Show
The Last of Us
Episode
When You're Lost in the Darkness
Season
1
Episode No.
1
Air date
January 15, 2023
Platform
HBO
9
out of 10
A gripping and emotionally heavy premiere
What works
- Strong emotional opening
- Excellent performances
- Tense outbreak sequence
- Confident pacing
What does not
- Some viewers may find the opening slower than expected
The Last of Us begins with confidence, patience, and emotional force. Rather than rushing into spectacle, the premiere spends time grounding its world in ordinary fear and personal loss.
Pedro Pascal gives Joel a wounded stillness that makes the character feel dangerous without becoming hollow. Bella Ramsey brings Ellie into the story with sharpness and guarded curiosity.
The episode works best when it focuses on atmosphere and consequence. The outbreak sequence is tense, but the lasting power comes from how quickly safety disappears.
As a premiere, When You’re Lost in the Darkness does exactly what it needs to do. It gives the audience a reason to fear the world, but also a reason to follow Joel and Ellie through it.
Continue
Keep exploring this story
