone by the virus is bookended in an interesting way by the woman who discovered the plague.

What is interesting in her resolve in terms of what should be done. The brutishly straightforward idea she presents despite her love of humanity gives the sense of dread and stakes that the series needs. As the episode moves forward, it is just an building aspect of inevitability. The reality of what the clicking monsters/zombies do and how they communicate is interestingly shown from the highest point...literally. The effects work of the crumbling context of the city is quite imposing and gives a good perspective. Joel is trying to keep all his emotions at bay but Tess' beliefs are shifted by a realization. Without giving away any more, there is not really a choice that is allowed but one that is created. This allows the path to continue along although it may become less focused than it necessarily was before. B

By Tim Wassberg