Part 8/9:
Beyond casting, there's skepticism about the viability and future of The Last of Us franchise. Critics question whether the series is still meaningful or if it's already "dead" in terms of authentic storytelling. Despite attempts to innovate—such as introducing a bacteria or spore-based infection—the reception from the broader audience has been tepid, with many asserting that the show feels manufactured or overly reliant on social media hype rather than genuine fan engagement.
While certain episodes—like the third and seventh—have been praised for their emotional depth, overall, the adaptation has faced scrutiny for deviating from the beloved original game and for perceived pandering to social and political sentiments.