deerstalker

https://blackgirlnerds.com/how-the-the-last-of-us-became-my-new-obsession-overnight/

A month ago, I had never heard of the video game franchise The Last of Us. In fact, HBO sent me advance press screeners of the TV adaptation to view and I simply ignored them. I thought, “Here we go. Another dystopian series about zombies.” But I was intrigued to see two of my favorite actors from Game of Thrones (Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey) headlining a new series. So I knew that our media publication should at least cover it in some capacity. 

When the opportunity came up to do press interviews with the cast, our resident TV journalist Jeandra LeBeauf was assigned to do the coverage. Once the interviews were done and posted on YouTube, I thought nothing of it. However, the significant number of views and comments on the video piqued my interest.

I remembered that I still had those press screeners in my inbox. It was a cold January night, around 10 p.m. Wrapped in a cozy cotton blanket with a cup of hot cocoa, I tuned in to Episode 1 of The Last of Us.

My life hasn’t been the same since.

It’s difficult to articulate what this show did to me in that first episode. At this point, many of you who viewed the pilot episode of The Last of Us can empathize with how emotionally jarring it is. I was so dialed in that I had to push on to more. I stopped after Episode 3 because the weight of the show was too much on my psyche and emotions. I needed to take a break. 

I plowed through more episodes the following day. I finished Season 1 in three days total. But if you think that’s traumatizing to experience, I did even more damage to my soul by flipping on YouTube and watching gameplay. One particular streamer had 10 hours of gameplay uploaded on their channel, which I watched every last bit of also in a total of three days.

I highly do not recommend doing this and suggest you exercise self-care first and always.

But The Last of Us became my new drug. I couldn’t stop watching. I couldn’t stop researching it. Even though I have yet to play the game — I’m working on getting my gaming setup soon — I find myself constantly thinking and talking about this show. Why do I live for this show and game so much? How is it possible for someone who isn’t a self-declared gamer to have such adoration for The Last of Us? 

I’m almost a little jealous of the OG gamers who knew about the genius of this game and its story when it launched 10 years ago. I will say, for new fans, you can geek out just like I have and go deep into the fandom of this game or series and declare your love for it.

As the fandom expands, there is a question as to whether new fans who have never played the game but love the show should experience the game. In my opinion, it’s totally up to you how you wish to celebrate your love for this franchise. I’m in a unique position because I’ve seen the series already, so watching all the gameplay will not spoil anything for me. Once the season ends, if you wish to play the game afterward, go for it and experience what that journey is like outside of the TV adaptation.

But if you’re not a gamer and want to stick to the show, that’s totally cool too. The TV show and game are very similar, so you’re not missing out on much. Many gamers who have been let down by other gaming-to-TV adaptations are impressed with how The Last of Us respects the source material. The growth and popularity of the series come as no surprise because the creators maintain consistency with the original story.

Having both the original creator of The Last of Us, Neil Druckman, and Chernobyl showrunner Craig Mazin behind this show is exactly why the show works. Druckman keeps the story harmonious with the material it’s based on. Meanwhile, Mazin narrows in on storytelling after chaos and horror have ravaged a community — which is territory he’s familiar with exploring.

I’ll do my best to explain this without spoiling it because gamers will know what I’m talking about, but fans who only have seen the show have yet to experience this. I am obsessed with The Last of Us because the story of Ellie and Joel is so damn good. Other stories have done an incredible job of taking a character and developing them in such a thought-provoking way that it changes the trajectory of how they interact with the world and with other people.

The Last of Us does this in a very layered and often complicated way. There is no black and white; there are only shades of gray with every character. Oftentimes you don’t know whom to root for. You don’t know who has good intentions or evil ones. Ultimately, the relationship between Ellie and Joel is one of the most perplexing and multidimensional I’ve seen in quite some time.

I’ll just leave it there.

