The Psychology of Adversity in The Last of Us Ep1 - Therapist Reacts! 

Btw, the showrunners say the expression on Ellie's face at the end when Joel kills the soldier isn't meant to be fear - it's meant to be fascination. Ellie's never had someone stand up for her before, and as we'll find out, she's certainly got her own taste for violence.

The addition of "was RILEY a terrorist?" Laid me out😭 just the crushed look of anguish and (self?) Loathing on Ellie's face. Fantastic acting.

I’m glad you brought up the compassion of the fedra agent. Everyone I watched the show with said she was being cruel and manipulative and I was baffled, she was so kind in his last moments.

One thing I’d like to add: That look on Ellie’s face when Joel was killing that soldier, the creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann said on the podcast accompanying this show that there’s a stark difference here. When Joel kills the old lady in the opening right in front of Sarah, SHE is horrified, she’s in shock, she’s crying, all of it. ELLIE however reacts differently. Less scared. They described the event as ”activating her”, she’s leaning in. That there’s a sort of strength to that act, a capability for violence (she asks Marlene earlier ”what are they capable of?”) and here she sees it, this strength and capability to fight back that was just employed to protect HER, this stranger, this man, just beat a man to death to protect her and there’s a sense of admiration in that, because we have seen the whole episode, Ellie is a FIGHTER, she’s direct, confrontational and as the games get into, there’s a righteous fury in Ellie when she’s being wronged, she has a very hard time taking it on the chin and moving on smartly like Tess does and so that demonstration of strength fascinates her on some level. And here’s what I think, she WANTS to be capable of that to protect herself and also to protect the people she cares about, Marlene mentions Riley and we see it’s a sore subject for Ellie, having lost her first love just three weeks ago. What Joel just did for her is something she WISHES she could have done for her best friend, but couldn’t… This is a HUGE part of Ellie’s character in the games, this aggression and also how deeply this incredibly lonely person craves attachment and how traumatic it is for her to lose that.

Anna Torv is so good at doing reserved without being wooden. Absolutely holds her own while John Noble chews scenery in Fringe. Was so happy to see her pummeled face show up in this.

I love how accurately they portrayed Sara, the directing and especially the actress just did it! 1 of the most heartbreaking scene in video games is when Sara died, she is an angel but she didn't die in a peaceful way like she supposed to or like the other protagonist on the show/game, she died feeling fear and pain and that is heartbreaking. That scene makes Joel.

I like the agent who confronted Joel during the initial outbreak. He absolutely did not want to hurt Sarah or Joel, but as he was given the order, you could hear the heaviness in his voice. His regret at what he justifiably had to do to contain the outbreak was compounded when he gave Joel that "I'm sorry," that got him killed. It made me feel for the guy.

One scene that I loved that you didn't cover was when Ellie was talking to Joel and she asks Joel if had done the route they were going on previously. Ellie basically says "So I know if we'll be okay" and at that second Joel's father instinct kicks in and answers her in a way thats supposed to calm her worries down but without being a weirdo.

OH yeah, in both the game and show, Joel has: -PTSD -Depression -Issues managing anger -Substance abuse (only in show, but kind of could see it in the game as well with that Joel) just overall is a concoction of "don't mess with this guy because he will explode". And these feelings and mental illnesses only grew over time IMO. He never got help for them because there was no help to get. Something added to the show, which I like, and explains why Joel and Tommy are so capable, it shows that Joel was a Desert Storm war vet. But what this also means is... it's possible he already had undiagnosed PTSD issues from war... and now those are worse than ever.

I really appreciate your analysis of the fedra agent and how she handled the situation with the young boy. I work in an animal shelter and while we are no-kill, we still have to make euthenasia decisions for those who cannot recover from injuries, illness, or the stresses of the shelter, and to those who are not safe to the community. We get a lot of judgement from those who don't understand among the public, but it is never easy and we make those decisions with a heavy heart and after exhausting all other options. Sad dog stories ahead, proceed if you wish. Just the other week we had three dogs pass over the course of three days. I helped send the first one over the rainbow bridge, my first time being present for the process. He had become one of my favorite dogs and I did my best to tell him that he was a good boy through words and pets, and took off his muzzle as he went, but I'll be one of the first to admit he was not safe around strangers or children. I felt hollow after it was done, and I cried on my drive home later that day; it was the first time I cried for a dog who I knew would probably have to meet Jesus sooner than any dog deserves. And the next day I cried for the dog who could barely handle the shelter on arrival. He seemed to be doing better after he got a quieter kennel with more space, and he was starting to grow in me, but had reached his breaking point and had to leave us too. And then the next day I cried as an adopter brought back a giant lovebug of a corso that went home only a week prior, and had succumbed to heartworm in the guy's kitchen because his previous owner left it untreated for four years. The adopter was trying to get the dog from them for ages, and was overjoyed that he made his way to us, and then to him. He said he was the best dog he ever had, and we can only be glad he got to pass on in the love and peace of someone's home, someone who cared for him for far longer than he owned him. And I cried for them again just now as I typed this. It's never, ever easy, especially when you bear witness to it yourself. But someone has to make the call and do the deed, and the most you can do after that is to try your best to make them feel safe and cared for, for them as well as for yourself. It can only be that much harder to do for a fellow human. RIP Hooch, Nestle, and Zeus. You were the best boys, the world just did you dirty

