The Last of Us Episode 3 BREAKDOWN - Spoilers, Reaction, Ending Explained, Easter Eggs!

As a gay man, I can’t speak for the entire community but for myself.. this episode meant more to me in terms of representation than anything I’ve ever seen in mainstream entertainment. It was so human, so real, two people who love each other facing the challenges that many of us face in real life - apocalypse aside. I have absolutely no critiques for it, one of the best and most important pieces of television ever imo.

I’m a gay man Grace and this is honestly the first time I’ve ever felt truly comfortable and truly ‘seen’ having a gay relationship represented on screen. It was beautiful and heartbreaking. It would have shattered me to see Bill continue on without Frank, their death was poetic and the inspiration for Joel to fight for Ellie. There would’ve been more raiders and Bill was too old to protect Frank; they already relied on Joel to save them. I would’ve spent every second of every other episode worried about them 😂 I’m perfectly happy with how their story ended x

Nah, this episode was one of the greatest episodes of TV ever, especially for those of us who deem the game sacred & love the character of Bill. What a tremendous moment for representation & love being love; the lives, loves & struggles of those that paved the way for Ellie.

I’m not so upset about it being in line with the “bury your gays” trope, because honestly in a world like this, there’s not much happier of an ending for anyone. They got it pretty well off, and they were satisfied

its not about zombies at all, thats what made the last of us so great. its really a story about joel and ellie and people. It is awesome to see people new to this story learning its ways for the first time

I love that a mainstream show portrayed the "conspiracy theorist" character as actually being 100% correct & prepared

I was shocked they changed so much, would’ve loved to have seen Ellie & Bill go at each other…but Bill served his same purpose from the game. In the game he was an example for Joel how not to be, Bill was an uncaring loner and because of that was losing his mind, it was showing what could happen to Joel if he completely cut himself off from the world. In the show however, Bill is the opposite and is actually inspirational for Joel and shows him how he should be, I thought it was beautiful.

I cried with you Grace at 23:16 thank you for your real and honest thoughts

I recommend listening to the official companion podcast for the show. Neil and Craig spoke about the Bury Your Gays trope, and they had lots of community consultation when deciding how the story would unfold. Considering Frank was already dead when Joel and Ellie encountered him in the game, seeing Bill and Frank grow old together and go out on their own terms was very touching. It gave life to them that neither character was afforded in the game. I can sleep peacefully knowing Bill, although a fictional character, isn’t somewhere bitter at love, loss, and protection as burdens. He died happy with the love of his life. ❤

The Last of Us Parts I AND II are about love first and foremost. It's about the lengths people go to to protect and preserve who they love. And the depths they're willing to sink to to gain retribution for love that is taken from them. This episode NAILED that

This episode was absolutely perfect, way better than what I expected.
I think the end they got was a very happy one in a post-apocalyptic zombie world, keeping them alive would’ve just been more suffering.
I expected a very tragic ending and im so glad that we instead got one filled with love and incredible acting.

23:43 I almost broke with you grace . This episode is way different from the game I played, but a change worth having !

I think the "bury your gays" thing doesn't quite apply to a show like The Last of Us.
I don't want to spoil anything but all I can say is that this world gives no one mercy, and they got a significantly better life than most in this world.

This episode broke me this deserves all the awards it’s quite beautifully directed written and acted. Tears streaming down my face 🥺❤️‍🩹

The writers of the show have my full trust and faith. Episode 3 was a masterpiece.

Ellie is the LGBTQ lead of the franchise. Obviously they haven’t said that yet, but they laid the groundwork in ep 2 of Ellie saying she has no boyfriend. So I’m okay with Bill & Frank’s story being self contained because it was so beautifully written, directed, and performed

Couldn't even be sad cause they had an incredible life. I was so scared they were going to kill Bill or Frank before but letting them live a long life all things considered was beautiful.

Not every character needs a spin off. Also, Bill dying by his own volition with his lover is way better than EVENTUAL death by infection. You’re too focused on keeping their characters alive.

The relationship between Bill and Frank was such a beautiful thing to see and their final day was heartbreaking to watch.

