Dumb Things We All Just Ignore In The Last Of Us

Back in 2013, when Naughty Dog launched “The Last of Us“, it left gamers spellbound and raised the bar significantly for narrative excellence in video games. The debut season of HBO’s adaptation has critics singing the same tune, with audiences raving about its raw realism and deep emotional resonance.

Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsay) are captivating characters, and the evolution of their relationship is a mesmerizing journey. However, amidst the intricate narrative of “The Last of Us,” it’s effortless to overlook the numerous elements in its universe that seem far-fetched. Similar to other renowned post-apocalyptic TV shows, “The Last of Us” contains numerous implausible plot devices and downright absurd details that strain credibility in a world supposedly 20 years into a zombie-like pandemic.

In a manner of speaking, it hasn’t been pointed out that minor aspects detract from “The Last of Us.” During our critique of Season 2, we observed that the series only improves over time. However, pausing to acknowledge what many of us overlook in “The Last of Us” could possibly enhance your admiration for the show’s narrative.

The grounded infection isn’t very realistic

In every apocalypse tale, viewers must be willing to set aside some skepticism, but “The Last of Us” takes this requirement a step further by making its post-apocalyptic disease appear plausible. The HBO series delves into crucial events during the initial stages of the outbreak, and it’s revealed that the infection originates from a mind-controlling fungus known as cordyceps. In our world, this fungus affects insects, but the show suggests that under certain circumstances, like climate change, it could mutate to infect humans.

As a gamer, I’ve got to admit, those zombie-like insects in “The Last of Us” are pretty darn terrifying. But let me set the record straight – in real life, fungi can’t actually take over an insect’s body like that.

Charissa de Bekker, a mycologist and professor at Utrecht University, explained it to Vox. She said that for fungi to gain control of an insect, they have to put in a lot of hard work over millions of years. Each type of fungus is specialized to infect only one species of insect, so we don’t need to worry about it happening to us humans.

In simpler terms, the chances of cordyceps spreading from ant to human are slim to none. But “The Last of Us” does such a great job at making those infected humans seem terrifyingly real that it’s easy to forget that!

Joel avoiding the infection is silly

In “The Last of Us,” the fungus responsible for societal collapse doesn’t infect people through mushroom pizza. Instead, the show’s portrayal of cordyceps contaminates flour and eventually infiltrates the global food supply. This setup underscores the swiftness and widespread nature of the infection. However, it also presents an unlikely coincidence that we all must overlook: the low-carb Atkins diet miraculously spares Joel’s life.

The debut of “The Last of Us” series presents Joel and his daughter Sarah who seem to lead ordinary lives before the story unfolds. When not at work or caring for Sarah, Joel is humorously depicted as following a low-carb Atkins diet, hinted by a joke in the show. This diet choice becomes significant later as it subtly illustrates how Joel evades infection; since the Atkins diet restricts carbs, Joel was already steering clear of them before the apocalypse, which could explain his survival. Could the keto diet then be the contemporary equivalent for avoiding an apocalyptic scenario?

What state is the world really in?

In contrast to many post-apocalyptic narratives, “The Last of Us” delves deeper into the origins of the infection that isn’t exactly like zombies. However, the television series omits the time period spanning from the initial outbreak to when Joel and Ellie’s story truly unfolds. Consequently, we don’t gain a comprehensive understanding of how society has evolved on a broader scale, but it’s evident that things are far from ideal.

In Boston, it appears that the Federal Disaster Response Agency (FEDRA) governs the city as if under martial law, yet they don’t seem to be a widely recognized authority. After Joel and Ellie depart from the city, they run into various roaming gangs, but there’s no sign of any legitimate administration. Some cities are deserted, while others are ruled by power-hungry individuals. FEDRA seems to be one of the few governmental bodies remaining, but it’s uncertain how much territory they hold. Kansas City has rebelled against FEDRA, yet the Fireflies continue their resistance across the nation.

In ‘The Last of Us’, spectacular visual effects draw us into a post-apocalyptic landscape, yet the logic behind its collapse feels inconsistent at times. The disintegration of society works well for Joel’s journey with Ellie, but as viewers, we sometimes need to suspend our disbelief regarding the world’s seemingly tailored narrative.

Where are all the masks?

In “The Last of Us,” it’s not just the infected humans who are causing havoc; the cordyceps fungus has thrived for 20 years following the initial outbreak. The fungal growth is evident on buildings, and cordyceps has infiltrated numerous dark, abandoned human hideaways. The characters in “The Last of Us” take significant precautions against the infected, but they seem to pay little attention to protecting themselves from the fungus itself.

