Hit HBO series “The Last of Us” is making huge waves. Episode four introduced Kathleen, played by Melanie Lynskey (“Yellowjackets“), a new character who is not present in the games. Unfortunately, Lynskey has become the subject of some criticism by former model Adrienne Curry for “not looking the part.” Undeterred, Lynskey responded with diplomacy.
Curry, who won the first season of “America’s Next Top Model,” posted a since-deleted tweet featuring a photo of Lynskey from an InStyle photoshoot. Lynskey is dressed to the nines, and made up for glamour. Curry implies Lynskey’s physical appearance doesn’t fit the show nor character. “Her body says life of luxury…not post apocalyptic warlord. Where is Linda Hamilton when you need her?,” Curry said.
Lynskey responded, alluding to the fact that Kathleen doesn’t need muscle when she has the brains to command an entire group. “Firstly- this is a photo from my cover shoot for InStyle magazine, not a still from HBO’s The Last Of Us. And I’m playing a person who meticulously planned & executed an overthrow of FEDRA. I am supposed to be SMART, ma’am. I don’t need to be muscly. That’s what henchmen are for…”
In a separate thread, Lynskey praised series creators Niel Druckmann and writer Craig Mazin for writing Kathleen with qualities that subvert classic character tropes. Kathleen doesn’t need to be a juggernaut of muscle and sinew to be convincing. She’s quiet and calculating, commanding with a stalwart, unshakeable resolve. But there’s an edge of compassion to her interactions with her group as well.
Kathleen is shrewd. Sharp as a knife’s edge and intelligent enough to know how to garner trust and loyalty. Nor does she seem manipulative. “The Last of Us II” explored this concept as well. That dystopia causes a massive grey area between good and bad. This could make Kathleen extremely dangerous for Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). She’s hellbent on protecting her flock and will dole out justice for anyone that brings them to harm.
But Lynskey shouldn’t sell herself short, either. Mazin and Druckmann may have created Kathleen, but Lynskey is responsible for bring her to life, and she’s doing a phenomenal job.
“The Last of Us” episode 5 airs TONIGHT on HBO, and returns to it’s usual Sunday airdate next week.