Being gay… this broke me. I’m still crying. This was beautiful and everything I wanted. I can’t express how much I loved this episode. This and Heartstopper is how you do good lgbtq representation. I don’t think I’ll ever recover 😭

You know your series or movie has done well when you can bring Grace to tears . Loved it

Fuck!! I weeped like a baby .. called my ex ( we didn't make our marriage because of family disputes, we are still frds thou) and weeped and said the entire episode to her.. jezz this show is incredible.. Bill just took the pills even without saying !! Weeping as I write this comment. It's really hard man!!

This was one of the most beautiful episodes of television I’ve ever seen. By the end I was a weeping, ugly crying mess! Nick Offerman! Nick frickin Offerman! I had no idea the man was capable of such range. Parks & Rec is one of my all time favorite shows and his Ron Swanson is just legendary comedic gold! But wow, I was not expecting this from him! As a gay man, it was beautiful to see such an honest, genuine queer love story where I cared deeply about the characters. I’m not mad at the ending at all. Bill and Frank went out on their terms and no one else’s and that’s how it should be. Fantastic episode.

i do wanna mention that i'm gay, and i really don't wanna watch bad endings for gay characters/romances, and i'm satisfied with bill/frank's ending! it is very sad, but i'm comforted by the fact that they loved each other for 20 years, grew old together, and decided to peacefully die together. it didn't leave me wishing things went different for them, because it seems like they had a pretty decent life all things considered!
i don't speak for all gay people but i wouldn't say this is at all egregious. bill and frank probably fared better than most other couples

While I’m sad that we never got to see Ellie and Joel interact with Bill, I loved seeing Bill and Frank’s relationship play out. I’m especially glad they didn’t follow the game by having Frank try to leave Bill, die trying, and leaving him that spiteful note. Overall a pretty compelling episode and more fantastic changes. I can’t wait to see what they do next!

I love that it was there own choice to go out the way they did. In this series, a lot of people's lives get taken from them. It is so powerful in this dangerous world that they had a different choice. That people got to have a life and have love. It makes it more powerful to me. That the human side to all of us is never really gone. ❤️

As a 50+ gay man, I feel acknowledged by this story in the most sincere way. It blows my mind that something this touching would come from a game. xoxo

I think the ending shot of the window was also a call back to the game main menu screen, especially with the wind blowing through the curtains, cool detail

I’ve never cried more during an episode of television than I did during this episode. I think the way they did it wasn’t offensive and if anything will be a step-forward with acceptance with 2 characters falling in love organically and making us attached to both of them.

Given the story we see in the game, I found myself doubting of Frank real intentions with Bill, I was really worried at any point he was gonna betray him, but after the strawberry scene and seeing how everything unfolded after that I found that it was awesome how they gave so much deep to this secondary characters and also changing the game in such a great way. This episode alone deserves every award

I appreciate this deviation it was so beautiful and sets up Joel and Ellie. Joel is even worse than Bill, as a loner. Tess said “I never asked you to feel the same for me.” While he was fond of Tess he did not let himself be so attached so as to be in love. Joel still hasn’t found purpose, someone to live for, and we know that by the end Joel will find purpose again.

Bill and Frank may have not made it beyond this episode, but the love Bill got to witness and experience through Frank will contribute greatly to Joel’s arch this season. That letter Bill wrote to Joel says it all.

Grace, YOU made me cry multiple times watching this review and it's just one of the reasons BTT is my favorite CHclip channel. I know you're not overly emotional so it hits that much harder when something moves you like this. It's so cliché at this point, but you said it early on, this is a great representation of love is love. Beautifully written, acted and directed. Thank you for sharing your emotions with us. ❤️

Grace The last of us is not focused around zombies. It’s about how living in a post apocalyptic world changes people. You see the relationship between Joe and Ellie but also the people they come across… yes, episode was a big departure from the game but it’s more of a personal story between Frank and Bill. Frank commit suicide in the game with not much backstory given other than the notes scattered across the game, and some brief interaction with Bill. So overall I enjoyed this episode and if others don’t like it. It’s OK.