Thank you for analyzing the episode! I am autistic and the acting in The Last of Us is so subtle I miss half of the stuff. It's like being really myopic with no access to glasses and then someone with 20-20 vision describes the surroundings to you. Very helpful!

Thank you very much for your video, Georgia, I was hoping that you'd cover this show, and you didn't disappoint. Pedro always seems to end up travelling or fighting alongside a child, be it "Prospect" or "The Mandalorian", and he and Bella have sublime chemistry.

I feel like this whole show is going to be a case study on the concept of moral injury - can we even recognize ourselves anymore if we allow atrocities to go on? I'm definitely more anxious under stress, but I'll still battle through where I can - I just worry that I wouldn't survive a scenario like this. The QZ doesn't appear to have much in the way of medical facilities, and I'm on three different medications.

Damn, I didn't realize the child who fell in front of the gate was infected😭. The dub in my language referred to the child as a girl, and the burned body was a boy, and I didn't notice the red screen behind his shoulder while he was tested. I only connected these two moments after this video🙈

I know Anna Torv (Tess' actress) from Fringe, and there, she also played a character with a lot of inner strength and composure. I think she plays the part of Tess brilliantly here.

The tactic you're talking about, my husband uses it on me a lot because he knows my agitation makes my thoughts cycle, and I'll work myself up more. Having those clear, soft commands, even if I don't want them sometimes, helps me take a step back and rethink things, just like it did for Joel.

The officer did also dissolve the social contract of their relationship. Tearing down that barrier creates a quick segway into accepting him as a threat. Even if he had not gotten that flashback, Ellie is a means to an end for him helping Tommy, and as we know from the very beginning when they pass by that family on the road or him screaming at Tommy to run over people to get away, Joel will sacrifice anyone to protect his family.

Anna Torv is such a great actress, so underrated

loved this one! the break downs were lots of appreciation and explanation. there is bound to be lots of extreme behavior in dramas, so it's nice to know how those behaviors can be portrayed realistically and respectfully in media. great job!

Ooh, this is nice! These were also my fav scenes! Plus whenever Ellie curses or flips off, seriously the way she talks, her mannerisms and even her voice is soo similar to videogame Ellie! I had to check if they got Ashley Johnson to do a voiceover for the character or sth like that. Even though I knew all the major events to be expect from this episode, I still cried at Sarah's death. Somehow it was even sadder than the original version. I also really liked Tess, they took her original character and put on a lil bit more on the calculative side, feels more realistic. Sad that she too is gonna die. The last scene was also one my favs, I think this show really knows how to portray people in emotional situations and how they react, because it all feels too real. Not just reacting but even the aftermath of it. The fedra agent was very unexpected though, I'd not think of finding such a gentle officer in the middle of the apocalypse. 40 secs rule is interesting, whenever I get into a situation where I or the person in front of me or we both are very agitated, I usually go to another room or get some air for a minute or two and come back and it feels different and we can talk again. Did not know there was actually such a thing. Nice to know. Also, I see you did not forget the watch :) Nice vid!

This show is wonderful, I like how they show the FEDRA soldiers compassion. Tess was perfectly cast love this actress. Great analysis as always. Excited for the rest of the show. Bella and and Pedro killed it as well.

i'm ecstatic that you've decided to analyze TLOU~ your Joel cosplay is 😘👌🏼

I love your color-shift nail polish! I was distracted by it for a portion of the video 😆

Hi Georgia! Great video from the start. Also good point about how anxiety and worries can lead one to just focus on ways to get rid of the discomfort. Excellent analysis of the microexpressions. Excellent points about Tess. I haven't seen The Boys, but you're spot on about how calm and collected she is. So tough to stay calm and strategic in that situation. I didn't think about the body language before about literally opening up (vs. closing off when anxious) when I watched the scene yesterday, but that is spot on. Great point about anxiety too. It makes sense that it helps us react quickly. It can be tough to find the right balance in a stressful situation but it looks like Tess has. I agree that she understands body language and dynamics very well. Your point about how Joel realized that he needs to walk it off to get the adrenaline to work through him reminds me of how exercise can help with stressful situations. Also great advice of not texting, calling, talking, etc. and taking a pause instead. I concur that it is very helpful. But I also like how you contrasted Tess with Joel and how being able to act quickly under pressure can be helpful and important in certain situations (like at the end of the premiere) too. Great analysis about Ellie and contrast with Tess. I didn't think about the difference in effectiveness of their approach, but you're spot on about that too. Tess was definitely much more effective in defusing situations. And Marlene is similar in that regard too. The show does such a good job in showing different approaches to stress and how various responses are needed for different types of scenarios. Awesome reaction. You do a great job at analyzing the various characters' reactions and body language. It reminds me of how you also analyzed body language in Arcane. :) Keep up the awesome work. Have a wonderful week :). Cool Joel cosplay too :).

