The Last Of Us Episode 3 Review - 8 Ups & 0 Downs
7. A Romance Story With Heart
It of course helps that Offerman has a brilliant scene partner in The White Lotus’ Murray Bartlett.
The exact antithesis of Bill, Frank is instantly approachable and warm, coaxing Offerman’s character out of his rut and changing his worldview to something ultimately more hopeful over the course of 20 years. The two have great chemistry, and you believe that this guy could melt the exterior of this closed-off survivor, and help him see the world and himself in a more positive, human way. He not only allows Bill the ability to finally feel comfortable in his own sexuality for the first time in his whole life, but feel comfortable opening up to and caring for others generally - something Joel has absolutely closed himself off to at this point.
The relationship itself is pitch perfect, like Before Sunrise: Apocalypse Edition. Or, as one great tweet by Kate Leth put it: “Finally… a san junipero for men”.
Bill and Frank’s first scene in bed, the pair eating the strawberries, hosting Joel and Tess, Bill apologising for for getting old quicker than his partner - it's all rich writing bolstered by brilliant performances, delivering characters that feel fully formed, compelling and human.