Loaded with emotions! Bill and Frank’s story was incredible. They deviated from the game just a bit. What was your reaction to ep 2? Full Reactions on Patreon: www.patreon.com/baddmedicine Backup channel Subscribe here ru-vid.com/show-UC1CLUwA27dz-94o3FR0o3xg
Episode 3, was truly amazing. I really appreciated the storyline, it was pleasantly a surprise. And was not expecting to cry in it either. Beautifully done.
I’m really pleased with all of the changes they’ve made this far. I am a huge fan of the game and have played through multiple times and recently for anticipation of the show and I can say that Bill was the least likeable character in the game IMO, so it was a nice deviation to the original story. It was a really beautiful love story and I’m happy they took some creative risks in the tv version. So far the changes have been improvements and really interesting changes. For fans of the game it basically makes each episode potentially unique and keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what’s going to happen because at any moment a beloved character from the game could be lost or saved, but somehow the story still stays true to the overall main story. Great episode, great show, 10/10!
Bill served his purpose, they got the car, and Bill is never seen again in the game, so to trade the Bill character for this amazing episode was well worth it.
On the official podcast the creators said they wanted to show a story where people WON. Bill and Frank living how they lived and going out on their terms, not infected and in love, was a victory and a happy story they felt needed to be told. I just adored this episode.
The major change from the game is that Frank apparently had been harboring resentment toward Bill, and let him know in his suicide note (he hangs himself after getting infected in the game). But they were definitely together as lovers in the game. I do think not having everything be so fucking bleak is a positive change. Especially for Bill, who is one of the coolest characters in the game (and show).
They couldn't have done Bill and Frank's story any better imo. I sobbedddddd, I smiled, I laughed and sobbed some more. Okay ALOT like alot alot. TLOU has been PHENOMENAL so far!!
Honestly, with that explanation, I love the episode even more. If people want the tragedy of Frank's death from the game, they can go play the game. In this alternate universe, Frank and Bill stayed together through everything, even death.
The world of TLOU is pretty much filled with tragedy and loss. They wanted a win, and it’s even more meaningful to have given that win to Bill and Frank. Bill was obviously a secluded dude before that, in that American suburb. He’s never been with a man before. But then the world fell, society fell, and against all expectations he found a reason to live and live freely, and he found love. And they got to love a full life and go on their own terms. This is the anti-“bury your gays” trope, which has been so common in shows, movies and games, where you get one token gay couple and they’re killed off for shock value and trauma (the game itself, which I love immensely, kinda partakes in that). As a queer person myself, I find this incredibly beautiful and gracious from the creators to re-examine that part of the story, and tell something so beautiful and miraculous in such a bleak world. Back in 2003, gay marriage wasn’t even legal… but they got married. They won. And it was narratively relevant too: Bill’s letter says it all to Joel. Living is about loving someone else. You find someone to live for. It’s the theme of both the game and the show. Incredible episode through and through, and I am so grateful for it. Beautiful TV.
Listening to Oak talk about acceptance and love is a perfect capstone to the episode. As a gay dude, we don't get a whole lot of representation in the horror genre and to see Bill and Frank in charge of their own destiny in the face of the end of the world was beautiful. You guys are cementing yourselves as some of my favorite reviewers. Thank you for all the amazing words.
I watched this with my husband and honestly I have been embracing him more because I got to love him, the world is crazy but I’m with the love of my life so it makes me thankful for just living
I loved this reaction! To see this love story between two people is really beautiful. But to watch 3 straight men appreciate it for what is makes my heart happy!
Wonder Wes, as an over 40 gay dude this was even more real and lovely and hopeful. Most gay characters depicted are not over 40 so this was welcomed and phenomenal.
The homophobes didn't realize that if they ostracized us, we'd end up with our own towns, shops, supplies, & the love of our life during a pandemic lol
I think it's pretty clear they don't want every episode drowning in clickers and bloaters, and instead they chose a quieter episode that explores the story's themes. I'm for it.
Yeah. I think a lot of people are expecting too much of a 1 to 1 recreation, but mediums just don't match up. The Last of Us game needed filler, because it's an action game so we get what is basically a glorified fetch quest to send us around town and fight things. That would be incredibly boring in a TV show, and while they could have probably come up with something similar-ish for the show, I really like the different direction they're taking it.
