Bill and Franks story is different here than it is in the game. Also we have to thank Nick Offerman's wife because he was going to pass on playing bill but his wife read the script and told him to take the role of bill.

The screenwriters knew we all needed a laugh when Ellie read the, hehehehehehehe It was a good tension breaker

The beauty of this episode is that it subverts our expectations. We've been conditioned through modern storytelling to fear everything, especially the benign, the innocuous. Dolls, children, children with dolls, dolls that look like children, all manner of seemingly harmless and familiar things, all trying to kill you. We expect that any kindness will be answered with violence, that any trust met with betrayal. We as an audience have been primed to fear the most faithful of friends, the most reliable family members - especially in this particular genre of horror - and when we encounter a story about caring and commitment amongst the ruins of a dying world, we don't know how to process it and it hits hard. "I was not expecting this" seems to be the most common refrain, with good reason. This is ostensibly a series about a 'zombie apocalypse' where anyone and everyone can go from being a kindred soul to a mortal threat in an instant and no one is to be trusted, especially other humans. Yet this particular tale is about trust, and love, both matrimonial and romantic. It's about allowing oneself to be vulnerable and in that vulnerability, finding those moments of existence that are both ephemeral and priceless. We expect a calamity, a personal buskin beyond the destruction of our civilization. We anticipate a type of misfortune that doesn't occur. During the worst catastrophe in the history of human kind, we bear witness the best thing to ever happen to these two humans, and it's profound; jarring. We await a devastation that never comes to pass; that expectation of tragedy is subverted by a story of love. We expect blood and destruction; what we get is a masterpiece about small, beautiful lives lived less ordinary. This is one of the best stories ever told on film, in my opinion, and it's based on a video game; we've come a long way from Pong.

one of the finest "I'll help you survive; you help me actually LIVE" episodes ever filmed. honestly, arguably the very best. I just watched it with you, for probably the 30th time, and I'm STILL crying! absolutely beautiful story, and the acting by these two guest stars was MAGNIFICENT!

The two lines that absolutely BROKE me in this episode. "I wasn't afraid before I met you." and "I'm old. I'm satisfied." If you die without having been able to have said those lines, did you really live?

Nick (Bill) and Murray (Frank) better win an Emmy for this episode!!!

Bill’s the soil and Frank is the flowers 😭 this episode destroyed me, it’s such a beautiful episode of television. Thank you for reacting to this show! It’s so special

the getting married thing hits SO MUCH HARDER for ppl who understand that it wasnt legal for them to get married before

I watched this show with my Dad and he cried during this episode. I've never seen this man cry in my whole life. This is indeed one of the best episodes of TV I have seen to date.

I watched this whole series with my parents. I've never been especially good showing my emotions to my parents and typically keep a stone mask when around them, but during this episode I literally could not hold it in. I held on for as long as I could, but when it got to the scene where they get married, I just started ugly crying. I mean I full on just wept.

"DON'T BOTHER IT" cracked me up my mom said the same thing to me about snakes in our backyard LOL

And here we go. Beautiful episode, and a very touching reaction. Good stuff, Ames!

I just love that the guy that was obsessed with his own survival and fine with being alone reached a place where he didn’t want to live without his partner. What a character arc, and they carried it off in less than 60 minutes of television. Just amazing work by Nick and Murray.

Oh man this episode. We had a watch party with beer and pizza and the whole group kinda just sat quietly occasionally sniffling

😢it's such great acting to convince us of that deep of love, in such a short time

This episode is simultaneously the most heart lifting and heart shattering ever. If they don't get an award for this, the public will riot.

i'm still crying for this eps, every time i watch this eps. yeah masterpiece

This is easily one of the best episodes of TV I've ever seen. I hope it wins every award it can possibly win. If you go back and listen to the lyrics coming over the radio at the end of episode 1 they should be more meaningful now since you've seen this episode. They could have chosen any 80s song and had any part of the lyrics play for those few seconds, but they specifically chose that song and that section of the lyrics. The writing in this show is just insanely good and the more you watch it the more you'll pick up on little things that they did. It's even better when you're familiar with the game because there are so many subtle nods to it in the series. Can't wait to see the next reaction!

