Kiss and tell all.
Ed and Victoria discuss their thoughts on the episode, especially its dramatic ending.
Victoria:I have to say, I kind of like it!
Imagine having to watch your step as well as keeping your eyes and ears open!
What do you think of it all?
Ed:I was also apprehensive, but I can understand the decision.
We’re living through the experience as Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey so we need to see their faces!
And I guess wind just doesn’t exist in the game.
The online grid also allows for some dramatic moments not in the game.
I’m intrigued to see what will happen in future episodes.
Do you think the tendrils will add any implications to Ellie and her infection?
V:Yes, the prospect of hordes is definitely a scary one!
Hmm, ok, I do have one concern about the tendrils and Ellie’s infection.
This connection is clearly shown in the way they communicate.
I wondered why the infected seemingly ignored her and you could well have a strong reason there.
But let’s talk about Tess.
What are your thoughts on her portrayal here in comparison to the game?
And then we should get to that kiss…
V:Ah yes, that kiss…
Personally, I loved Anna Torv’s portrayal of Tess here.
In the show, the building is being overwhelmed by a horde of infected rather than soldiers with guns.
We know she can take a beating, as we saw in episode one with Robert’s men.
Meanwhile, in the QZ she was around guns and the militaristic presence of FEDRA on a daily basis.
All of this I think lends itself to Tess' fear in the show.
What did you think?
Ed:Game Tess is a strong-willed leader.
I’d love to have played a game with her protecting Ellie instead of Joel.
Show Tess has more vulnerability, and I do appreciate that depth.
I think Anna Torv does a brilliant job in the role.
But I did not like that kiss at all.
I will say that it really ramped up the horror of those tendrils.
But for Tess, I felt it did her a disservice.
She’s defiant and would rather die than turn fully into an infected.
In the show, though, she’s missing that.
I was more grossed out than moved by Tess’s sacrifice.
V:Yes the kiss definitely added to the ‘ick’ factor with those tendrils coming out.
While this kiss may appear tender, it is certainly not pleasant.
What did you think?
Ed:That’s an interesting assessment for sure, linking Tess to the connection we mentioned earlier.
It could be that cordyceps is already controlling her slightly before and during the kiss.
I knew there was a reason I hate mushrooms!
V:What, you don’t think they seem like a fungi to hang out with?
We just wrote an article on it!
So, well played I guess…?
