The Last of Us Season 2: Early Reviews Signal a Visually Stunning but Potentially Divisive Return
April is a significant month for TV enthusiasts, especially those anticipating the return of The Last of Us. Season 2 of the HBO hit is approaching, adapting the much-discussed storyline of The Last of Us Part II game. Early media reviews are now available, offering insights into the upcoming season.
A Promising Start with Nuances
The initial critical consensus suggests a season that is technically impressive and emotionally impactful, yet not without its complexities. The Last of Us Season 2 has achieved a strong 82 on Metacritic. Reviewers are largely commending the show's artistry, including the cinematography, lighting, detailed sets, and strong performances from the cast.
However, the narrative is generating a more varied response. Some critics find the storytelling structure somewhat awkward, with character development less defined than desired, and certain plot decisions questionable. Adapting the game's controversial second part appears to be a challenging undertaking.
Critical Voices
Here are some excerpts from early reviews:
Meanwhile, the moving and impossibly grim The Last of Us remains one of the finest post-apocalyptic television programs. Wherever you look, it's a success. We'll pray to the guardian deities that the third season will triumph in glory as well.
— Empire, 100/100
Showrunners Craig Mazin (and the game's writer, Neil Druckmann, who is on board to develop the adaptation) adequately realized the game on screen. We've seen plenty of different ends of the world, but few seemed so believable – and spectacularly so – as the merciless wasteland of the second season of The Last of Us.
— The Independent, 80/100
The sequel is unbelievably rejuvenating. You can, of course, act like The Last of Us has blossomed into a new form, but for this you must ignore the gigantic gap where there is meant to be reflection, complexity, and fleshed-out secondary characters. Instead, there are episodes full of lengthy zombie battles and long silent scenes where people stroll through luxuriously crumbling locations. With the same success, you can simply play the video game.
— Time, 50/100
Release Date Confirmed
Despite some differing opinions on the narrative, reviewers generally agree that The Last of Us Season 2 is set to be essential viewing when it premieres on April 13th. Viewers can anticipate another visually stunning and emotionally intense journey through this post-apocalyptic world. Furthermore, the recent remaster of The Last of Us game has already been cracked and shared on torrent sites, indicating the ongoing significant interest in this franchise.