Can I just say what I love about your channel, your straight to it! Feel like you’ve watched reaction channels before and know what we like, we don’t need long ass intros let’s just get straight to it! Thanks for the vid and yes this episode is beautiful loved your reaction

The song playing at 22:40 and throughout their last meal is called "On The Nature Of Daylight" by Max Richter, it's also in the movie "Arrival" and it's just gut wrenching

14:37 Bill & Frank an Epic Love Story we didn't know we needed. Thank you Naughty Dog & HBO. 18:45 We did warn you. 20:37 ALS. If Nick Offerman & Murray Bartlett do not get an award for this episode I will be personally offended on their behalf.

"I was never afraid before you showed up, ... now I'm afraid we'll wake up one morning and the squirrels, raccoons and deer will have eaten all our strawberries!" An amazing episode and great reaction, Ames! ❤

Thank you so much for keeping the best parts of this episode in the review So many people left out that part where Frank says then love me the way I want you to It is essential

Not in any other show or movie in my whole life had I cried as much as I had in this episode.

One of the things I love most about this episode that isn't strictly part of the story, is that although it's ultimately kind of a Bury Your Gays thing they actually get to have a long, fulfilling, loving life together. It's not the usual kind of "Here's a gay person. Here, take 10 minutes of story to get attached to them. Oops they're dead" that a lot of shows would do. Also the whole thing around how, when the world fell apart, same sex marriage was still illegal there so Bill & Frank likely would have never been able to get married, but the Infection fucked everything else up so now they can. It doesn't matter how many times I watch this episode, I always tear up once we get to Frank in the wheelchair. Oh, and the "I was never afraid before you showed up" line... Quick fun fact, in case nobody else has mentioned it: Nick's first line as Bill - "Not today you New World Order jackboot fucks" was originally just a note in the script margin to tell Nick what Bill's mindset was in that moment, but Nick loved it so much he straight up told Neil "I'm saying this".

for the nth time and I still ugly cry 😭 this writing is gonna survive history. It's really heartbreaking but in this world, they had the best life compared to everyone else, and they went out on their own terms. It's not tragic, it's beautiful ❤️

Hi, I'm a MoCap performer and gotta say The Naughty Dog has always had an amazing team of cutscene writers and directors. These showrunners really did a justice to the video game. Also wanted to share a painful story of mine about the new Resident Evil Remakes. In late 2015 I was in contact with Capcom about the facial likeness role of Leon for the RE 2 Remake. I failed to mention I also have a voice acting background, in the end I lost the part... Now, many years later, when I see how successful those remakes are I can't forgive myself for wasting such a chance. In this business one audition can change your entire life.

That's so cool you do SFX art. I used to watch a tv reality show called face off that's how i became friends with some of the artists in it. If you have not seen it it's worth a view! I just make costumes for conventions, currently working on The Mandalorian.

Oh boy, I knew you'd have big emotions with this one! Such an incredible episode. A masterpiece

Besides this being the best hour of TV I have seen in a long time one of the most amazing overlooked things is the performance of Murray Bartlett. Well not really overlooked but what he had to do to play this part. He is a singer. So to sing Ronstadts song out of tune he had to practice, haha. Nick joked so much in a few interviews about this role but really let Murray guide him in some of the things to do.

22:30 'aww, the pit where they met' 😭😭😭

Agree with you that this is one of the best television episodes I've ever seen. My wife and I looked at each other when it was done and just went 'Wow'. After wiping off the tears, of course.

Thank you for this. ❤

This is hands down the best love story I've ever seen. Bill is a really interesting character showing different types of manliness: the shotgun, the truck, the generator... but he also plays piano, can cook gourmet meals, and appreciates fine wines. He encompasses about 3 or 4 different 'masculine' archetypes, he he does it incredibly well.

