HBO's The Last Of Us Premiere's Best Scene Wasn't In The Original Game

HBO's "The Last of Us" first episode was an absolute success – with both SVG's review and critics saying it beats the video game adaptation curse. While the show is technically considered a drama, there are plenty of horrifying moments that've already happened, and more are sure to come before the end of the season. In fact, one of the most chilling scenes from the premiere wasn't even in the game, and it touches on a terrifying thought about humanity.

Viewers of the show took to Twitter to share opinions about their favorite parts, and one scene was mentioned repeatedly — the opening scene. As shared by agg1987, the opening scene in question depicts a doctor discussing fungal infections in humans. According to that doctor, fungi can't live in hosts with temperatures over 94 degrees Fahrenheit, but what would happen if they evolved and could live in humans? He pointed out that if the world gets warmer, it could encourage fungi to evolve and survive in hotter hosts, putting humans on the table. In the doctor's words, "we lose" if that happens.

These chilling words in the 45-second intro had a lasting impact on viewers, and it wasn't even in the original game.

Twitter user ftflatline explained that their stomach was in knots after the doctor started talking about the earth getting warmer in the opening scene of HBO's "The Last of Us." Another user, ITAYJJ, remarked that the television show made the threat of the virus feel real in a way that the game couldn't quite manage. User iamchrispaezjr may have called it the most terrifying name possible: "prophetic."

The creator of "The Last of Us," Neil Druckmann, and the television show producer, Craig Mazin, had previously discussed the fact that COVID-19 influenced HBO's "The Last of Us." People know more about viruses and pandemics now compared to when the game was released, so things had to get more technical to feel authentic (which allows viewers to connect with characters better).

The changes to the Cordyceps virus and the new scenes seem to have paid off, as the concept struck many viewers. Others furthered the fear that the doctor instilled, explaining the problems with fungal infections specifically — like the fact that humans have no way to fight against them. Many praised the acting in the scene, pointing out John Hannah's nonchalant way of introducing the Cordyceps fungus.