The Last Of Us Episode 3 Review - 8 Ups & 0 Downs

1. Filling In The Time Skip

Though we didn't get a cold open this episode, we of course did get an extensive and welcome look into the early years of the outbreak. This initially is spurred by Joel's explanation that FEDRA soldiers gunned down survivors who would otherwise overcrowd a full quarantine zone rather than let them become infected in the wild.

Bill's early apocalypse routine was a joyful montage to watch, but perhaps the most pivotal scene came with Bill and Frank's first meeting with Joel and Tess. Not only did this sequence give viewers all they need to know to understand Bill and Joel's mutual respect (the latter's "get that gun out of my face" line being a particular highlight), but it also subtly deepened Tess and Joel's relationship.

In the game, it's never stated just how long the pair had been partners. This flashback made it clear they've been together for at least 10 years, making her loss last episode even more potent.