It’s easy to understand why the beloved video game’s HBO adaptation has captivated audiences worldwide. This show is swiftly rising to the top of the list of most talked-about television programmes thanks to its breathtaking aesthetics, thrilling action, and skilled cast.
But despite all of the awards and praise, it is obvious that The Last of Us still has a lot to offer. In fact, Troy Baker, who invented the role of Joel in the computer game, stated in a recent interview with Deadline that a powerful, unscripted sequence between James (played by Baker) and Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey) was cut from the penultimate episode of the show.
The scenario, according to Baker, occurs after James enters Ellie’s cage and David (played by Scott Shepherd) exits. James and Ellie engage in a “war without words” in this unscripted second to choose who will win the prize. Despite not contributing in the episode’s final cut, Baker claims he’s “selfishly excited for people to see me in this episode, but I think what I’m most excited to see is this episode where Bella really gets to flex and show you exactly what Bella Ramsey is capable of, and it is terrifying.”
It comes as no surprise that Ramsey performs with amazing efficiency in episode 8, which serves as one of the key turning points in Ellie’s character development. Ramsey has a very dynamic stage presence and can portray Ellie’s young sensitivity and cussed and cruel side with a simple adjustment in tone. Yet when Ellie meets David and James, Ramsey radiates a certain kind of inner strength in the midst of grave danger.