This was such a powerful episode. Slight curveball but brave. Right in the feels.

The game definitely is much more about human interactions and connections rather than just a crazy zombie apocalypse

For me, the first scene that seemed to point to Ellie having dark tendencies is when Joel attacks the guard in the first episode and is pummeling him repeatedly. If you watch her in the background her look reads as absolute fascination, as least that was my take. She is really soaking it in. I haven't played the game, but when I saw that scene I was like ok she's dangerous. She is kinda stalking in the background like a cat ready to pounce. It was very well done. Also, this episode was great.

The actors who played Bill and Frank should get Emmys for this. This episode crushed me! Argh!

Grace, I’ve seen this episode twice now and cried both times. Now I’m getting teary-eyed again just hearing you talking about it. Loved the episode and loved your breakdown/review. 💖

Bill's letter to Joel at the end 😭
Didn't mind the changes. We don't get to see any of Bill & Frank's relationship in the game, just through extra material. Loved getting to see them be together and get a bittersweet ending

This episode made my wife and eye have such an emotional moments that we just loved their story!!!! We both loved it!!!!!

It works without zombies because its more joel and ellie's story. Their story is that good. Im kinda bummed ellie missed out on meeting bill like the game, but they did better than the game imo.
Fleshing out bill and frank was awesome. So much better than what i got from the game in that section.
Sadly, this isnt the saddest thing that will happen this season if they still follow the game

The “kill the gays” is a real thing in films and shows, but in this case i really saw that in a different way. In the game, Bill and Frank’s history is slightly mentioned in a letter, and the fact that they were a couple was open to interpretation. So, even though they die at the end, i enjoyed seeing their relationship expanded and mentioned very clearly. They made big changes from the source material, but it makes sense. Bill’s part in the game works very well as a gameplay, but the adaptation gives more depth on a series, now that we can watch from other points of view, and not only Joel’s. To this point, im really impressed with what they are doing adapting the game.

Joel's reaction to the note got me emotional, I'm loving Pedro as Joel so far!

As a gay man, I really enjoyed this episode. It was just such a fully realized romantic relationship between two men that was heart wrenching. This elevated the video game source material to a whole new level.

Grace i’m absolutely FLOORED by this episode. So amazing. Some of the best TV i’ve seen in a while.

This whole show had me crying like a baby every episode....and I loved it!

It was a beautiful moving episode. Grace, you summed it up perfectly and I too would have loved to see more of Bill and Frank, but that’s a testament to how well written and acted their characters are. So happy to see Tess again. I hope we see more flashbacks filling out Tess and Joel’s story. I started to bawl when On the Nature of Daylight was playing. It’s a piece of music that has been used so often it’s almost a cliche. Still gets me every time.

I loved your breakdown of this episode Grace, i got teary with you in the end with the window scene you described ♥

It was beautiful. They had 20 years together and Bill inspired Joel to protect Ellie. This was brilliant!

The set design is awesome in this show, they are going all out

I really expected Bill to wake up in the morning as if his dose was not strong enough. And Joel and Ellie show up right before Bill tried to commit suicide. That how I thought it was going to end. So Bill would still be around.

This was BRILLIANT! it was just beautiful, pure beauty because they just did it right

Grace :"This will be the episode the show is remembered for "
Me thinking about Sam and Henry, the winter months, and that godamn ending : 🙂🙃

Ahhh will it be it’s calling card? I feel like the first two episodes were great well written episodes. I’d want to see the other episodes and more of Joel and Ellie relationship developing more, I enjoy that the end they showed more joes parenting side to Ellie and caring slowly growing between them

Joel’s accent coming and going is very relatable. Especially when he is upset. Most people I know that have “hidden accents” always let them slip when they are either really excited or upset or stressed. So I fully believe his southern accent slipping in and out.

I havent cried like this in a long time. Absolutely incredible

I felt what they done in the show outshined the game. A rare time when a change actually outshines the source material. It was so beautiful and perfect.

My husband and I just recently got married last week after being together for almost 10 years. This episode broke us. We're still recovering. 🍓

Such a FANTASTIC episode of television! I loved it sooo much. I, too, was puddle of tears at the end. I can still watch it over and over again.