It’s a clear message of how the fungus is like an extension of Mother Nature and it’s like a consequence of how humanity has overpopulated the these people killing earth, the planet got warmer and killed back
The Appleton Oaks words at the end really touched me. I appreciate his heartwarming and motivational monologue. You could tell that he was really moved by their story. So was I. Thank you!❤
I don't think running around looking for a car battery with Bill was gonna work for this. I think this change was for practical reasons but they didn't just stop there. They took the time to flesh out bill and frank where in the game bill is just kinda that side character you meet along the way. Not that that's a bad thing it's just that Bill needed to be the way he is in the game to make way for gameplay. Here we don't have gameplay so they needed to fill up time and I'm so happy this is how they did it. Absolutely fantastic episode.
Finally, someone who understand that not everything in the game can work in adaptation. B&F's plot in the game also lacks character depth and story, all you have just banters, which if you put in the show with Limite duration, would make it like Thor L&T as we already have Joel & Ellie's banters already. This is also a good setup for Joel to have a change of heart. Game's Bill showed what Joel would look like if he closed himself off, not a good motivation for the story in the adaptation to progress
@@ateam404 One other difference is it appears in the game that Frank had been harboring some resentment towards Bill for Bill being so "stuck in his ways." He leaves him a pretty brutal suicide note, which you have the option to give to Bill or spare him additional emotional pain.
@@eliteteamkiller319 oh ok. I think they showed that Bill stayed grouchy. I see why they changed it. Decisions like that can change the perception of a character. In gameplay it’s you making the decision so it’s not like your going to judge yourself.
I almost didn't click on this reaction because I didn't want to see what bros had to say about *this* episode and it's content. The internet has made me pessimistic about most men on the internet and I'm so happy that I was wrong. I was especially moved by the last gentleman's tender thoughts about inclusion and acceptance. The close-minded voices are often loud in pop culture and I'm so happy that you all make a point to stand against it. You've earned a sub.
I appreciated your reaction. For me, this hit awfully close to home except for a bottle of wine, I had to make the decision to pull the plug. I promised him I’d never let him be a vegetable. The temptation was very strong to break my promise, but in the end, as usual, he was right. To be honest, I’ve resisted subscribing because I wasn’t sure what you guys were about. Your reaction to this is a testament to your character and I can see where your hearts are. I’m subscribed.
You are incredibly strong to have held up your promise to him like that. I'm really glad you had each other, for whatever time you were able to share. May his memory be a blessing. 🏳️⚧️🏳️🌈🫂
“Am I the only one sensing some vibes here?” My exact thoughts watching the episode 😂 I was like wait a minute… I wasn’t ready for the emotional roller coaster of this episode! So good!
I like this Bill/Frank story better than Bill/Frank in the game. Narratively, the "Three Rules" conversation between Joel and Ellie happening after Bill's letter instead of after Tess' death, especially knowing Bill and Frank took care of each other instead of tearing each other apart, adds so much more weight to Tess' sacrifice and totally triggers Joel's commitment to Ellie's safety in a really character driven way. Not that it was bad in the game, but it kinda speaks to what I'm liking about the difference between show and game: the show is the game just heavier. Heavy doesn't mean dark, heavy means we take love seriously too, cause when you do its heavier. I'm here for it.
I actually think the game did this so much better. It wasn’t so spelled out the way it was in this episode with Bills bullet points of caring for your people, I felt more nuance in the game. The game produced the same sentiment but actually in spite of Bill’s advice. Not against the change in the show, the issue is that it all exists in a vacuum. Joel’s interaction with Bill is like 5 minutes and the episode does nothing to propel the story forward. Wasn’t my favorite given how early in the season it is.
@@SuperDan1006 It isn't supposed to move the story more than it did. It is supposed to fill out the world. I always found the Bill section in the game lacking in substance, he just didn't really feel necessary. This, though, shows that life is more than just living.
Right? These guys are as “manly” as one can be. Guess what else, they have heart, they have tolerance, and they are thoughtful as hell. I don’t know them obviously, but they show respect and tolerance. The only problem is that this stuff needs to be pointed out and can’t be normal.
