The Last Of Us Episode 1 Review - 9 Ups & 1 Down
6. Up - The Sublime Supporting Cast
The otherworldly performances of The Last of Us' leading duo unsurprisingly captures the bulk of the viewer's attention across the majority of the show's first outing - there's no question. However, special praise must be reserved for the subtly brilliant performances of what already appears to be an exemplary supporting cast.
Gabriel Luna and Merle Dandridge are simply wonderful in their roles as Tommy and Firefly leader Marlene respectively. Luna's brash take on Tommy sounds unsettlingly similar to his video game inspiration, while Dandridge - who actually voices Marlene in the video games - is a revelation as her live-action counterpart, with her magnetic performance adding a further layer of authenticity to proceedings.
However, the star of the supporting cast is undoubtedly Anna Torv's quietly badass, Tess. The Australian actress makes for dynamite viewing, with the sequence in which she matter-of-factly negotiates with her captors in a hilarious deadpan way, serving as a notable episode highlight. While the romantic relationship between herself and Joel is only hinted at in the games, the show appears to be solidifying this story thread, adding yet another intriguing new facet to the show's illustrious narrative.
With the introduction of Melanie Lynskey, Troy Baker and Nick Offerman's characters looming large in the most tantalizing of fashions, fans are in for a treat as the first season unfolds.