Hey Grace! The part around 23:20 when you’re talking about the open window and the curtain in the wind (and you start to tear up a little lol) that is the start game scene! Like when you’re playing a video game and the title screen comes up and you have to “press start” that’s the shot! When they racked focus to it I was like “Dude!!” it’s a nice touch and it makes that image so much more valuable.

It was beautiful Grace! I wanted to cry with you, as wqyou summed up this episode beautifully! 🎉I literally almost starting crying in the ending scene. I wanted to cry

This episode for me showed you can have 2 separate mediums for a story and both being nice. While I did miss the whole adventure of going around Bill’s town in the game with Joel and Ellie. Seeing his back story with Frank in the show was a nice opposite side of the coin for me.

in my opinion that was a phenomenal episode. maybe my favorite episode so far. ( or maybe the first part of the first episode with Sarah alive was my favorite so far.)
talking about episode 3 in comparison with the game most of the differences i liked.
i loved how they developed the relationship between Bill and Frank. and i also liked to see the lunch between Bill, Frank, Tess and Joel. Bill and Frank actors were super well chose on my opinion.
great video, Grace. pretty nice to hear your honest thoughts about this third episode of The Last of us Series.

I was very skeptical going in when I realized that they will explore the gay aspect of Bill and Frank’s relationship, but I was pleasantly surprised to see it was very beautifully written and connected to Joel closing his heart to the world as Bill did, but then finding someone that will make you want to live, not just survive.

Grace, I think you might be an undercover touchy-feely person. It’s ok, it’s a fun club lol. What a great episode. I still kept waiting for a zombie to jump out from somewhere but now I know that’s not happening, I can watch it with all the feels.

Best Episode Yet. Nick And Murray deserve Emmy Nominations. Love the fact that they added more depth and an arc for Bill. Can't wait for the rest and glad to see Tess RIP Annie Wersching.

So awesome to hear your enthusiasm and even your vulnerability grace.. I watch everything you do and this is why! I really appreciate your hard work!!

I don't see this as a tragic love story. I cried at the end too, but the story as a whole was beautiful. As a gay man, I don't need them to overstay their welcome just to check a box. If they traveled with Joel, Frank probably would've been infected. Sad in a less satisfying way.
Without meeting Bill's family, you can tell he grew up in an environment that would not be okay with him being gay. It's so interesting that Bill's life got better after the apocalypse. As he says “I was never afraid before I met you."

you can't start crying, Grace! it's not fair 🤧😭😭😭😭 love the breakdown as always 💜

Just finished watching episode 3. And it was so powerful, I forgot its a streaming series. Thought I was watching a movie for a moment there. I'll admit, I got a little emotional.

Absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking episode

This is one of the most beautiful episodes I’ve ever seen of any show ever…

This could be the episode they send for awards ofc, it was beautiful, but I wouldn't judge so soon without seeing the one with David first. That part was on my mind for days after I played the game and I'm really looking foward to it.

Love that they committed as a show... Didn't tip toe arou d it and didnt make it whorish. So realistic. Its a relationship. Same scene coulda been a straight couple which is why I love it so much. Its just about the scepticism and then love. Gay or straight doesn't matter. Just humanity and love

I feel a mix of love and appreciation for this episode but also really craving to see more of Joel, Ellie and the infected. I wish they had been in this episode more so we could see more of the bond that will grow between Joel and Ellie. Definitely wish there was more infected/baddies at this point to heighten the danger. I know it’s still early and I do see the groundwork being laid, but I worry it won’t have the same impact at the end. Hopefully they get it right. I’m looking forward to the episode at the lodge and the finale (of course). If this episode crushed you hopefully the last will tear you apart.
However I loved this episode on it’s own merits. It was a beautiful story and, knowing how grim this world is, I will cherish the tenderness and humanity we saw in it. I’m happy to see it resonating with so many people. The acting was superb and the set work was stunning. I don’t mind it being different as long as the core of the story is still the same. This elevated it but hopefully they don’t deviate too much.

this episode was so fucking good I knew it was gonna be THAT serious when it started with intro right off. The writing, the acting, the direction it all felt very meticulously made

I just disagree about this checking a box. Ellie will be that character that lives on and is in the game. This was just an amazing short film of a heartfelt love story. It shows how love can prevale anywhere. I love that it showed there whole life. It ended with joy and love and that is better then any action show with representation. We will get our LGBT that is a main thing in this show we just haven't got there yet.