As someone who has never played the game, I was actually so glad and happy they never showed Bill and Frank’s corpses. I really sat frozen in my seat, muttering “nonononoNoNO Don’t show it to us please don’t”. I appreciated the choice. That being said- Thank you guys for this wonderful, beautiful reaction video. Although I’m a lesbian gal and a huge fan of your channel, I was a bit afraid to watch your reaction video because even though I’m a part of the LGBT community, I’m from a country that’s still really hush-hush about showing contents that are queer-friendly. So although I really love you guys with all my heart, my frightened brain made me refrain from clicking this one for more than a week because I was so afraid to see you three fidget uncomfortably as you watched two gay men readying themselves for an intimate time. I’m so sorry for even doubting you. The hilarious thing is that you guys were even more accepting than I was back when I first watched this episode! I kept doubting Frank’s intentions, you see 😂 Anyways. I’ll never make the same mistake with you guys, never never ever again. Thank you for posting this video. Love you people.
In response to the reactor in the middle. I am a gamer as well. The last of us to this day remains to be my favorite game of all time. The reason Bill exists in the game is to 1. Help Joel and Ellie and 2. Show Joel that there are things in the world still worth fight for, which is hugely important for the further development of the relationship between Joel and Ellie. As far as I am concerned, the way the Bill story was told here, is FAR BETTER than how it was told in the video game. As long as the plot moves forward as it should and the protagonists learn the lessons they need to, the way it's portrayed is not largely important as long as it's told well. As I can see this would be a shock to the gamers, I would not let that blind you to the fact that THIS, was just a much more poignant way to do so.
Fellow gamer here and completely agree with everything you said. I also think about that the message bill gave Joel in the game was “this is what you can/will become” in a negative way because Bill was a grumpy old man and Joel doesn’t want that and in the show the message is more “this is what you can become” where Bill died happy and in love and protected the people he loved which is what Joel wants.
When we find Frank's body and his letter to Bill about how much he detests him in the game and we start to slowly realize that they were more than just buddies. I have always wondered what their relationship was like before it came to the point of Frank hating him and wanting to leave. Although this episode didn't go the game route I couldn't have asked for a better back story of their relationship than this.
I feel like had they stuck with the bitterness that was growing between them, it'd just make the show nothing but downers. Especially because of what we're likely going to see in the future (I can't imagine they tone down what happens with those particular brothers...).
I never thought Frank actually hated Bill in that letter in the game. He was bitten, and his time was up. He wanted Bill to be able to go on, and it was only by pissing Bill off that Bill would be able to go on, to survive.
I think what they portrayed in the show could be seen as a parallel universe where they make all the right choices, Bill here listens to Frank and tries to not be as stuck in his ways, so the resentment that would happen if all those fights and disagreements weren't resolved over time was able to be avoided. I like this better, cried like a baby.
what really surprised me is how long it seems Joel and Tess had each other. their first dinner with Bill and Frank was in 2010 i think? i dont remember the exact year but i think it was 3 years after 2007. thats a detail i didnt expect but it made it even more sad about Tess dying and saying "our luck had to run out sooner or later", they really had ALOT of time together. also, guys this is just the PROOF of why you guys are my favourite reactors on youtube PERIOD. i had no doubts this was gonna be your reactions after seeing some other stuff youve watched, you dont judge love and you see it for what it is between people, but after seeing some negative reactions to the episode already i felt a little disheartened!! And then i watched this and instead you guys take it in and reflect on what stuff really means. ive seen alot of comments where people say they dont need gay propaganda and lifestyle thrown in their face, but you guys hit the nail on it. its NOT anything like that, its a story about how we need people in our lives even if its in a state like it is in the show. and love can happen so fast in real life without the ending of the world, and people are confused about a guy like Bill falling in love in a few hours? he probably didnt love anyone his whole life and just like you say Oak, this was his chance to finally be himself. i love this game so much and am with you Dave on everything you said about the changes, however i listened to the podcast and it soothed me alot when they talk about it. they just wanna make great TV man and Neil was a little nervous about it, but it ended up BEAUTIFUL. May all the haters calm down and realise its still GREAT even tho its a little different from tha game. Until next week, take care!
it was an absolutely beautiful episode! People don't like it for obvious reasons, but fucke them! This story will be with me forever. They were both beautiful it was too much for my heart
Ohanna, I ended up listening to that. I now have a better understanding of their decision. 😀🤘Im glad they do that podcast. Helps clear up any questions.
