10 reasons why The Last of Us is better than The Walking Dead

As a long-time fan of post-apocalyptic dramas, I’ve seen my fair share of zombie mayhem and human survival stories. But let me tell you, dear reader, the comparison between The Walking Dead and The Last of Us is like night and day for this old survivor.

The Last of Us” stands out as an exceptional zombie-themed drama, surpassing “The Walking Dead” in numerous aspects. Let me explain.

Making its entrance in 2023, “The Last of Us” quickly captured the hearts of viewers everywhere. Developed from the critically-acclaimed video game series by Naughty Dog, this gripping show unfolds in a world where a lethal disease has claimed the lives of countless individuals and transformed many more into menacing creatures. The remaining survivors find themselves scattered, as society disintegrates into various forms of governance with several American cities falling under the oppressive rule of ruthless military forces.

Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, is a rugged individual eking out a questionable existence in a world dominated by military rule. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he’s recruited by the Fireflies, a resistance group. His task? To chaperone Ellie, a teenage girl who appears to be immune to a deadly plague and may hold the secret to a cure. This sets off a journey across a post-apocalyptic United States for Joel and Ellie.

It’s quite straightforward to draw parallels between “The Last of Us” and “The Walking Dead”, and here are some key points that make the HBO series stand out in its first season, surpassing “The Walking Dead” and becoming so popular:

1. The Last of Us is far more faithful to its source material

Initially, the early seasons of “The Walking Dead” TV series closely followed Robert Kirkman’s comic book. However, as the original series progressed, it became clear that the show had developed a life of its own, unafraid to diverge from the source material in storylines, characters, and other aspects. This independence has led to some disagreements among comic fans and even some backlash.

Instead, let me rephrase for you: Unlike some adaptations, “The Last of Us” remarkably stays true to its award-winning video game origin. Many scenes are directly taken from the original (which was already incredibly realistic), such as the spine-chilling opening of the outbreak and significant journeys. It does make a few alterations in places, but overall, fans of the game have praised how accurately the series has adapted its source material.

2. The main leads are fantastic

In the series The Walking Dead, there’s a vast array of characters, some of whom deliver exceptional performances like Andrew Lincoln, while others fall short. On the other hand, in The Last of Us, the spotlight is primarily on Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie, who are nothing short of extraordinary. Both actors have garnered multiple award nominations, with Pascal even taking home a SAG award for his performances.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the electrifying bond between these two characters. At first, their mutual distrust seemed unbreakable, but little Ellie managed to chip away at Joel’s tough exterior. With both of them scarred by the horrors of this world, it’s a sight to behold how Ellie’s innocent spirit manages to crack through Joel’s bitterness. Their on-screen interactions are so intense that they make even the most dramatic scenes in The Walking Dead look tame by comparison.

3. The characters feel more fleshed out

In a simpler and more conversational manner: The Walking Dead does well in developing its characters, but some seem underdeveloped, discussed more than actually shown. On the other hand, The Last of Us gives its characters more depth, often through impactful flashbacks. For instance, Pascal skillfully portrays Joel’s transformation into a tough character, while an extended flashback reveals Ellie’s heart-wrenching childhood trauma, making her character more relatable and emotional.

It’s not just the leads, as we get great insight into short-lived characters like Tess (Anna Torv) in a way that makes her fate feel like a blow. There is also the tragic tale of Henry and Sam and the realistic bond between Joel and his brother Tommy. And don’t forget Melanie Lynskey’s scene-stealing turn as Kathleen, the cold militia leader who becomes one of the show’s best villains. Even small characters feel amazingly real and are more vibrant than TWD’s cannon fodder.

4. It can cut loose more with the visuals

In terms of graphic content, “The Walking Dead” often ventures into extreme zones, typical for a zombie series. Nevertheless, it remains a cable television program on AMC, which means it must draw the line when it comes to intense profanity or extreme violence. On the other hand, HBO isn’t bound by such restrictions, allowing for more frequent swearing and graphic depictions of gunfire and brutality. However, “The Walking Dead” avoids excessive use of these elements, providing a believable portrayal of how characters navigate this harsh world.

The HBO budget elevates the production quality, making “The Last of Us” feel like a grand cinematic experience or an even grander epic.

5. We get a better feel for this world

Although The Walking Dead occasionally offers glimpses into its alternate world, the narrative primarily focuses on a limited number of locations and rarely explores the broader impact. Shows like Fear the Walking Dead didn’t provide much insight either. In contrast, The Last of Us immediately conveys the transformative effects of the cordyceps plague on its universe.