GRACE I'm in!
This episode was so good. Loved it.
It got me in the feels, just like when I played the game for the first time. Well directed. Bravo 👏

I’m crying listening to this breakdown 💀 this episode is somehow absolutely soul destroying and life affirming

This was a masterpiece. Jus was a smiiidge disappointed in the fact we didn’t see Ellie & Bill go at it..but I quickly got over it. Wow. The last of us is truly something special.

So hard to watch it more than once as I’m always crying or getting emotional

Nick offerman deserves an Emmy

The last off us is a story about human connection. It wasn’t just a story about zombie survival rather the last of the people alive still. I love how the show focuses on human emotion.

Listing to the HBO max podcast by the creators. They explain it so amazingly! And also why they die and so much more. Really recommend it!

Amazing breakdown Grace. I started crying just listening to you revisit the scenes haha I can't! Brilliant episode, Brilliant breakdown

I think Bill and Frank being in love and having their ending together was a sweet send off for Bill, as opposed to the game where he basically just ends up alone and "fights the good fight" aka being lonely and sad. At least in this ending he got to live his life the way he wanted with the man he loved and it gave him some actual meaning outside of just surviving for the sake of it, or ending up alone like in the game.

Loved the episode. Ready for the Bill and Frank spin-off. Both actors were so great.

This episode is brilliant. Grace, I really appreciate the thoughtfulness and care you put into this review. You really highlighted so much of what made it great. Also, I’m okay with not seeing the zombies sometimes. The trailers were very quiet and this show is a human/emotional drama. And for me, that’s okay. I don’t need it to be action packed all the time.

Loved this episode and really like the series so far. What a tear jerker and a perfect song.

Beautiful episode! I'm glad there isn't a Bill and Frank spin-off. They could always do flashbacks though and make us miss them even more.

It was perfect. One of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen. Bartlett and Offerman should tie for Guest Actor Emmy. Extraordinary performances, writing and direction. The show was fantastic, now it's peak TV. Beautiful love story. I've never cried at a window before today.

All I can say is that if you find this too sad and fatalistic, you may not want to stick around to see how it all ends.

23:16 I just about started to break down in tears with you 😭😭😭 give this show all the awards !

People who played the game will really appreciate that final shot of Joel and Ellie listening to the cd and leaving Bills compound

This definitely will be the episode the show is remembered for, but not for the reasons you think. This will be very divisive for people. Some will think it was boring, some will be upset that they took out one of the big setpieces from the first game, and some will think like Grace and her fan base. I wonder who will be in the majority.

Grace, watching your analysis made me tear up again! I LOVED this episode. I also think that the decision to kill them both off was a good idea because I want the center of the show to be Joel and Ellie's relationship. I'm not super familiar with the game, but I think that Bill and Frank's trajectory (Bill learning finding meaning in having somebody to protect and live for) will be mirrored by that of Joel and Ellie. Having both Bill and Frank die primes us emotionally for Joel and Ellie to form an emotional bond throughout the series. If neither Bill nor Frank had died, this emotional urgency for Joel to find new meaning wouldn't be there, and if only one of them had died, seeing the remaining partner alone would just be too depressing and nihilistic. With both of them dead, the theme of finding meaning of those who are still with alive is perfectly set up.

Damn grace broke down abit today. The episode really got you in the feels. I’m a straight guy but even I felt how great bill and frank relationship was

The breakdown you gave helped me see the episode in an entirely new light. I loved it, but your explanation adequately helped me to understand why I enjoyed it so much! Great job! 🤗🍀❤

While it’s frustrating to see these two amazing characters go, it’s that world. It’s not a fair world, and it’s also not their story.