This live action series is off to a great start. Spot on analysis as always.

I really love how you talk about mental health using movie/tv sources. I think this really helps to understand better because on tv emotions arent hidden.

I wish she could’ve stuck around longer 💔😢 RIP Tess

Another phenomenal video!! I loved your insight.

I'm really glad you make these videos

Great analysis, seeing the underlying principles. 40s rule of tumb is really useful.

That FEDRA agent would have been brought up in that world too; if the pandemic that gave rise to this game/show mythology is now 20 years later - she likely would have been a young girl at the outset of the worlds' end. Decisions regarding life/death would impact this agent differently in that setting than it had happened today in the actual world we're in today. She's probably had to do this more than a few times.

I love this channel. I hope you do videos for every episode.

thank you for this. Missed you miss Georgia. you are amazing!!!

Yes queen ❤ much love for your videos

By watching this video I really noticed the parallelism shown in the last scene you analyze… I think here it hit harder than in the game definitely. We are in for such a ride 😊👏 Thank you for your point of view. Looking forward to next one

The scene with the kid was one I really liked because it showed that some FEDRA Agents aren't devoid of humanity, the look on that woman's face when the test showed that the kid was infected I could tell that it was tearing her apart on the inside as was doing her best not to show it so the could didn't have anything to fear.

I like Tess. She's smart and level headed. The episode shows how not everything should be handled in a threatening way

I always love your insights on characters.

Sarah’s death made me cry for like the 10th time.

I kind of think Ellie was horrified but also at the same time liked seeing Joel kill that man with his bare hands. It’s the first instance of unconditional love forming with his PTSD of protecting a daughter and her fantasy of needing a family and protector. A start to all the other very positive and highly destructive traits that will come out along their journey imo…..

Haven't even started the video yet, and am already excited to hear your take!

I just really want to say that having stumbled onto your channel after the release of edge runners, I have really come to both the door and appreciate the way you bring The study of psychology and the practice of therapy to media and popular culture. And I appreciate your authentic communication while you're doing so Thank you so very much.

It’s seems they have had an amazing beginning for their new show, hopefully they don’t fall off in later episodes like most video game adaptations. Also have you thought about doing a video on the relationship between grogu and Mando in the mandalorian?

I lean more towards Ellie's mindset in an upsetting situation I think. I've always been the type with fists up ready for a fight to defend myself and mostly someone I really care about.. Interesting to reflect. Thanks for sharing your knowledge Georgia. 🧡

Was hoping you would discuss this show.

Great video, did you understand why Sarah wasn't more scared after she was rushed out jewelry, and still go to their neighbours. Or wandering down the street when Joel was gone.

This video went so fast. There's so much good stuff to analyze in Last of Us and I'm glad they are doing some things differently in the show than in the games while still keeping the plot and feel of the game intact.

3:50 I could never kill my own pet, but I’m forever grateful to the vets that have done it for me so I can give them the dignity they deserve, that way I can focus on comforting them before they fall asleep.

i forgot about this channel... glad u are doing Last of Us... i loved the game and love the show.. hope to see more on the show in the future!

Your jean shirt and watch are a nice touch.

I found Ellie was experiencing gang like behavior, identifying bond brought through violence.

Did you know that alot of this show was filmed in Alberta, Canada?

Thank you for the video! Would love to see your review of The last of us 2!

god, i just love tess so much

Tess's actor absolutely knocked it out of the park, ADORE her!

Georgia! Did you ever consider doing an analysis of some of the characters from Mr. Robot? Not sure if you've seen the show but i think it would make for some interesting video's.

So glad the algorithm landed me on your channel.

Joel's going to make a lot more people pay the price for what happened to his daughter. Namely, everybody.

You are just so good! Damnit! 🥰🥰🥰

Can you do Danny Torrance in Doctor Sleep? He’s such a fascinating character and would be beneficial to those who deal with pain, alcohol abuse and stuff.

This video is more about how epic the actors are in this show 👏.