idk why but if joel and tess knew each other for 13 years, i really miss alot of emotion from joel... it is like he doesnt really care about it and looks stone-cold. i get that his trauma made him close up alot, but i miss alot of emotions from joel. and him being grumpy and an ass all the time to ellie doesnt help either. i still have hope he will loosen up tho.
always nice to see Oak getting emotional, i don't know how someone couldn't be during this fantastic episode. i think this will be the best episode of the entire year.
really appreciate you guys having an open mind with this episode and recognizing the beauty in the story. it’s why you guys are some of the best reactors!
as someone who played the game, i couldn’t be happier they went the route they did. It’s so much more satisfying to see Bill so much more fleshed out in the show
Considering in the game Frank left a suicide note saying he hated his guts and got tired of him and would rather die outside of his little town than live another day with him, I MUCH RATHER have Bill and Frank have a beautiful relationship and grow old and die together on their own terms. I was actually scared thinking they were going to stick to what happened in the game and we would end up seeing Bill completely broken
probably the first thing i like about this tv series so far. Even tho gay ppl still die due to some shit(unwritten hollywood rule on lgbt) but at least it was a good one.
@@RonLarhz that last bits kind of bullshit- it’s an apocalypse where everyone dies in squalor or awfully, bill and frank spent 17 years together in love and went out in each others arms as old men - they’re the only ones that lived
@@thedje4407 you’re absolutely right. This isn’t a “bury your gays” situation, gay ppl shouldn’t be immortal in media lol. This was a great story of two gay people falling in love and growing old together. Everything that the “bury your gays” trope is against.
@@jul001 thats why the line where bill says “this isnt the tragic suicide at the end of the play” directly referencing that trope and how it doesnt apply in their situation is so great and important
The fact that you could pick up the tension before anything happens shows what great chemistry they had. And it is funny that Frank just happened into Bill’s yard, but if you look at any relationship there’s usually some serendipity involved. My mom just happened to make a friend at church camp decades ago and ended up marrying that friend’s older brother. Mom and Dad will be celebrating 52 years married this spring. My brother wanted to try out an MMORPG and started chatting with some people. One of those people was a girl he befriended and eventually married. They’ve got two daughters now. And in my case… I’m gonna go dig a pit in my yard and wait for a handsome bearded guy. 😂
Agreed. Not saying it was. Just saying it would've been cool to see the interaction between Ellie & Bill. Didn't even have to be the same in the game. And really not the huge of a deal. Just feel like a messed opportunity for those to characters on screen. 🤙🤙🤙
That episode hit me really hard. Thought we would see the sassy bantering between Ellie & Bill and then we got this super emotional masterpiece. Not gonna watch your reaction to this one, can't get through that again. But still gonna support you with a like and comment, guys 💜
Too much banters and it would be another Thor Love & Thunder...there are plenty of Joel & Ellie's banters already in the show and considering the show's duration, it's a good take.
I didn't play the game. I went in, and was promised a horror action with gross mushrooms. What I got was a poignant, beautiful, yet heartbreaking demonstration of the best qualities of human nature. It was great.
I grew up with a gay uncle and I teared up watching this episode. I was 12 then when my uncle's partner died of cancer and we were holed up in the hospital room saying our goodbyes. My mom had to pull my uncle out of him after they turned off his life support because he wouldn't let go. Also, seeing Tess looking so fresh and beautiful in this episode made me sadder knowing that she's now gone.
I’ve already seen hate directed towards this episode and it’s really disheartening. I thought it was absolutely beautiful. To see people find love in such a horrific time really moved me. I was in tears for so much of it but the part where I lost it was when Frank stated his wishes for his last day and Bill started sobbing on the couch. It really hit me hard thinking of my loved ones and how I would feel in such a moment..
I must admit... when I saw them first kiss... I was also annoyed. I was like oh god... have to push narrative... but then as it continued I was like... wtf such an amazing love story. It was done tastefully and the emotional impact at the end. Got me in tears. Some of us are conditioned to react already negatively when we see LGBT+ type of content... thinking it is just for politics and probably will add nothing to the story, as lot of the recent media has done. I'm glad I was wrong.
Eh, actually Bill and Frank were definitely together in the game. It was just all off screen. And there was a lot more trouble in paradise, based on Frank's suicide note, where he tells Bill he's actually grown to "hate his guts." But the funny thing, is he ends the note with "Good luck, Frank," as if maybe being dramatically hateful was kind of their thing. But on the other hand, if you give hte not to Bill, he's seems a bit heart broken. So Frank seems to have been harboring resentment towards Bill. But rest assured, they were gay lovers in the game.
