Key Takeaways
- The Last of Us Season 1 succeeded in adapting the video game with its sharp writing and Emmy-nominated performances.
- The use of music in the series added depth and meaning to the storyline, setting the stage for more in Season 2.
- Season 2 will have the opportunity to delve deeper into the characters and their relationships through iconic music choices.
As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of gaming under my belt, I can confidently say that HBO’s The Last of Us was a triumphant adaptation of the beloved video game. However, what truly sets it apart is its masterful use of music – a secret weapon that elevated the series to new heights.
HBO’s “The Last of Us” garnered acclaim for numerous aspects. Notably, it was hailed as a remarkable adaptation of Naughty Dog’s video game due to its top-notch writing, Emmy-worthy acting from the cast, and impressive production quality. However, one aspect that sometimes goes unnoticed in Season 1 is its music, which proved to be a hidden strength of the series.
In early 2023, the debut season of “The Last of Us” made its premiere on HBO, consisting of nine episodes. This series was a faithful rendition of Naughty Dog’s first “The Last of Us” video game, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey as Joel and Ellie – an unconventional duo who journey through the post-apocalyptic United States in search of a cure for the virus that has decimated mankind. The series garnered unprecedented success, prompting HBO to swiftly move forward with the production of a second season of “The Last of Us,” intending to adapt the second game, “The Last of Us Part 2,” which places greater emphasis on the narrative role of music.
Music in The Last of Us Season 1
Under Neil Druckmann, the creative director of The Last of Us at Naughty Dog who was involved as a writer, producer, and director in the TV adaptation, it wasn’t unexpected that he would incorporate many elements that made the game exceptional into the television version. This included bringing back Gustavo Santaolalla, the composer of the game’s soundtrack, to also compose music for the TV series. While The Last of Us featured recurring themes from the game, the HBO series also incorporated licensed music tracks in unique ways that hadn’t been present in the original source material.
A significant example is the employment of music as a means of communication, as demonstrated in Episode 1 of The Last of Us. Bella observes that Joel and Bill use songs from various decades on the radio to signal specific information. For instance, a 60s song signifies no new news, a 70s song indicates that Bill and Frank have acquired new items, and an 80s song warns of potential danger. Subsequently, after Ellie, Joel, and Tess depart from the Boston Quarantine Zone, “Never Let Me Go” by Depeche Mode starts playing on the radio in Joel’s apartment, foreshadowing impending trouble. This song not only adds depth to the narrative relevance within the series but also serves as a powerful background music choice during the climactic moments of the episode, providing a fitting soundtrack for the trio’s journey into the stormy and lawless wilderness of Boston.
In Episode 3 of The Last of Us, titled “Long Long Time,” we witness an extraordinary musical moment that echoes Linda Ronstadt’s song of the same name. This episode strays significantly from the game’s narrative, focusing instead on the backstory of Bill and Frank, characters who have limited roles in the original content. In this captivating episode, we unravel the tender love story between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). The turning point is when Bill serenades Frank with a soulful acoustic version of Ronstadt’s song. Throughout the episode, this song serves as a poignant symbol, underscoring the enduring nature of Bill and Frank’s love. Interestingly, The Last of Us’ use of Linda Ronstadt’s song has garnered real-world attention, causing a surge in plays of the song on streaming platforms.
The Last of Us Season 2 Has The Opportunity For Even More Meaningful Music
As a gamer immersed in The Last of Us Part 2, I can’t help but notice the profound use of music in this sequel. Ellie’s connection to music, specifically her guitar skills, is deeply intertwined with her bond with Joel. Music often serves as a bridge, tying Ellie’s current experiences within the game to poignant memories she shares with Joel. One recurring melody that resonates throughout the game is Pearl Jam’s “Future Days,” and its lyric, “If I ever were to lose you, I’d surely lose myself,” seems to embody the central motif explored in The Last of Us Part 2. This tune might prove instrumental in shaping the musical narrative for The Last of Us Season 2.
If I ever were to lose you, I’d surely lose myself.
It appears that “Future Days” could play a significant role in “The Last of Us” Season 2, as suggested by its inclusion in the show’s first trailer. However, it’s yet to be determined if the HBO series will integrate the Pearl Jam song into the narrative in the same manner as the game.
In The Last of Us Part 2, one significant tune is A-ha’s “Take on Me,” which Ellie sings to her girlfriend, Dina, after discovering a guitar in an empty music store in Seattle. Interestingly, this song was also featured in Season 1, Episode 7 of The Last of Us, during a flashback involving Ellie and her friend Riley. As such, “Take on Me” carries additional weight in The Last of Us Part 2, as its playtime will remind us of Ellie’s bittersweet memories of Riley, mirroring her budding romance with Dina. Another song that connects Ellie and Dina is Crooked Still’s “Little Sadie,” which plays during their first kiss scene.
In addition to The Last of Us Part 2, a music album named Covers and Rarities was released. This album showcases Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, the game’s actors, performing covers of five songs. Their characters sing renditions of “Future Days” and “Take on Me,” while Johnson sings solo versions of “Through the Valley” (originally by Shawn James), “True Faith” (by New Order), and a duet with Baker for “Wayfaring Stranger” (originally by Johnny Cash). This album offers The Last of Us Season 2 an abundance of opportunities to incorporate and develop these songs, giving them relevance within Season 2 that might not have been feasible in the games. Moreover, it adds more memorable musical moments to the series.
The Last of Us Season 2 will be released on HBO in 2025.
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2024-11-14 01:35