SPOILER ALERT:This article contains details of Season 1, Episode 3 ofHBOsThe Last Of Us.
WARNING: The episode and recap includes sensitive discussions of suicide.
During their reunion, Bill mentions that his partner Frank went missing some time ago after stealing his supplies.
Nick Offerman / Murray Bartlett as Bill and Frank in The Last of Us, Episode 3Liane Hentscher/HBO
And comparisons between the two versions will undoubtedly lead to thoughtful discussions long after the episode airs.
Now, lets proceed with our recap.
So, what kickstarted the end of civilization?
Pedro Pascal(Joel) andBella Ramsey(Ellie) inThe Last of UsLiane Hentscher/HBO
At first, this lack of knowledge surprises Joel because Ellie prides herself as a smart-alecky teenager.
Its a clever fourth wall break that might as well have included a turn and wink toward the camera.
However, if the QZs were full, survivors would be killed instead.
This misinformation led to much strife and distrust amongst the government and survivors.
And theres no man more distrusting of the government than that of Joels old friend Bill.
Herein lies the true focus and heart of the episode, the story of Bill and Frank.
2003
This show sure loves its flashbacks.
A small quaint suburban town is where we lay our scene.
Bill stares at several surveillance cameras from his underground doomsday bunker as the military escorts everyoneexcept himout.
This burly man means business.
But little did he know, his kingdom of isolation would come tumbling down around him.
Hes a survivor running away from the recently collapsed Baltimore QZ.
Hes desperate for food, shelter and a little companionship.
While on his quest for a new location, Frank accidentally falls into one of Bills traps.
Frank indulges in a long hot shower and Bills exquisitely prepared meal.
But as soon as mealtime is over, Bill sternly reminds him that he needs to leave.
Naturally, Frank doesnt want to leave.
Having heard enough of Frank butchering the song, Bill takes over and plays an emotionally tinged version.
Surprised by Bills sudden display of vulnerability, Frank asks him, Whos the girl youre singing about?
to which Bill replies somberly, There is no girl.
What a sly fox he is!
Bill doesnt understand why Frank wants to trim the grass and repaint the crumbling storefronts of their vacant town.
As it turns out, Frank, tired of being alone, wants to make friends.
Its an idea that Bill cant quite wrap his head around.
Theyre in an apocalypse.
Bill is hilariously enraged.
It turns out that the surprise guests Frank invited over for lunch are Joel and Tess.
The ever-paranoid Bill keeps a gun pointed at Joel the entire meal while Frank and Tess gab over wine.
During their luncheon, Joel tries to convince Bill that mutual trading would be most beneficial.
In living at the Boston QZ, Tess and Joel have access to medicine and rare supplies.
Namely, high-grade materials to help Bill fix his beloved and now corroding fence.
As they share the budding fruit, Bill confesses that he had never felt fear before Frank showed up.
The two share a kiss and a moment of sexy time before everything goes to hell later that night.
2023
Finally, we make it to the present day.
Bill and Frank have aged into elderly men, but Frank is worse for wear.
Its heartbreaking, but he still maintains his sparkling wit nonetheless.
One morning, Frank calmly tells Bill that he wants this day to be his last day alive.
Even though Frank tries to ease the pain with jokes, Bill does not take the decision well.
(Shoutout to both Offerman and Bartlett for the incredible outpouring of emotions during this incredibly heart-wrenching scene.)
But wait, Frank senses that this perfect day is going too smoothly.
Were the pills fake?
Bill reveals that hes also poisoned the wine bottle and will be joining him in death too.
This isnt the tragic suicide at the end of the play, Bill says to him.
You were my purpose.
They share a laugh and a delicate kiss and head to the bedroom for their final good night.
Sometime later, we rejoin Joel and Ellie as they arrive at Bill and Franks house.
Joel and Ellie notice the rotted food and complete silence throughout.
Ellie spots a note.
Joel takes a slight hit as he realizes hes lost yet another acquaintance.
However, reading Bills letter reaffirms his purpose.
Joel takes this as a sign to continue protecting Ellie and take her to the Fireflies out west.
Whew, what a fantastic episode, right?
Those 75 mins just flew by!
Where will Joel and Ellie end up next?
Will we ever stop crying?
Gamers, what did you think of the changes to Bill and Franks story?
Let us know below and see you for next weeks episode.