I'm glad the show gave Bill and Frank a happy ending, since in the game they had a big falling out, Frank ran away and ended up dying alone because of it. Instead of that we got this beautiful story of two people who got to grow old together. The only thing I missed was the way Bill and Ellie interacted with each other, but the wonderful story we were told is worth sacrificing a few laughs. And hey! Those moments aren't taken away from the game!
I was super blown away by this episode. I didn't expect them to go this way with Bills story. But my gosh did they knock it out of the park. I was literally how Oak was , just thinking damn can I really do this?? Beautiful acting. My favourite thing about this though was that media never really portrays older gay couples, and as a gay man myself I just super appreciative of this. Such a contrast against the apocalyptic world around them. This episode was poetry
Oak's speech at the end re: the importance of this story for gay people today was one of the most refreshing things I've ever heard from a reactor on RU-vid. You guys are a fantastic watch, and the nuance you bring to these stories and films is so appreciated.
I love that it was there own choice to go out the way they did. In this series, a lot of people's lives get taken from them. It is so powerful in this dangerous world that they had a different choice. That people got to have a life and have love. It makes it more powerful to me. That the human side to all of us is never really gone. ❤️ Also go and watch/hear the podcast for this episode. It is amazing! I was hooked on what they were saying and the choices that were made. Amazing work❤️
Wow!! What an amazing episode and as a gay man, I applaud them for such a beautiful love story, which completely surprised me. Not having any prior knowledge of this Game, I am absolutely hooked and can’t wait to see the rest of the episodes. I also appreciate you guys and your reactions, definitely my favorite reaction channel.
Usually it's because they're immature or insecure or just plain bigots. Saw someone that actually just said 'nobody wants to see two hairy middle aged men have sex' when in reality all you really see is two people finding each other. Others are bothered that Bill died, because he was about survivin', when it actually doesn't matter to the rest of the story if he did or not. Yes, he was about surviving but with Frank he actually to LIVE. Then there is the fact that had they followed the game more closely, e.g. an episode about Joel and Ellie avoiding a bunch of clickers and Bill's traps and fetching some random battery it would have been a much weaker episode, and frankly potentially boring, the highlights would have been a few quips traded between Ellie and Bill. I think we gained a lot more than we lost. Instead we got a beautiful heartfelt love story about two PEOPLE finding each other and triumphing over the apocalypse.
Love the episode, really disappointed with a lot of your commentors (which isn't you guys's fault, just pointing it out) Bet that if this was about a lesbian couple or about a straight couple, those same people complaining would've not said anything. They're just mad that it's about 2 men finding love in the worst situation possible. It's very tiring to see the hate they spout, as in the end, people are people, and everyone needs love. Especially if you're alone for years like Bill was.
What was said at the end about Bill living his authentic life is so true! Gay marriage wasn't legal in 2003 so their wedding feels even more powerful to me.
I love how just from looking at them you totally expect Oak to be a stereotypical macho muscle man but he always comes in with these really heartfelt and concise points and his empathy is always off the charts. Love that.
The only purpose of Bill in the game is to get Joel a truck. That still happened, and this story was much better. I am all for it, and I have a feeling this episode wins some awards.
You all are so amazing. I have typed and erased this comment so many times not knowing exactly what to say. All i can think of to say is as a guy getting ready to turn 49 and me and my husband will celebrate 25 years together this year and this episode really got me. I also wanted to say thank you for not only great reaction vids, but for your open minds, and your acceptance. You all ARE the best of the best!
Thank you very much for the kind words and for taking the time to comment. We’ve been fortunate enough to grow a good sized platform since we started reactions and I think we all recognize that with the platform comes the opportunity to scatter some kindness and acceptance, so when the opportunity presents itself, that’s what we aim to do. -Oak
A part of me is disappointed we aren’t getting the classic interactions between Bill and Ellie. But I adore the story they told us here. Definitely a story that they wouldn’t have been able to tell in the game. I actually prefer this version to the game, and that isn’t something I wouldn’t expect to say watching an adaptation.
What a great question: "Would you stay there?" That's when you know a story is doing more than just entertaining you; it raises questions that stay with you.
