100% this. That letter is objectively stronger for Joel's character arc than the equivalent events in the game. And if the context we're given to make that letter land for the audience is this brilliantly written and acted episode - well how do you complain about that? What are we here for? It's art - it's exploring the human condition - it's trying to move its audience emotionally. Did people really feel nothing watching this?

It's a GOOD change from the source material, but really I'd call it a flourish more than a deviation - it doesn't change the plot at ALL.

It's fresh for today's age. That's all I meant.

It's fresh for modern times. It's all relative.

Maybe they all go on trial and end up in prison together.

I know. It's fresh for modern times though.

When the episode was over I felt like I had lived the entirety of their relationship with them. They felt like old friends I was watching wither away. I honestly wish the episode would have ended with them walking to the bedroom and pick up with Joel and Ellie next week.

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I felt the same way about station 11

"The Gang Gets Cancelled" is the obvious answer, but I'd like to see them try something more audacious and really stupid.

"The Gang Goes to North Korea" maybe.

Would add Dr. Death to this as well, enjoyed S1 a lot.

Interesting to complain that this episode was basically UP when the entire storyline is basically UP.

This storyline is a clear catalyst for Joel to care more about Ellie. I understand that it wasn't thrilling, but in the games they just all of a sudden have more chemistry, this to me was a great way to deliver on that.

hahaha so much hate. i am just happy i got tinnitus and not you, you would not survive a day with the tinnitus i have.

>On the standalone side, why so saccharine? Why not have more fun with this kind of deviation from the plot? As far as re-creating the beats of the game, why not follow a more interesting path?

...fundamentally this article's take is just "been done before, I wanted something different." It comes across as contrarian for its own sake.

Why not saccharine? A sweet love story that shows what motivates someone isolated and closed off to open up to caring is very relevant to the overall plot and Joel's arc. Yeah, it could have been goofier or more fun and less sad. That isn't automatically better, nor does citing a very different episode of "The Magicians" prove "it's been done before" just because it also involves gay men.

Hell with that logic, why make the show at all? It's a sad zombie apocalypse show, why not make something more fun that hasn't been done before?

Justified: City Primeval.

You’re beautiful x

thanks for the answer. once the show is finished will have a go at it and see if i can predict it by watching the show.

I really liked Station Eleven but the number of posts I see here that make it sound like some kind of cult sleeper hit instead of a massive popular and critical success is very weird. I don't know who these posts are even aimed at. Everyone knows what that show was and almost everyone has already seen it.

I definitely did a LeoPoint when Bill brought the ladder for Frank.

A potential answer is that the queer community is so, so starved for good rep that when a non-straight relationship gets the same emotional weight and is presented as a completely normal thing, it feels so fresh and wonderful.

And also, it is a great piece of art in general.

Maybe you should rewatch the episode then, but this time actually pay attention

Shirley is Feeney

You know... now that you mentioned this, it does have a very Columbo feel to it. Loving the show so far.

I was about 8 or 9 when Happy Days was at its peak. Fonzie was my hero... tied with The Six Million Dollar Man.

With Disney looking to enact a bit of cost cutting and Paramount and WBD both pulling dead content to save cash I’d not be surprised if Disney follow their lead and Kindred never makes it to Europe. It is a dead show without a conclusion. Airing it is pretty pointless at this stage.

No, I said in general it’s crazy to consider it such, precisely for the reasons I then listed owing the blame to the industry. I never said people are crazy are feeling so.