In addition to the show’s well-written characters, its storyline is rooted in actual science. The cordyceps are an actual parasitic fungus that attacks animals — namely insects. And although it hasn’t evolved to humans, and it’s highly unlikely it will, humans still are infected by fungi. So it’s anyone’s guess whether some weird strain could develop to cause some awful pandemic. Many of us didn’t see COVID-19 coming. 

That being said, the real backdrop of scientific data inserted into this series along with the life-imitating-art-imitating-life concept of a pandemic forcing people to isolate doesn’t feel so otherworldly when you’re watching this show. 

And with that, I will watch, rewatch, and unpack what I just experienced. Then I will get myself prepared for the emotional trauma of The Last of Us 2. HBO officially announced over the weekend that there will be a Season 2 of the series. For those who have played the game (or like me have watched hours of gameplay), I’m not even sure I’m ready for what Season 2 has in store for us. Gameplay or not, none of us will be ready.

**Editor’s Note**

Just to add that today it was announced actor Annie Wersching, known for her work in TV shows such as 24 and Bosch and notably playing the voice of Tess in The Last of Us, passed away at the age of 45 from cancer. Her work will be missed.

The Last of Us airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT on HBO and HBO Max.

https://www.thenerdelement.com/2023/01/28/nfl-divisional-playoff-game-prediction-updates-and-championship-game-picks/

Good evening, everyone! Today I want to discuss which picks I got correct! So, let’s get started! I predicted that the Chiefs would beat the Jaguars 27-21, but the final score was 27-20 Chiefs over the Jags. My prediction score there was so close!!! I almost got the exact score on the money!!! Patrick Mahomes had to play with an injury leg after he took a hit low when a defender brought him down, but that didn’t affect him as much. The two turnovers by the Jags on offense cost them the game especially when the Jags were about to score a touchdown to make a one-possession game, but they fumbled it close to the red zone. The fact is that you cannot win games if you are turning the ball over too many times. I predicted that the Bengals would beat the Bills 30-24, but the final score was 27-10 Bengals over the Bills. The Bills offense really struggled to score touchdowns against the Bengals defense which has been outstanding. The Bengals have won the game in Buffalo in the snow. I predicted that the Eagles would beat the Giants 31-29, but the final score was 38-7 Eagles over the Giants in a blowout. The Eagles offense and defense absolutely obliterated the Giants. The Giants in general had no answer against the Eagles. They actually made it a close game last time, but this was definitely not even close. It was almost similar to what the Eagles did to the Giants in New York. I predicted that the 49ers would beat the Cowboys 34-28, but the final score was 19-12 49ers over the Cowboys in a very close game. The 49ers defense played pretty good once again, however, the 49ers offense didn’t actually play all that well against the Dallas defense. The Cowboys defense tried very hard to help the Cowboys win the game, but there were a couple of play call mistakes that the Cowboys made. This includes when the Cowboys punted the ball away before the 2-minute warning. That didn’t play out too well. Some Dallas fans are currently calling on Mike McCarthy to be fired because of his mistakes and Jerry Jones told Cowboys fans that he was sorry for the performance. I don’t think the fans will buy into it though. Sometimes saying sorry doesn’t help you defend your actions.

So overall, I have gotten 4 out of 4 picks correct and no picks wrong!!!!!! The first time that I have not gotten any picks wrong believe it or not folks!!!!!! Now, let’s get to the NFL Championship game picks, shall we?! There are only two games tomorrow: The AFC and the NFC game. The first game will the NFC Championship game between the Eagles and the 49ers in Philly. Both of these teams are coming off with their wins last week. The Eagles offense and defense dominated the Giants and the 49ers offense did not do as well as they should be. Both defenses are really good and have good offenses. Brock Purdy vs Jalen Hurts, Devonta Smith, Miles Sanders, Dallas Goedert, AJ Brown, Deebo Samual, George Kittle, Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Juszczyk, and etc will all be playing against each other. I think the Eagles will beat the 49ers 34-28. I don’t think that Brock Purdy can really beat these Eagles defense which is a stud and he might be under pressure a lot. The 49ers have not played a team like the Eagles at all in the season. I just think the Eagles will be a bit too much for the 49ers to handle and the Eagles will go to Arizona for the Super Bowl. The last game I will predict is the Bengals @Chiefs game in a rematch. The Bengals beat the Chiefs in Cincinnati earlier in the season 27-24. I think the Bengals will beat the Chiefs 24-20 in a close game. I’m not sure if the Chiefs can beat the team that has been giving them fits meaning giving them problems and Patrick Mahomes may not be 100% healthy because of the leg injury. But who knows what might happen!