In the video games “The Last of Us” by Naughty Dog, the spread of cordyceps happens through airborne fungal spores found within sealed spaces and dilapidated structures. The characters wear masks for protection, but they seem to disregard safety measures often. In the television series, the fungus propagates via disgusting tendrils, reducing the risk from airborne spores. However, Tess’s death in Season 1, Episode 2 highlights the importance of always wearing a mask due to the ongoing threat that contact with any form of the fungus poses, even in an apocalypse where large respirators might be scarce. One would expect people to go to great lengths to avoid encountering the fungus given its hazardous nature.

Joel and Ellie take a classic road trip

One could describe “The Last of Us” as a horror series or a post-apocalyptic narrative, but it equally serves as a compelling road trip story. From the outset in Boston, Joel and Ellie embark on a journey that forms the backbone of the storyline throughout the entire first season. For those who have played “The Last of Us Part II”, there’s no doubt that future episodes will involve more travel. The unique bond between Joel and Ellie as they traverse America is what keeps us engaged, even though the mode of their initial transportation might seem illogical at times.

In a post-apocalyptic world like the one depicted in “The Last of Us”, it seems implausible that Bill (played by Nick Offerman) would have usable gasoline after two decades, or that Joel and Ellie could find enough to travel across half the country. Gasoline degrades within three to six months, so the ongoing scarcity and conflict over fuel sources, as shown in movies like “Mad Max”, makes sense. However, despite the real-world challenges, Joel and Ellie’s journey remains captivating. After all, it’s a world where logic often takes a backseat to storytelling.

The mall is still alive

As a devoted fan, I’d say that in Season 1 of “The Last of Us,” the episode “Left Behind” takes us back to Ellie’s past, a tale initially released as downloadable content (DLC) in the original game. This captivating prequel story delves into Ellie’s life before she crossed paths with Joel, focusing on her bond with Riley, brilliantly portrayed by Storm Reid. In this narrative, they reside under FEDRA rule in Boston and live a regimented existence reminiscent of a military academy. During the episode, Ellie and Riley break free from their routine to explore an abandoned mall, once bustling with life before the infection. This adventure offers them a glimpse into relics of the era before the outbreak.

As a gamer immersed in “The Last of Us,” I can’t overlook the significant impact that the “Left Behind” tale holds on Ellie’s character development and expanding the show’s broader lore. The acting in this episode was incredibly raw and emotionally intense, making it easier to brush aside the seemingly illogical parts of the narrative.

The mall in “Left Behind” being operational raises significant questions about Boston’s post-apocalyptic electrical system. However, this situation also casts doubt on FEDRA’s authority over the city. In some scenes, it’s clear that the mall Ellie infiltrates is vast and brilliantly lit once powered up. Remarkably, no one managing or guarding the city appears to have noticed this sudden reactivation of the building.

There’s so much casual gun use

In the game “The Last of Us,” the scenery is captivatingly realistic, offering a chilling portrayal of how nature might reclaim urban areas left deserted by humans. The depiction features numerous structures in ruins and swamped with greenery, as well as flooded streets and abundant wildlife. This game effectively conveys that cities require regular upkeep to operate smoothly, however, it veers from reality a bit when it comes to the prevalence of firearms.

In the game, whenever Joel, Ellie, or other characters grab a gun off the floor without checking or cleaning it first, it miraculously works flawlessly, with no signs of jamming. However, in reality, guns frequently malfunction and need routine maintenance to function effectively.

It’s less surprising that no gun incidents occur, given characters such as Joel recklessly engaging in combat with potentially ineffective weapons. However, if the show adhered strictly to realism, there would be significantly fewer action scenes and shootouts – a departure from reality we can overlook.

How is Jackson so well stocked?

In essence, Jackson stands out as the sole sanctuary across the continental U.S. where Joel and Ellie might find tranquility. The settlement is fortified, armed to the teeth, and boasts residents who are ready to lay down their lives for its protection. Upon their arrival in Season 1, they discover that Jackson is a prosperous town offering ample food, shelter, and even some remnants of past luxuries, such as an operational film projector, which harkens back to earlier times.

The program illustrates that the residents of Jackson live in mutual dependence, exchanging food and tasks among themselves, which likely contributes significantly to their accumulation of resources. However, there are certain aspects of life in Jackson that appear quite improbable given it’s situated amidst an apocalypse decades old.

