The Last of Us fans (97%) might be gearing up for another emotional rollercoaster, similar to the acclaimed episode about Bill and Frank in the first season. According to Neil Druckmann , the showrunner and president of ‘Naughty Dog’, the second season of the hit HBO show could include another episode focused on secondary characters, expanding their backstory in ways that was not possible in the original video game.
What did the showrunner of ‘The Last of Us’ say about another episode dedicated to supporting characters?
Neil Druckmann, who has worked closely with Craig Mazin on the adaptation of ‘The Last of Us’, hinted during an interview on ‘Variety’s’ Strictly Business’ podcast that a second season episode could follow the same approach as ‘Long, Long Time’, the episode dedicated to the relationship between Bill and Frank. “There are things in this season that I’m very excited about,” said Druckmann, referring to how the series allows for a deeper understanding of the characters in a way that was not achieved in the video game.
Druckmann explained that the success of the episode ‘Long, Long Time’ opened new doors to telling stories of secondary characters in the series, something that was not always possible in the video game format.
“In the game, Frank is no longer alive when Joel and Ellie reach Bill,” Druckmann recalled. “In the series, we decided to focus on the relationship between these two men, and that allowed the audience to connect emotionally with them in a way that you can’t do in the game.”
While he didn’t reveal specific details about which character will be the focus of this new story, Druckmann did tease that the episode will offer “important backstory” for a character fans of the game are familiar with. With these statements, fans of the series are already speculating about who could be the next character to receive this special treatment.
What was the episode ‘Long, Long Time’ in the first season of ‘The Last of Us’ about?
The episode ‘Long, Long Time’ was a radical shift in the narrative of ‘The Last of Us’. Instead of following Joel and Ellie’s survival plot, the series took us back in time to explore the relationship between Bill ( Nick Offerman ) and Frank ( Murray Bartlett ), two characters who, in the game, don’t receive much development.
In the television adaptation, however, this relationship became an emotional love story that spanned decades, standing out as one of the highlights of the first season.
The episode begins when Bill, a man who has isolated himself in his own fortress during the apocalypse, meets Frank, a survivor seeking shelter. Over the years, the two form a deep connection, facing the challenges of the post-apocalyptic world together. Ultimately, their relationship ends in a touching farewell, when they both decide to die together after Frank succumbs to a terminal illness.
The use of Linda Ronstadt’s song ‘Long, Long Time’ during the episode added a layer of melancholy and symbolism to the story. The song quickly became iconic to the episode, reflecting the pain and acceptance that characterize Bill and Frank’s relationship. This emotional approach was critically acclaimed, and is considered by many to be one of the most unforgettable moments on television in 2023.
When does the second season of ‘The Last of Us’ premiere?
The first season of ‘The Last of Us’ covered the events of the first game, leaving many questions about how they will adapt the story of ‘The Last of Us Part II’ in the second season. However, Druckmann and Mazin have assured that the next episodes will explore new facets of the characters, just as they did with Bill and Frank, and that fans should be prepared for more emotional twists and shocking narratives.
Although exact details about the second season’s plot are still scarce, it has already been confirmed that the new installment of ‘The Last of Us’ will arrive sometime in 2025. The long wait is due, in part, to the series’ ambitious production, as well as efforts to do justice to the continuation of the original video game’s story.
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