To date, “The Last of Us” episode representing the apex of what the show is and can be is “Long, Long Time,” which came early in the series' first season. Enough has been written to defend that opinion, along with the awards and nominations backing it up. But its successful execution and reception are worth recalling as the second season starts.
Had Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann not deviated from the video game, Joel Miller (Pedro Pascal) and his ward Ellie Williams (Bella Ramsey) would have treated the compound where Nick Offerman’s Bill dwelled like a pit stop. Bill is a minor character in the game, while his partner, Frank (Murray Bartlett), is only mentioned.