So, what do you guys think about the NFL Championship picks?! I would love to hear lots of comments, thoughts, opinions, questions, or concerns down below!

Stay tuned for NFL updates.

The post NFL Divisional Playoff Game Prediction Updates and Championship Game Picks! appeared first on The Nerd Element.

https://nerdist.com/article/the-last-of-us-bill-frank-story-nick-offerman-murray-bartlett/

The Last of Us’s third episode was a triumph unto itself. You could know nothing about the show or its world and Bill and Frank’s romance still works as a moving, self-contained tale about the power of love even in the face of annihilation. But while their time together came to an end just as Joel and Ellie’s is beginning, the couple’s relationship will frame the entire series going forward. Their partnership will serve as the inspiration for Joel to risk everything for a girl he doesn’t even know. And the desire to protect one single person might be what it takes to protect everyone.

Anyway, I never liked you. But still, it’s like we’re friends. Almost. And I respect you, so I’m gonna tell you something because you’re probably the only person who will understand: I used to hate the world and I was happy when everyone died.

With all apologies to Ellie, Bill was not a genius. Bill was a scared man, scared of being who he really was and of everyone around him. He didn’t prep for the apocalypse because he thought it might arrive one day. He prepped for the apocalypse because he hoped it would. And when it did he was content to spend his remaining time in solitude. But then Frank fell into one of his traps.

You could spend thousands and thousands of words talking about what happened during this episode and not come close to discussing everything that made it special. Bill and Frank’s 16 years together, told a lifetime of stories, both about each man and their relationship. With incredible writing, filmmaking, and performances it also explored universal ideas of self-acceptance, personal growth, and opening up our hearts to others. But the most important idea for The Last of Us—the one that will carry forward on a show set in a wasteland so miserable that giving up is not only defensible but possible correct—is one of purpose.

After he downed his own glass of fatal wine, Bill told Frank why he was joining his love on a journey to their next life. “This isn’t the tragic suicide at the end of the play,” Bill said. “I’m old. I’m satisfied. And you were my purpose.”

It was a beautiful ending to a beautiful partnership that served as a powerful reminder that no matter how bad things gets the best of us can still endure. But the duo’s love did not die with them. In fact, it might one day save the world. Without knowing it, Bill’s goodbye letter pushed Joel to do something far bigger and more important than himself.

But I was wrong, because there was one person worth saving. That’s what I did. I saved him. Then I protected him. That’s why men like you and me are here. We have a job to do, and God help any mother fuckers who stand in our way. I leave all of my weapons and equipment. Use them to keep…

Bill thought he was telling Joel to keep Tess safe. She had been Joel’s purpose, his reason for going on and fighting through the darkness (both his own and the world’s). Now she’s gone, along with his only friends. All that remains for a grieving dad is a brother who left him behind. That is assuming Tommy isn’t dead already.

Joel wants to go looking for Tommy anyway. Tommy is family. But bringing along a little girl who know nothing of the dangers outside Boston’s Quarantine Zone seems exactly like the type of thing Joel would never do. As Tess said about them both, Joel is not a good person. He’s done horrible things he won’t speak of. And it was just a couple days ago when he argued for putting a bullet in Ellie’s head or turning her over to FEDRA who certainly kill her. Yet now he’s going to protect her against unimaginable threats across a country filled with monsters both human and literal. Why? Why is a bad person going to risk that for her?

