The Last of Ushas managed to maintain a high rating from both critics and audiences despite some criticisms from avid gamers annoyed at changes made to the series’ story and characters. However, starBella Ramseyhas already set the scene for more division among the show’s audience, which will follow on from the backlash and review bombing seen in response to the show’s expanded inclusion.
Ramsey was recently interviewed byVogueahead of the final episode of the season, “Look for the Light.” Holding nothing back in her opinion of how audiences will react to the season finale. She said:
“It’s going to divide people massively – massively.”
While Ramsey did not elaborate on what it may be about the final episode that is going to cause such an upset when it premieres on March 12, it certainly won’t stop fans tuning in after making the series one of the most successful HBO shows in recent years. Having already beenhailed as one of the greatest video game adaptationsever made,The Last of Uswill have to go some way to really alienate those who have heaped praise on the series and kept coming back for more.
Related:The Last of Us Episode 8 Trailer Introduces Original Joel Actor Troy Baker as a New Character
The Last of Us’ Biggest Backlash Has Been In Relation to its LGBTQ+ Inclusivity.
The first two episodes ofThe Last of Usdelivered an almost perfect score for the series, but with the third episode, which centered on the love story of Bill and Frank, the show’s ratings slipped thanks to review bombing from some who were not happy with the relationship of two grown men being played out on screen. Bella Ramsey was quick to deliver a message to anyone taking an issue with the subject matter of the series, saying:
“I’m not particularly anxious about it. I know people will think what they want to think. But they’re gonna have to get used to it. If you don’t want to watch the show because it has gay storylines, because it has a trans character, that’s on you, and you’re missing out. It isn’t gonna make me afraid. I think that comes from a place of defiance.”
Episode 7of the series brought another wave of backlash, with a flashback to a time before Joel and Ellie began their mission that showed Ellie becoming romantically inclined with her friend Riley, played by Storm Reid. Responding to the latest criticisms, Reid echoed her co-star’s opinion about what those who have an issue with the content of the show can do. She said:
“I think Bella put it perfectly a couple of weeks ago: “If you don’t like it, don’t watch.” There’s so many other things to worry about in the world. I think being concerned about who people love is just absurd to me. I just don’t — I will never understand it. I don’t get it. I think despite what people are going to say, if they don’t like it, I think there are going to be a lot more people that appreciate it.”
The Last of UsEpisode 8 will premiere on HBO and HBO Max on Sunday, while the season finale will arrive one week later on March 12.
