4 Heartbreaking Lessons “The Last Of Us” Taught Me
Okay, I can’t pretend I’ve been on The Last Of Us from the beginning, because I actually just finished watching the first season over the weekend.
I blame it on the fact that I am always in opposition to things that just seem like they’re way too popular, but The Last Of Us is 1,000% worth the hype. I haven’t been that locked-in on a show in a long time and the news of season 2’s release date has me so giddy that I don’t have to wait too long for more! Season 2 will be releasing April 13th on Max and the sky is the limit for where the show can go. Not only was The Last Of Us gripping, captivating, and downright emotional, it also made me reflect on life and relationships and taught me many valuable lessons. Here are a few things I’ve learned from The Last Of Us.
Be Wary Of Who You Trust
There is one line in particular that stood out to me from the season, and it came from Maria. She said, “be careful who you put your faith in. The only people who can betray us are the ones we trust”. Obviously, The Last Of Us has more severity in relation to this line, but it holds true to real life and what we deal with on a daily basis. I have never felt betrayed by someone I didn’t trust, and that is because I allowed them in and allowed that to happen. Life has been really tough lately, and many people I thought I could trust and believed in turned out to not care about anything outside of themselves. It reminds me to believe people when they tell me who they are instead of who I want them to be.
Emotions Are A Superpower
The Last Of Us crushed it at showing how having emotions can be powerful, and especially in a world where toxic masculinity can be touted as the ideal. Not only do we have an entire episode dedicated to Frank and Bill, but we also see Joel evolve as a character and become more open and vulnerable to expressing himself. The Frank and Bill episode wrecked me. Seeing Bill let his guard down slowly as the minutes passed and seeing the bond the two of them developed and all the special moments they got to share was unreal. The care they showed each other, even in dying moments, proves that men don’t have to be tough to earn love. As well, Joel slowly opening up to Ellie about his struggles and what he’s scared of really deepens their bond.
Sometimes, You Just Have To Laugh
Even in the face of clickers, raiders, and the elements, one thing Ellie always made sure to do was laugh. She tried her hardest to always make Joel laugh as well from her book of puns, and whether he did or didn’t, she knew she was getting closer to him letting loose with every joke. The environment of The Last Of Us is incredibly dark and bleak and the stress of it all can make you forget how powerful laughter is. So, when appropriate, finding time to laugh and let loose is the best way to form stronger bonds, get a little bit of a break from the horrors, and destress.
It’s Okay To Be Scared
One thing I found to be really refreshing about The Last Of Us is that it showed us everyone is a little scared. Even the most tough and tumble characters showed a little vulnerability and how admitting fear can prevent you from making really terrible, rash decisions. It’s normal to be scared of the unknown or scared about your job, situation, relationships, and whatever else. Fear, to me, has always shown me that I care about what I’m scared about and that’s perfectly okay. You can also be scared and do something anyways. Let fear be a guide, not the blueprint.