Because Bill showed him why it’s a job worth doing. It’s really the only purpose any of us have and one we can all do in our own ways. Bill did that the best way he could, just as Frank did the same for Bill in his own way. One kept them fed and safe from danger. The other kept their hearts open when everything around them demanded they close them.

Now Ellie needs protection. If Joel won’t do it who will? Who he even can? He knows the answer. He knows Bill was right about why men like them are here. It’s the same reason people like Frank and Tess exist, because others need them.

But it’s not just Ellie who needs Joel, it’s everyone. She might be humanity’s only chance to save itself. Without the hope she represents for a cure Cordyceps will ultimately win. When that happens no one—not even a prepper who locked himself away from the outside world long before the world ended—will be safe.

The Last of Us’s story of two men who fell in love and saved one another was gorgeous entirely on its own. If they had never met Joel they would still have served a purpose on the show, a reminder that even during the worst of times the best of us can survive. But they did meet Joel, and everything they shared together will carry forward with him and his purpose. Just as they each saved one person, Joel can save Ellie. And if he does, it will mean Bill and Frank’s love saved the entire world even after they left it.

Mikey Walsh is a staff writer at Nerdist. You can follow him on Twitter at   @burgermike. And also anywhere someone is ranking the Targaryen kings.

The post The Story of Bill and Frank in THE LAST OF US Is So Much Bigger Than Them appeared first on Nerdist.

https://nerdist.com/article/dead-space-remake-secret-ending-explained-connection-to-sequel-game/

Nearly 15 years ago, we got the first iteration of the revolutionary Dead Space. And now, in 2023, fans of the franchise finally got a proper remake of the game. The Dead Space remake promised all the gory fun of the original but with updated graphics, a more involved narrative, and an increase in strategy. In addition to all of that, the Dead Space remake features a secret ending. But this alternate ending is exciting for more reasons than just the joy of additional footage. It helps brings Dead Space and Dead Space 2 together… And possibly hints there is more remaking on the horizon.

Let’s take a look at the Dead Space secret ending itself.

The components of this ending are similar to the original Dead Space ending. There’s Isaac, his lost love, and a ship. In the original ending, Isaac Clarke contends with the idea that the woman he had come searching for, Dr. Nicole Brennan, could never have been saved by him. Nicole was, in fact, dead the whole time Isaac was on the USG Ishimura. Instead, The Markers, alien obelisks that seek to infect living things and turn them into Necromorphs, zombie-like corpse beings, were responsible for the hallucinations of Nicole that Isaac experiences throughout the game.

Isaac seems to come to terms with Nicole’s death, understanding it be reality, but one final hallucination takes him, and a Necromorph version of Nicole attacks him. The ending is undoubtedly thrilling, but it doesn’t do very much to set up the future of the Dead Space world.

That’s where the alternate ending comes in. In it, we see Isaac sink to an even greater hallucinatory state. In a place of seeming delirious joy, he enters his ship, which is covered in Marker symbols. Even worse, these symbols seem like they were painted in blood. He tells a mutated version of Nicole that he has to “build a little something.” The two of them embrace to culminate their twisted exchange that hints at no good to come, and the secret ending of Dead Space concludes.

And, in fact, no good is to come. Those who play Dead Space 2 will know that Isaac himself brings a new Necromorph infestation to the Sprawl. And the “little something” he builds is actually a new Marker. The secret ending of the Dead Space remake reveals that the Markers had infected Isaac deeply throughout the game, eventually turning him into its infection-spreading puppet. It’s a clever bridge between the two parts of the franchise. Not to mention, to unlock the secret ending, those playing the Dead Space remake must collect 12 Marker fragments from various locations. Fragments that Isaac will perhaps use to put together a new Marker in the future?

Of course, a secret ending signposting to Dead Space 2 could have an even deeper meaning. It certainly feels like it hints that more remake-fun is on the way in the Dead Space world. We guess we’ll have to stay tuned to find out.

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The post The DEAD SPACE Remake Secret Ending Fills in Some Franchise Blanks appeared first on Nerdist.