The Last Of Us: The Fungus Among Us

In this episode, Kelly and Paul reunite after a 6-month hiatus to catch up on The Last of Us News! Season 2 rumors, video game updates, even a terrifying example of a real-world parasitic fungus leaping species from the leaves of plants into a mycologist’s lungs! The duo also speculates about season 2 casting and what we might see in a possible third The Last of Us game. Rejoin Kelly and Paul to celebrate The Last of Us!

The long awaited episode where the powerful finale is discussed. Kelly and Paul dive into The Last Of Us, Episode 9: "Look For The Light". They had a lot of processing to do. Buckle up, things get silly and also intense! We discuss it all! Ashley Johson playing the role of Ellie’s mother and the fate of the fireflies. The famous Marlene and Joel standoff. Questions of medical ethics come into play. They also break down Joel’s choices and our interpretation of Ellie’s responses. Spoiler Alerts! Kelly and Paul speculate various thoughts about how season 2 will play out compared to the game. Did we see Abby? What a blast this has been with you all!! Looking forward to (Future Days) and future Fungus Among Us fun. 

Kelly and Paul dive into The Last Of Us, Episode 8: "When We Are in Need". Kelly and Paul grapple with their anxiety about the season's oncoming ending as they break down the quiet menace of David, Bella's jaw-dropping portrayal of Ellie's badass side, their love for Joel's torture scene, and the three things they hope to see in the season finale. 

Kelly and Paul discuss their feelings about The Last Of Us, Episode 7: "Left Behind". In this episode, we break down the differences between the Left Behind DLC and its adaptation in the HBO show. They dig into the meaning behind this episode's music.

Kelly and Paul discuss The Last Of Us, Episode 6: "Kin". In this episode, we dive into Joel’s PTSD. We break down their own experiences of trauma and how they relate to the characters in different ways. Finally, Kelly shares a theory about Joel's dreams that helps Paul fill in some missing pieces.

Kelly and Paul navigate tough conversations in our most emotional episode so far on The Last Of Us, Episode 5: "Endure and Survive". Wonderful performances by Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard, who play Henry and Sam. Paul starts out happy because he's finally seen one of his favorite parts of the game; Savage Starlight! We break down Henry and Sam, the ways they reflect Joel and Ellie's relationship, and the poetic justice in Kathleen's demise. Kelly shares a silly theory on baby clickers. And wow, that epic zombie scene blew us away! Finally, a bloater! Our joy and laughter turn to tears as we confront this episode's closing moments, then we try to mend our broken hearts for our beloved Henry and Sam. 

Kelly and Paul discuss their feelings about The Last Of Us, Episode 4: "Please Hold To My Hand". In this Episode, Henry and Sam Part 1 of 2, we break down the relationship of Joel and Ellie as the relationship as it transitions from duty into friendship.. Paul teases Kelly about her passion for silly jokes. Then we analyze Kathleen's motives and her burning passion to bring down Henry, and speculate about where this path may lead her. 

What a tearjerker! In this episode, Kelly and Paul dry their tears and discuss their feelings about The Last Of Us, Episode 3: "Long, Long Time" as Kelly drinks expired coffee and Paul stresses about his car troubles. Bill's isolation reminds both of us of our own pandemic experiences... and his dining habits can't help but remind us of Ron Swanson. Is he, perhaps, also a mirror for Joel? This beautiful episode brought out a lot of emotions and the hosts discuss their differing reactions to their deaths. Despite the beauty of this episode's love story, we can't avoid our mixed emotions on the departure from the game... especially our sadness that we never got to see Bill and Ellie talk sass to each other. 

Paul and Kelly break down The Last of Us Ep 2: Infected! We dig into Tess’ growing hope for a better future; and discuss the beauty and complexity of her carrying this spark of hope until her very last breath. Paul and Kelly share very different interpretations of her final moment. Paul is convinced that Joel is obsessed with Ellie’s sandwich and Kelly begins to let go of her attachment to the spores. Clickers are front and center in this episode, and our video game instincts are triggered! We wind up attempting to make our own clicker noises… you’ve been warned!

Please feel free to follow us in instagram to send a DM @thefungusamonuguspod or email us at [email protected]. Send us your questions and reactions to the show! 

Welcome to our first full episode! We share our reactions to the show and our relationship to the game. We talk about our love for Nico Parker's portrayal of Sarah and our excitement for the entire cast of the HBO adaptation. (so good) The origin of the infection is discussed as the fungus is among us! With the outbreak year being 2003, Kelly fears what will happen to the iconic song "Future Days" and Paul shares his theory on what will happen to the band, Pearl Jam. Sit back, have a snack. Just don't eat the raisin cookies!