In the game, Bill and Frank are couples too and I think that what they did in this EP about their story is amazing and bring them more depths also the letter will give Joel the drive to protect someone even if it's not Tess, some purpose to keep going.
this may be my favorite reaction almost entirely due to the response at the end of the episode. it's wild to me how may homophobes have reacted to this episode and confidently uploaded their immaturity for people to see on youtube. it wasn't preachy, it was a necessary counterbalance for the platform
Cool little detail: When Ellie asks how everything started, joel points out bread, "pancakemix" etc. Joel forgot to buy pancakemix for his birthday in the first ep (luckily)!
Amazing reaction as always guys! I was re-watching the first episode and connected the fact that when the 80's music sounds at the end of that first episode Bill and Frank are already dead because Joel says in this episode the music plays alone after a couple of weeks if they don't give the computer a code, so they had been dead for over a little more than three weeks, maybe?
Also, yes, if you watch the recap/making of that's right after the credits Neil Druckmann talks about their dedication to sticking to the game but also having freedom to change if it's necessary. He essentially says we are sticking to the game but we will change...if changing makes it better. And that's what happened here in my eyes.
I am intentionally commenting this in a separate comment theread because I agree wholeheartedly with what the Oak said in the later part of the discussion and I truly appreciate it, so much so that I wish more people would see this video through the youtube algorithm. I wanna support this video in any way I can. I will subscribe to your Patreon when I get my cheque. Thank you. Love you guys. Wish you all the best.
Oh god!! I SOBBED so much during this episode. I'm so happy to see two people actually win in a apocalypse scenario. I'm just glad to see that I wasn't the only person that cried when watching it.
The Appleton Oak tearing up... dam. such nice guys. first time watching you. this made me have more faith in humanity. i will keep watching with you the rest of the season, i don't think they will drop quality, masterpiece :)
I spent the first 3/4 of the episode hoping it wasn't going to go with the game canon and I got my wish, but the story still broke me, I cried when I watched it and I've cried with every reaction video I've seen so far (5 or 6 at this point). It was such a bitter-sweet yet heartbreakingly beautiful story, I absoltely loved it! 😭💖
I'm confused....Why does it matter so much to you if he lived or not? It's not like Bill came back in the story at any point. For your own enjoyment of the show, I would really recommend that you don't measure the value of the tv show on how closely it mimics the game. There WILL be changes. There has to be--a straight translation of the game to the small screen wouldn't be entertaining. I think as long as the main backbone/important points of the story remain relatively unchanged, it's all golden. That's just me....but I'd really hate for that to be a sticking point for you in what has been a great show.
Bill died. Sorry. You’ll have to make peace with it. The show creators and HBO said that they did this focus episode solely so there’d be ONE story where WE (humanity) wins. They lived on their own terms and went out on their own terms, deeply in love and well fed.🥰
This was a such an amazing ep; they took two basically nothing characters (one a doomsday prepper stereotype not in the rest of the game, the other literally just a corpse) and turned them into something powerful and beautiful
“am i the only one sensing some tension” LMFAO oak is so funny without realizing it, everything aside i love how non judgmental and open minded you guys are, it’s a breath of fresh air so thank you. 😁
So about Bill, here's the way I see it: I played to the game (fav game ever) and I was so surprised too when we understand Bill also took his own life. However, I think it is a perfect change from the game because in the show, the letter Ellie found and read to Joel was so so impactful. The way Bill says he found his purpose when he met Frank because his purpose was to protect him is a deep echo to Joel's situation. Joel doesn't know it yet at this moment but he found a purpose again when he met Ellie. Sure, he had a thing with Tess, he probably loved her but the death of his daughter shut him off. Tess said it herself: she never asked him to feel the way she felt about him. Joel started loving again when he met Ellie and his purpose is to save her and to protect her. When Ellie read that letter I immediately understood why they chose to make this change and I think it's brillant.
Great reaction guys. Personally, I thought this episode was nothing but perfection. As an avid player and follower of the game, I much preferred this version of the story. I personally don't think Bill served major integral purpose in the game other than helping Joel and Ellie get to the next steps in the game, which is the typical game set up for practically everything. In the show, Bill had purpose, meaning and substance, all of which was absent for the character in the game. Also, in the game, Frank hated Bill and left him a letter saying so before he died. So, this was by far a much better story and more impactful. Seeing a W in the apocalypse for these types of shoes is rare, so it's nice to get that here. And more importantly, THE ACTING!! Award winning if you ask me.