It appears that small decorative items such as string lights might seem energy-consuming and challenging to preserve over extended periods. Moreover, there are larger concerns, like how the town maintains its single-family homes in pristine condition for so long. When Season 2 started airing, some viewers noted that the clothes in Jackson appear brand new with no signs of wear or repair, unlike clothing used daily and patched up over years. The show raises questions about Jackson’s supply chain, but they don’t detract from the narrative presented by “The Last of Us.

Joel’s injuries stretch believability

In a manner reminiscent of a video game protagonist, Joel appears to have multiple chances in Season 1 of “The Last of Us.” He triumphs against seemingly insurmountable obstacles throughout the narrative, and his survival for as long as he does is almost miraculous. However, despite all his fortunate escapes, there’s one injury that he recovers from only because of some intervention – either divine or from the author. Towards the end of Season 1, Episode 6, titled “Kin,” Joel gets severely stabbed by another survivor, and Ellie is compelled to carry him to safety. With limited resources, Ellie tends to his wounds as best she can, and surprisingly, Joel recovers at the precise moment the story demands it.

In “The Last of Us,” Joel’s miraculous recovery from a severe wound is one of the most astonishing plot points, but surprisingly, the television series softened the intensity of his injury compared to the video game version. Unlike the game where Joel falls several stories and lands on an exposed piece of rebar, the TV Joel is instead stabbed. In the game, after extracting himself from the rebar, game Joel should have bled out immediately. However, both versions of Joel end up recovering in a similar manner as portrayed in the show.

In a rather improbable turn of events, both scenarios seem implausible, yet Joel’s injury plays a crucial role in shaping his bond with Ellie. As she aids him in healing, their relationship becomes more solidified, and they discover an unwavering trust in one another. Despite this narrative convenience, our affection for Joel and Ellie compels us to overlook it.

Ellie’s immunity is far-fetched

The TV adaptation of “The Last of Us” incorporates numerous additional scenes not present in the original video game. For instance, the season finale offers extra details about Ellie’s background and even features a delightful cameo for fans who played the game. Intriguingly, Ashley Johnson, Ellie’s voice actress from the games, portrays Ellie’s mother Anna in a scene that might shed light on how Ellie acquired her immunity.

Anna gets bitten while trying to fend off an infected individual, and soon after she gives birth, a short time later she goes into labor. It appears that Anna being exposed to a tiny bit of the infection just before giving birth provides Ellie with immunity against cordyceps. This concept is similar to vaccination; it seems that Ellie’s body can ward off an extremely small amount of the fungus, learning in the process how to resist it permanently. However, this doesn’t align with reality when it comes to fungi.

As a devoted fan, I find myself pondering over an intriguing aspect in “The Last of Us.” Though scientists, as part of the American Society for Microbiology, are indeed exploring anti-fungal vaccines in our world, none are currently utilized for human treatment. Fungal infections, unlike their viral counterparts, present a unique challenge. The show’s creators, in developing Ellie’s character with a mutated cordyceps infection, stretch the bounds of realism regarding her immunity – a crucial plot point. However, the unexpected appearance of Nolan North (Johnson) serves as one of the most delightful Easter eggs, making it easier for us to overlook such details.

The Fireflies’ plan doesn’t make sense

The Fireflies view Ellie as crucial to humanity’s salvation. She might be the only person on Earth who is resistant to cordyceps, and the Fireflies believe her resistance could lead them to a cure for the infection. However, I must clarify that vaccinating people against a fungal infection isn’t feasible in reality. Leaving that aside, the plan for Ellie seems illogical.

Shortly after Joel and Ellie reached the Firefly facility in Salt Lake City, the Fireflies swiftly took Ellie into an operating room. This implies that they aren’t interested in conducting extensive tests or delving deeply into Ellie’s biology. Instead, their decision seems to be to perform an operation that would end the life of the only known immune human. It appears that the Fireflies might have some hidden fungal research stash they’ve been working on while Joel and Ellie were traveling, but it looks like they are taking a significant gamble based solely on a scientific hypothesis.

The scientific methods are puzzling, as well as the Fireflies’ treatment towards Joel and Ellie. Reflecting on the situation now, it would have been more appropriate for the Fireflies to clarify their intentions, offer Ellie a choice in the matter, and let Joel bid farewell. However, they essentially provoked Joel into resistance, which implies that the Fireflies share some accountability for the events that unfolded at the lab.

2025-05-04 17:31