The Last of Us on HBO: Every Episode Ranked from Worst to Best with In-Depth Pop Culture Analysis

Every Episode of HBO’s The Last of Us: From Missed Marks to Unforgettable Masterpieces

HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us redefined what gamers and TV lovers expect from a video game-inspired series. Seamlessly blending survival drama with cinematic storytelling, the show quickly became a cultural touchstone. Yet even this juggernaut stumbled at times, especially as it navigated the divisive material of its game sequel. Here’s a detailed, expert-driven ranking of all 16 episodes, analyzing each one’s highs and lows, and how they contribute to the legacy of modern TV adaptations.

16. Convergence (Season 2, Episode 7)

The show’s climactic Season 2 finale should have been explosive, but instead limped to the finish line. Ellie’s erratic behavior—out of sync with her established growth—left fans puzzled. From her brash hostility toward Jesse to questionable sacrifices for minor characters, the writing abandoned emotional logic. Visually, the detour to the Seraphite island looked remarkable, but narratively, it felt forced and disconnected, even making Mel’s fate almost gratuitously disturbing.

15. Please Hold To My Hand (Season 1, Episode 4)

This episode makes the unusual switch from Pittsburgh to Kansas City, introducing Kathleen, a resistance leader not seen in the games. While Melanie Lynskey delivers a strong performance, the character’s one-note grief pulls too much focus from Joel and Ellie’s evolving bond. The deviation might intrigue newcomers, but it sidesteps the series’ most compelling dynamic in favor of a subplot that never quite lands emotionally.

14. Future Days (Season 2, Episode 1)

Hopes were high for the Season 2 premiere. Some sequences, like Ellie’s tense encounter with an infected in a supermarket, pay direct homage to the game’s intensity. The episode also establishes a connection between Joel and Dina, giving subtle nods to fans. However, giving away Abby’s motivations from the outset eliminates one of the game’s most powerful structural twists, reducing narrative suspense. The depiction of Joel’s vulnerability in therapy, while brave, can feel overly expository.

13. Infected (Season 1, Episode 2)

After a sprawling pilot, this episode slows down to focus on Tess and the trio’s treacherous Boston journey. Anna Torv delivers a haunting farewell, but the infamous “infected kiss” moment fell flat for many. The highlight, however, is the chilling Jakarta flashback, with a mycology professor outlining the horrors of the cordyceps outbreak—a sequence that set the tone for global stakes and feels ripped right from a science thriller.

12. Day One (Season 2, Episode 4)

Ellie and Dina’s arrival in Seattle marks the show’s shift into high gear. Fans of the game will recognize the melodic “Take on Me” scene, lovingly recreated by Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced. Pacing issues arise, particularly around Dina’s pregnancy reveal, which is handled with tonal whiplash. However, the subway fight and first real demonstration of Ellie’s heroism—rather than accidental survival—raise the stakes for everyone involved.

11. Look For The Light (Season 1, Episode 9)

Serving as the Season 1 finale, this episode mirrors the game’s heart-wrenching climax. Joel’s rampage through the hospital to save Ellie is gripping, yet TV’s passive experience can’t quite replicate the interactive guilt players faced in the game. Still, Pedro Pascal’s performance is a masterclass in controlled rage and desperate love, anchoring the moral ambiguity that defines the series.

10. The Path (Season 2, Episode 3)

After the heart-shattering loss of Joel, “The Path” opts for introspection. There’s palpable grief as the narrative slows, even jumping three months after the tragedy—breaking the emotional momentum built in the games, but giving room for Jackson’s community to breathe. Tommy’s grounded presence anchors new emotional dynamics, shifting the revenge drama’s tempo but adding a layer of realism rarely found in post-apocalyptic storytelling.

9. Endure and Survive (Season 1, Episode 5)

This is where the infected finally take center stage, satisfying fans hungry for zombie spectacle. The underground bunker scenes and the tragic fate of Henry and Sam echo the game’s most harrowing moments. Despite extra focus on Kathleen’s arc, the episode lands with its action and moral dilemmas—reminding viewers just how dire and uncertain this world remains.

The Series Continues: The Legacy of Risk and Reward

HBO’s The Last of Us embraces the inherent risks of adaptation—sometimes subverting expectation, sometimes frustrating purists. Through every high and low, it cements itself as one of the boldest, most conversation-starting series in recent memory. As new episodes and seasons promise fresh reinterpretations and surprises, it’s clear that this series has shaped how we view game-to-TV adaptations for years to come.