During our trek, I stumbled upon remnants of a shattered city and a wrecked aircraft, left behind by the transformed world we now inhabit. The scenes offer a glimpse into a world that’s been reshaped, one that feels authentic and lived-in. The high-quality production enhances this illusion, as does the subtle commentary on how life carried on.

6. We actually learn how the outbreak happened

In The Walking Dead, the cause behind the zombie apocalypse has never been fully detailed, even after more than a decade on television. Only vague hints are given in the early seasons about its origins. On the other hand, The Last of Us avoids this oversight as one of its main characters is a scientist who foreshadows an impending plague, and the opening episode depicts the rapid collapse of society as a result. In Episode 2, there’s a flashback to a scientist warning the military about the need to bomb Jakarta to prevent the spread of the disease, but we know that this plan ultimately fails.

In a compelling turn of events, Joel shares with Ellie that the cordyceps fungus had been spreading through food supplies, leading to its rapid global dissemination within just a weekend. The series effectively demonstrates this progression and the swiftness of the outbreak, thereby addressing questions about the cause early on, thus minimizing potential distractions from the main narrative drama.

7. The infected are far more terrifying

Characters from “The Walking Dead” can undeniably be ominous, capable of being frightening in large numbers or even appearing individually grotesque. However, the Clickers from “The Last of Us” surpass them in terms of horror. While some infected people still resemble humans to an extent, they transform into ferocious creatures driven by a disease, emitting chilling sounds as they gather around people. This resemblance is eerie and unsettling.

Later on, some individuals develop fungi mutations sprouting from various body parts, including their heads, transforming them almost unrecognizably as humans. The bloaters are particularly grotesque, resembling monstrous beings who expel acid and tear people apart with their raw hands. People understand that it’s wiser to flee or hide rather than confront these beasts, making them seem more menacing than the Walkers due to this fear.

8. The Bill and Frank episode is a masterpiece

Over its duration, The Walking Dead has produced several notable episodes, yet none that truly stand out as television masterpieces. Conversely, the third installment of The Last of Us, titled “Long, Long Time,” immediately garnered praise as one of the top TV episodes of the 21st century. This episode features an extended flashback detailing how Bill (Nick Offerman), a cautious recluse, discovers an intruder, Frank (Murray Bartlett), on his property and, despite initial reservations, allows him to stay.

In that moment, I found myself utterly captivated by the beautifully penned and deeply emotional romance that unfolded on screen. The actors breathed life into their characters, giving us a glimpse into their love story and the heart-wrenching conclusion. Offerman’s performance was truly remarkable, earning him an Emmy that he richly deserved. This episode stands out as a testament to the power of television, eclipsing many others in its depth and impact.

9. The Last of Us doesn’t pull punches

In a gritty and ruthless setting, “The Last of Us” unfolds, portraying an unflinching depiction of humanity’s hardening process. This series isn’t for the faint-hearted; it spares none, not even innocent children. The opening episode showcases a distressing demise that profoundly transforms Joel, and further episodes promise more harrowing encounters. The series doesn’t mince words about Joel’s past actions, which include some morally questionable deeds.

The premiere episode serves as the first season finale, mirroring the game’s conclusion where Joel faces a difficult decision, one that continues to spark discussions among viewers. Unlike many other seasons of “The Walking Dead,” this finale is far from neat or pleasant; instead, it provokes thought. This single episode underscores the fact that life in “The Last of Us” is never straightforward, but it’s precisely this complexity that makes it more compelling.

10. The Last of Us isn’t outstaying its welcome

The series “The Walking Dead” has often been the subject of humorous comments, as it appears to have turned into a zombie, stumbling towards an unimpressive conclusion after 11 seasons, and even more so with its spinoffs. Despite the franchise having potential, some viewers found it overly prolonged. Conversely, the creators of “The Last of Us” have expressed their intention to keep it from following such a lengthy trajectory.

Season 2 will follow the second installment of the series, spread across two seasons. Though there may be additional storylines following that – Naughty Dog has been suggesting a third game for some time – no definite plans have been made. It’s wiser to conclude on a creative peak rather than extending and potentially diluting the original charm.

The two series, “The Last of Us” and “The Walking Dead,” possess some commendable traits, such as the ability of minor characters to make a significant impact. They are both enjoyable in their own right. However, in numerous aspects, “The Last ofUs” surpasses “The Walking Dead.

The Last of Us season 1 streaming on Max. Season 2 is due out in 2025. All seasons of all Walking Dead shows are streaming on AMC+. The third season of Daryl Dixon premieres on Sunday, September 29.

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2024-09-28 16:42