Part 7/12:
One panelist sarcastically suggests that Duckman's departure might reflect HBO’s attempt to "unf*ck" the damage caused by recent seasons. The consensus is that the series has become a morally empty, miserable experience that sacrifices character integrity for shock plots, with the beloved Joel replaced by a less compelling character, Ellie portrayed as increasingly unlikeable.
They mock how the show strays further from the original game's emotional core, making Abby the hero and turning Ellie into a villain—an inversion that alienates fans. The series' narrative choices, including gratuitous violence and uneven character arcs, are seen as emblematic of a broader decline in storytelling quality.