Dave is too hung up on the game. if he'd watched the episode with more of an open mind he'd have a much better viewing experience instead of constantly trying to anticipate what's next based on the game. television and games are very different mediums, and looking around for supplies for half an hour wouldn't work here. this version of the story was much better and much more profound, and still served the same purpose for the main plot. masterful!
DD here, I think you may have missed where I said the episode was fantastic. I do and did have an open mind to this episode. If this is your first viewing of our reactions, I do mention in previous ones, I expect a lot of changes from the game to TV. Which is great! I was more shocked they wrote the character off. Obviously, Bill gives his reasons in the show here. I would like to hear Neil and Craigs reasons for doing so as I find it interesting they went the route. This way I can understand where they are coming from as well from the TV story stand point. Sometimes just introducing characters for a 1 episode arc isn't always the greatest and to some can come off as a waste of time/filler. But they did a nice job here with Frank and Bill. In the end, Bill still provided transportation and pushed the story forward.
Re: why they changed Bill. Besides the usual answer that they wanted a more hopeful story, it's also difficult to translate the domestic life Frank and Bill to the games in a way that's as impactful as it was on TV. In games, there's no room for stillness. You're always moving around. You can't capture how Frank's face light up at the sight of food. You can't have the attention span to watch Bill's sincerity in playing the piano. Because of the medium of the game, these scenes probably couldn't exist. Video was the only way for them to capture the story and its impact is organic to the tonal shift for Joel. Objectively, everything is elevated to hit the sweet spot. From a creator's POV, you really can't say no to changes like this.
Great reaction and discussion at the end! I haven't played the games so I have nothing to compared it to but I loved the episode. Great writing, acting, cinematography, score and everything else.
What a beautiful episode. I've never seen Offerman's range before this. Amazing. I thought he'd stick around, but they still managed to make him and Frank so impactful. Also love that Mason mentioned the use of spray painting doors in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Of course, it was for a different reason in 1930s/40s Germany, but still so morbid. Great reaction on an episode with a different tone guys.
This episode is being review bombed by homophobic people on IMDB, it has over a whole point lower than episode 2, if you want to show some support please give it a 10 ❤
This is my first time watching you guys. I loved the reaction. I had a whole little comment planned about how the reaction was good and i cant wait for the next episode but then Oak started talking about how the world doesn't make it easy for men to be who they are, and I'm gay and I'm in my 30s. I get it. I know so many men that you would never suspect. Just regular "normal" guys, but they have a secret Grindr account or go out to the clubs an hour before they close so no one will see them go in. I've known men like this since I was old enough to go out myself, and its always been so sad to see these otherwise proud, strong men be so dominated by fear. And I've spent my whole life dreading becoming that, or dying alone, or never finding what it was that I was meant to be. It is very powerful to see a show represent regular gay people, and not try to fit us into some comedy box or make us look ridiculous or flamboyant or flippant and not serious. We are regular people. Believe it or not. Just seeing it on TV, like authentically... its just beautiful. And to be honest I get why people might be mad we missed the little school side quest and the banter and all that... I kinda am too... but I wouldnt trade this episode for anything. I feel like I've been waiting my whole life for it.
In my opinion I think that it’s okay how bill goes out in the show because one if we want the outcome we can play the game; but regardless of how it went down after Ellie and Joel leave with the truck you don’t come across or hear from bill again anyways so I think yes it’s sad and not accurate to the original story, but is a great way to express what the developers may have been too afraid to push in game due to some homophobia causing a loss in sales possibly. Either way loved the reaction and glad a lot of people are touched by the episode because it’s def a 5 star episode😊
Loved watching this reaction vid of you guys! Your attention to detail is bloody awesome hey! This episode was 10/10! Thanks guys, I got the feelz watching it with ya
My god that episode! I didn’t know it was possible for a story to make me cry that damn hard. What an absolute masterpiece. Astounding writing, acting, & cinematography. The use of Vanishing Grace absolutely shattered me. I’m blown away. 10/10
As a fan of this game, I loved this episode so much! It got right to the heart of the THEMES of the game, which is love, connection, finding purpose. Me and my straight guy friend were weeping.
