The Last of Us Iconic Final Scene Mirrors the Game’s Ending
The following contains spoilers for The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 9, “Look For The Light,” now streaming on HBO Max.
A great adaptation must translate the most important elements of the source into the new medium, which is often more complicated than simply replicating the original. However, there are moments when the original version can slide directly into the adaptation in nearly perfect form. HBO’s The Last of Us has done a great job of balancing unique interpretations of the original video game series while also maintaining the essential pieces that are iconic and crucial to understanding the overall story. The finale is an excellent example of how the series is an incredibly faithful adaptation.
There are significant conversations pulled nearly verbatim from the original game and brought into the show. The series, along the way, has made some adjustments that alter the climactic sequence a bit, but for the most part, it’s almost identical as the end of the story unfolds. Joel and Ellie arrive in Salt Lake City and finally connect with the Fireflies and their doctors, who are still pursuing a cure. Joel makes the decision to save Ellie’s life and sacrifices the Fireflies to protect her. He values her life more than theirs, and he also cares for her beyond the idea of a potential cure. Joel takes her away from Salt Lake City, and they return to Jackson.
How The Final Scene in the Series Is a Mirror of the Original Game
The game ends with Joel and Ellie returning to…
