Why The Last of Us Chose Not To Show Bill & Frank’s Dead Bodies In Its Most Heartbreaking Episode

Director Peter Hoar explains why The Last of Us chose not to show Bill and Frank’s dead bodies during their heartbreaking episode. The series, based on PlayStation’s popular video game franchise, premiered on HBO earlier this year. Set within a post-apocalyptic world, where a fungal infection has caused humans to transform into “clickers,” The Last of Us tracks Joel (Pedro Pascal) and his efforts to protect an immune teenager named Ellie (Bella Ramsey). It also explores the lives of other survivors, including Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett), whose tragic story struck a chord with many viewers.

In a recent interview with Deadline, Hoar, the director of The Last of Us episode 3, revealed why Bill and Frank’s dead bodies were never shown. He explained that the choice was made early on, and that co-creator Craig Mazin thought, “It wasn’t necessary.” Read Hoar’s comments regarding that decision in The Last of Us below:

“Well, that was always on the page, never to show the dead bodies. It’s also something we discussed as a group at the very beginning. It’s not gratuitous. I think what EP Neil Druckmann would’ve would probably say is that the world of The Last of Us is a very brutal one. And in brutal world, people are gonna get hurt and people are gonna experience horrendous trauma to their bodies and their minds. I think Craig thought we just didn’t need it. It wasn’t necessary.“

Why The Last Of Us Episode 3 Is So Heartbreaking

The Last of Us episode 3 titled, “Long, Long Time,” introduced Bill and Frank, exploring their romance through various flashbacks. Bill initially appeared afraid of his own future, apologizing for getting older and sharing arrangements he made to keep Frank safe, should he die. However, he eventually ended up taking care of Frank, who lost the ability to walk as the result of some illness, possibly Parkinson’s. After years of living with this ailment, Frank revealed his intentions to get married and subsequently take his own life. In the present, when Joel and Ellie reached their home in Lincoln, Massachusetts, they discovered that Bill had done the same.

Hoar has acknowledged the emotional impact of Bill and Frank’s story, and the performances of Offerman and Bartlett. In a letter left behind by Bill at the end of The Last of Us episode 3, he mentioned not to open the bedroom door, implying that their bodies were in there. Because it was already revealed that both characters had died, many viewers who were affected by Bill and Frank’s story were likely accepting of the show’s decision.

Related: Last Of Us Episode 3 Is The Reason It Never Would Have Worked As A Film

It’s interesting to hear Hoar’s comments about not showing these characters’ bodies, and why the choice was made. Bill and Frank’s relationship was a bright spot in the series’ debut season, with both actors receiving praise and Emmy nominations for their respective roles. The ending might have been tragic, The Last of Us episode 3 continues to be a highlight of the new HBO show.

Source: Deadline