Yay!!!!! Yay!!!! I'm glad you're covering the series too! Poor Robert. He really was leaving a stain in his pants... 40 seconds rule. 📝

I actually couldn't finish the first episode because it hit too many trauma triggers. So I'm gonna try and watch vicariously through you. 😊

Maybe this says more about me, but your post-apocalyptic videos like Last of Us & Attack on Titan are some of my faves

4:32 also, maybe finding a young child infected is slowing causing her hope to decline in her faith in humanity fighting back, especially with that child not being the first, or even the last person

Thank you for this breakdown. I really enjoy your analysis. Just curious - “Most emotional reactions only last 40 seconds.” Is this your own opinion or is there any scientific explanation for it?

Wonderful commentary. Please do Bill from ep3 🙏 😢

I hear lady Mormont is very impressive in this show. I have a good friend who has HBO so maybe I'll have to bring some grub and see if we can't do a marathon viewing of this when all the eps are released.

Ughhh I still gotta watch the first episode!

Looking forward for next the last of us content

Uh nice 🤩🙌🏻

"they can become jaded, or callused" Oh ; ;

Please react to the movie everything everywhere all at once, is sooo profound

Wow these expert people going in depth ..which we audience not ( in some times)

You mention people walling off their emotions as a form of self defense, in this show. This problem is a main theme in the movie Manchester by the sea by director Kenneth Lonergan. Any chance you could look at that movie from a therapist perspective? It won an Oscar, so its a very good movie, and dealing with some heavy themes of loss and acceptance.

Dear god I'd love for you to analyze Firefly

Anna Torv did very well as Tess

How are you so fast with these videos⁉️

I was wondering if the kid from the first episode was immune also. Making it even sadder..

Love the new approach .. but keep the cosplay as well 😉 it is nice'n fun also 😁

This kinda in depth(at least in my humble opinion) analysis of the show's characters. I would like to see your take on Goblin Slayer if you haven't done it already.

This is odd, you say ellie was in horror when Joel is beating up the guard. Another video i saw said ellie was in awe and admiration.

I knew you are going to do this one since you did the game

Do Dutch van der Linde from the game Red Dead Redemption 2

i ussually agree 1000% with you, but ellies face was anything but fear, was fascination, if you had play the game, ellie doesn't froze in front of violence

But the dog?! What about the dog? Such an under-appreciated mvp imho

Could you make reaction videos to "Maniac" it is on Netflix and it is my favorite show!

damn, this show looks GOOD! :-O I've been on record saying things about The Last of Us, but seeing things acted out to this level (ok, considering Pedro Pascal is in it, I shouldn't be surprised at all) .... yum! 😲

How strange is it to both analyse the games and the show? I have not watched the show yet but it looks good 👌

Pedro's version of Joel is harder more in command, though yet scary as shit, he is in command unlike in the game, Tess was. Tess is the only who can "control" or say what he should do, unexpected turn of events from the game. It feels like he is in command and she Tess is the only one who can subdue him. Clearly she was wrong. Hes anger is unleached. When he beats that guard to death with his hands Tess is barely? faced. Thats why they are capable. Joel is scary. So thats the translation from controller to Joel live action. He is in command. Subtle but nicely done.. Very impressed. BTW Ellie is not scared of Joel she is fascinated leaning into admiring. This is an older Ellie 16 maybe 17 or even 19, just like Sarah, +2-3years from the game . Im thinking her mother Ellie's, was pregnant during 26th of september 2003. Its a guess. BTW Anna Torv's Tess is so GOOD.

When do you make a video about the last of us part 2 game? 🎉

Georgia Did You ENJOY The 1ST Episode ?

Did I miss the whole first act?

Hi I have a question and maybe you can review it at the same time. I have a long obsession with the tv series Elementary starring Johnny Lee Miller. When I'm upset, depressed, angry or simply need background noise. I know it's an old series by now and I always hope they do a revival to close gaps or just to even see Natalie Dormer's Moriarty games keep going. I was told I was sick and this version of Sherlock Holmes is a sociopath that I shouldn't watch so much. Is that true?

Idk why but I can never stop looking at your hands. It's like I'm in a trance or something when the light hits your nails and they change color. Am I weird? Cause I feel really weird lol

The Fedra Solider was being compassionate to the child. Unfortunately, she has to do her job and it sucks, but she was warm and made the child feel comfort as he died. Her job isn’t easy and I know I wouldn’t last in her position.

Possible spoiler alert. From a cinematic point of view, the show has some interesting scene placements too. The way the intro scene played out in a similar way to the prologue just brings the dread to another level. A “parental figure” reassuring a child… one can see how the two scenes are one and the same in a way.

Well said, GD : ).

So you have played Pokémon if that includes scarlet and violet hope you make a therapist video about Arven,Nemona, and penny

Could you react to God of War Ragnarok or Metal Gear Rising?