Fans everywhere praised episode three of HBOMax’s “The Last of Us” and the outstanding performances of Nick Offerman and Murray Bartlett. But if you go searching for reviews, you’ll notice a frustrating discrepancy. At 7.9 on IMDB, the episode appears to be underperforming. Especially compared to episodes one and two.
Why? Because some people have chosen to review bomb the episode. More than likely for focusing on a gay couple’s love in the apocalypse. Over 27,000 reviews have voted the episode one star.
Review bombing has become a frustrating trend. Many studios use algorithms and numbers to decide on whether a series is worthy of renewal. Which makes it easy to game the system with a slew of bad reviews fueled by hatred and backwards thinking. It’s not the first series that’s been entangled in a net of negativity that threatens to drag it down.
Unfortunately, there are still many who consider such stories offensive. Many of the one-star IMDB reviews are blatantly homophobic. Choice phrases like “propaganda,” “pandering,” and accusations of further the imagined “gay agenda.” A wholly ridiculous reaction towards the natural progression of inclusivity in television. Regardless of the review bombs, the episode rating fluctuates between 8.0 and 7.8.
Here are some of the…”highlights”…of the review bombs:
“The Last of Us” broke the mold of gay romance tropes that are often present in series. Even in a time of apocalyptic uncertainty and a disease that threatens humanity, the two are able to experience honest romance, happiness, and grow old together. Given that it’s 2023, the “bury your gays” trope shouldn’t even have room in a series anymore.
Despite their best efforts, love wins. Again.
“The Last of Us” airs on HBO on Sundays. It has already been renewed for a second season.
