We get a glimpse into Ellie's life before she was infected, and learn about her friendship with another girl named Riley. This episode is taken from the Left Behind DLC, but we only get half of it here. We talk about what is missing, the prequel comic "American Dreams", and recap the episode comparing it to the game.

Episode URL: [episode_short_url]

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
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Bob Schissler
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When Joel set out to find Tommy, I'm pretty sure he didn't expect to find he's become a communist. To be fair, Tommy didn't realize he had become one. In "Kin", Joel and Ellie finally reach Tommy, but also find the town of Jackson where life looks a bit more normal than the rest of the world. We discuss our thoughts on the dynamics between Tommy, Joel, Ellie, and Maria. We also discuss multiple connections we found to The Last of Us Part II, Joel's inner struggles, and further relationship development between Joel and Ellie.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mx

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

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We finally get to see the "legendary" Henry, and how he and Sam managed to avoid Kathleen. We also see how laser focused Kathleen is on catching Henry, even to the detriment of the city and citizens. Additionally, we get to see the final stage of the infection, the Bloater, in action. Of course, we discuss the differences between the game and TV show, particularly around Sam's age and disability, and Henry's cowardice and not being very capable. We also discuss missing story context from the game, some discrepancies in the show lore, and much more.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mr

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

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In episode 4 we experience another divergence from the game, but we wouldn't say its as big as what happened will Bill. Pittsburgh is swapped for Kansas City, but the events are mostly the same, even if the characters and their motivations are not. We're introduced to Kathleen and Perry (who might sound familiar), as well as the "legend" of Henry. Before all that, thought, Joel and Ellie get some bonding time, even if Joel doesn't really want it. With this episode, we really start to see how the TV show is shaping these characters.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mo

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

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Episode 3 is a significant departure from the game. You can say it fills backstory, but it might as well be an alternate universe. One where Bill is still paranoid, but loveable, and Frank is, well, alive. We discuss the narrative, meeting Frank, and how Bill's character has changed from the game. The greatest tragedy of this episode is how we were robbed of Bill/Ellie interactions. We also get a little bit of Joel and Ellie as they travel to Bill's Town. Bob thinks Joel is starting to like Ellie. Jaa and Kef disagree. Debate ensues.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3mg

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
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Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

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Joel, Ellie, and Tess continue their journey to the Capitol building and give us our first real look at the aftermath of the outbreak. We also get a treated to some extended lore in the Jakarta opening, explaining how the outbreak spread so fast. We learn about more differences in this version of TLoU, including how the infected can communicate with each other and work together. The differences between the characters and their game counterparts are becoming more apparent. However, the Clickers seem to be spot on! We discuss that and WAY more in this episode.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3me

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

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We break down how FEDRA feels more humanized and the Boston QZ feel more alive and complex than their game counterparts. We discuss our introduction to key characters like Tess, Ellie, and Marlene, and how their presentation and personality differs on TV. Apparently Joel can get really violent and Ellie is into it for some reason. Of course, we compare the show to the game and discuss how its changed or expanded the world of The Last of Us.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3m7

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

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Join Jaa, Bob, and newcomer Kef as we revisit Season 1 of HBO's The Last of Us. We discuss our evolving perspective on the show's changes versus what was in the game, moving past initial fan concerns to appreciate the storytelling choices. In this episode, we examine the series premiere, which sets up Joel and Sarah's relationship against the backdrop of civilization's collapse. We discuss the events, character development, and subtle foreshadowing.

Episode URL: mtb.gg/3m6

Hosts:

Jarret Redding
bsky.app/profile/jaastradam.us

Bob Schissler
twitch.tv/blazzinbob

Thank you for listening to a Mash Those Buttons podcast! You can keep up with all of our podcasts in the following locations.

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