Unraveling the Timeline: When Did the Apocalypse Begin in The Last of Us?
The apocalypse in The Last of Us began in 2003. While the initial video game placed the outbreak in 2013, the HBO adaptation shifted the timeline, grounding the catastrophic event in September of 2003. This decision was made to align the post-apocalyptic narrative with the show’s release year of 2023, creating a more immediate and relatable experience for viewers. This pivotal change, though seemingly simple, significantly altered the context of the story while preserving its core themes and emotional resonance.
Delving Deeper: The Significance of 2003
The choice to set the initial outbreak in 2003 was a deliberate one by the writers. They felt that having the apocalyptic events unfold in a time closer to the audience’s present day would enhance the story’s impact. The contrast between the familiar world before the Cordyceps outbreak and the brutal post-apocalyptic landscape twenty years later becomes even more stark and unsettling. This subtle shift connects the audience more deeply to the world of The Last of Us, making the themes of survival, loss, and human connection all the more poignant.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
To further clarify the timeline and the surrounding circumstances, here are 15 frequently asked questions about the world of The Last of Us:
1. What caused the apocalypse in The Last of Us?
The apocalypse was triggered by a mutated strain of the Cordyceps fungus. In the world of The Last of Us, this real-world fungus evolved to infect humans, turning them into aggressive and terrifying creatures. The infection spread rapidly, leading to the collapse of civilization.
2. How did the Cordyceps outbreak start?
The game suggests that the outbreak originated from infected crops imported from South America. These contaminated food sources allowed the mutated Cordyceps to infiltrate human populations, initiating the rapid spread of the infection.
3. What is “Outbreak Day” in The Last of Us?
“Outbreak Day” refers to the specific date when the Cordyceps pandemic truly exploded and public awareness reached a fever pitch. In the show, this day is September 26, 2003. It marks the point of no return, the day the world as we know it ended in The Last of Us.
4. How long after the outbreak does the main story of The Last of Us take place?
The main story of The Last of Us, both in the game and the show, is set approximately 20 years after the initial outbreak. This puts the primary narrative around the year 2023, showcasing a world deeply scarred by the Cordyceps pandemic.
5. How does the timeline differ between the game and the HBO series?
The key difference is the starting point of the outbreak. The game initially set the outbreak in 2013, leading to a story set in 2033. The HBO series shifted the outbreak to 2003, making the main narrative unfold in 2023.
6. Why was the year of the outbreak changed for the TV series?
The writers changed the year to 2003 to make the narrative resonate more with the show’s premiere year of 2023. This created a sense of immediacy and relevance for the audience, as if the events of The Last of Us were unfolding in their present reality.
7. How old is Ellie in The Last of Us?
Ellie is 14 years old in both the game and the TV series when she meets Joel. She was born after the initial outbreak and has known nothing but the post-apocalyptic world.
8. Why is Ellie immune to the Cordyceps infection?
Ellie’s immunity stems from her mother, Anna, being bitten by an infected individual while giving birth. The Cordyceps was transferred to Ellie via the umbilical cord, resulting in a unique genetic mutation that prevents her from succumbing to the full effects of the infection.
9. Can Ellie infect others with Cordyceps?
The prevailing understanding is that Ellie cannot infect others. The Cordyceps within her system is different and does not spread through typical means of infection, like bites. While the exact science is debated, it’s generally accepted that she poses no risk of spreading the infection.
10. How does Joel survive the initial outbreak?
A small detail in the series suggests that Joel likely avoided early infection due to his food choices during the outbreak. While not explicitly stated, this hints that certain preventative measures might have offered a degree of protection in the early days of the pandemic.
11. What are the different types of infected in The Last of Us?
The infected evolve through various stages, each with unique characteristics. These include Runners (newly infected), Stalkers (hiding and ambush predators), Clickers (blind and highly aggressive), Bloaters (heavily armored and extremely dangerous), and Shamblers (found primarily in The Last of Us Part II, characterized by their explosive spores).
12. Could a Cordyceps-like apocalypse actually happen in real life?
While the specific scenario depicted in The Last of Us is highly unlikely, scientists acknowledge that fungal infections can pose a threat. The real-world Cordyceps typically infects insects, and the leap to infecting humans is considered improbable due to our immune systems and higher body temperatures. However, the possibility of fungal mutations and the rise of drug-resistant strains are areas of concern within the scientific community.
13. What did Joel do for 20 years after the outbreak?
After losing his daughter Sarah, Joel spent the next 20 years hardened by the brutal realities of the post-apocalyptic world. He worked as a smuggler in the Boston quarantine zone, operating under the oppressive rule of a military dictatorship, alongside his friend and partner Tess.
14. Why did the infected “kiss” Tess in the HBO series?
This was a unique and unsettling addition to the HBO series. Instead of violently attacking Tess, an infected individual calmly kissed her, allowing tendrils of the evolved Cordyceps to enter her system. This demonstrated the increasingly complex and disturbing nature of the evolved fungus.
15. What themes are explored in The Last of Us?
The Last of Us delves into a myriad of complex themes, including love, loss, survival, morality, and the lengths people will go to protect those they care about. It explores the blurred lines between right and wrong in a desperate world and the enduring power of human connection in the face of unimaginable adversity.
The Enduring Appeal of The Last of Us
The story of The Last of Us is not just about zombies or a fungal apocalypse. It’s a deeply human story that resonates with audiences because it explores universal themes of love, loss, and the will to survive in the face of overwhelming odds. The carefully crafted world, compelling characters, and thought-provoking narrative have made The Last of Us a critical and commercial success, cementing its place in popular culture. The game even allows for educational opportunities, teaching people about societal collapse and survival. To learn more about the educational impact of games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
By shifting the outbreak to 2003, the HBO adaptation amplified the story’s emotional impact and made it all the more relevant to contemporary audiences. It allowed viewers to imagine a world not so distant from their own, grappling with the same fears and uncertainties in the face of a global catastrophe.