Long, Long Time

Honestly had no interest in another apocalypse show, but seeing the buzz/outrage over this episode made me curious. I've not seen Offerman in anything since Ron Swanson, and I was absolutely floored by his performance. Finding the hope in a world of despair, love when you're not in the prime of your life...the strawberries. I can't remember the last time I got this emotionally invested in an episode of television, and adding in that these were completely new characters to me? It was poignant and perfect. A beautiful, touching story in its own right, and it made me want to continue watching the show.

Just give Offerman the Emmy. Yes, slightly different from the game sure. But, it's expected it would differ from the game. What a great performance. Moving, performance. There's a reason the game is one of the most awarded of all-time, and it's not because of fancy graphics. The story is phenomenal, and they're carrying it tremendously to the TV adaptation.

My one slight gripe is the game had Joel was a bit more angry then in the series. He was much more angry over the events that happened in the past, and took it out on Elle a lot more. But, that's just a minor thing to note. The episode otherwise is brilliant, and I can't wait for the rest of the series.

Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett's performances were outstanding. Their ability to convey so much humanity, courage, perseverance, and emotion in what could be described as a side quest managed to outshine the main characters. This episode made you forget the tragedy and brutality of the world surrounding them, instead focusing on what could happen when given the chance for happiness-like a small flower blooming in the aftermath of a wildfire. It was a rare, beautifully crafted story that reminded us of the resilience of love and the power of human connection. This episode was perfect, unforgettable, and deeply moving.

Heterosexual man here not interested in pushing any agenda. I mention the foregoing fact only to highlight some of the oddly angry reviews about this episode. It was simply a beautiful heart wrenching love story. It made me think of my wife and what kind of world it would be without her in it. That's about it. I wasn't expecting this episode and honestly I usually hanker after more escapist fun, but this was so undeniably beautiful and so profoundly moving, I was lost in it. I'm not saying I want very episode to be like this. I loved the action, sets and world building of the last episode and I would say on balance I want more of this, but this episode really affected me. How can I not applaud it?

I can still vividly remember watching this episode for the first time and just started bawling my eyes out because its so tragic. One of the most beautiful hours of television I have ever seen and it's so heartbreaking. I have seen the controversy that this episode is a waste of time but I have never felt or understood that. This episode earns its place in these season, delivering such an emotionally powerful story that offers so much context to this world and humanizes such a bleak world. One of my favorite episodes of television, and possibly this shows best. A deeply powerful episode that will live in my head forever.