18:00 I'm betting Bill used a forklift from the Home Depot he looted to stack those cars. Some of the forklifts they have for unloading trucks are quite huge. Would treat a car like "this is too easy, how about you give me a challenge?" 20:10-20:15 One thing that should be obvious is that Bill wouldn't die in 2013. Tess and Joel were still referring to their place as "Bill and Frank's" and Tess told Joel to get Ellie to there, "They'll take her off your hands" When Joel said they wouldn't she said "You'll convince them" Because I'm pretty sure they would have heard in the 10 years after, if Bill had died.

the song On the Nature of Daylight. hits me right in the heartstrings

Love your reactions , great combination of empathy , emotions , intelligence and historical knowledge .

You are a woman of heart and mind .

It's prolly already been said, but a really cool detail is the reason Joel didn't open Frank and Bill's bedroom door. It wasn't because they locked it, it's because Bill left the window open. So you see the door start to budge then the pressure of the house shifts and the front door closes. It pushed against Joel and closed, because Bill left it open to prevent "the smell." Air pressure is wild. Read into it what you want, but there was a physical (science) reason why Joel didn't just easily open the door before he read the letter. It's just really fucking cool story work. Joel knew what he was walking into as soon as he noticed the state of things, and when the door pushed against him he accepted it. It's a beautiful scene. Basically - it was (like was mentioned in the note) Bill's way of saving Joel from seeing them. He was a prepper and "survivalist" but the neat thing is Joel recognized it. As soon as the door gave way then pushed back with the front door closing Joel understood and stopped. What a fantastic scene. In the end you can take it a few ways but Bill and Frank get to rest undisturbed a little longer. Whether that was protecting them, protecting Joel or trusting Joel to understand it.

It bugs me in hollywood movies every time there's a GSW (gunshot wound) the first thing they try to do is remove the bullet. I guess it's more dramatic to extract the bullet. lol The reality is you actually don't have to take the bullet out. Sometimes trying take the bullet out actually does more damage. The main thing is repairing the damage the bullet has done to the blood vessels, organ systems, ect and preventing infection. The body will usually will use scar tissue to surround the bullet and isolate it from the rest of the body. I work as a vet tech and I can't tell you how many times I've seen BB pellets and one time I think it was a 9 mm bullet when we xray stray dogs from rescues. It's not every time that we see that in xrays but it does happen. Great video btw.

it's a really well done episode. the amazing incredible thing is that they can create a relationship that we care about in SUCH a brief amount of time. just a few vignettes really. and yet, because of the performances and the writing, it gets you there, right? really really well done. also really makes me want to buy a gun. or two....

Some of the best acting I have seen in years, period.

this episode is still my favorite even after finishing the 1rst season. it hurts so much because Bill fully intended to die for Frank, and in the end he did. it wasn't even hard for him to make that decision. his near-death situation was when i noticed just how quickly he was able to choose. he was out in an open area during a shoot-out to get the best possible view, and when he got shot he instantly started listing off instructions. he made a list. the games didn't have that much story on them, and i'm so glad they decided to have side plots for the characters 😭we only really ever saw people in the game when they interacted with Joel... i guess its because 40min of cutscenes would not make engaging gameplay 💀

Discovered your channel with this episode! You just got yourself a new subscriber!

That they chose Linda Ronstadt who herself is fighting a neurodegenerative disease not sure if it's ALS. When Frank played he used the music and then when Bill played he out it in a different key that suited him by heart. So touching

A work of art. You nailed it ❤

How many people answered, "yes" when Frank asked Bill if he loved Frank? I did. 🥰

I watched this scene and reactions many times but only now I realized how sort of careless our prepper or survivalist was: He prepared for a lot. Had his own armory. But no ballistic vest? Even later, when raiders showed up? Woops. But other than that potential oversight, man, what a show!

This is definitely on my mt Rushmore of TV episodes.

First! I’m so excited to watch this masterpiece with you. One of the finest episodes of television ever made. Ever.

The part when the front door closes at bill and franks when Joao and Ellie find the letter.. it’s because the window was open in the room and Joel cracks the door.. he doesn’t open the bedroom door only cracks it open and that changes the pressure in the house because of the opened window

Totally unexpected, made me tear-up too - was it a tragic love story, or... a love story? "Sic Gloria Transit Mundi" - thus passes the glory of the world, but all we can hope for in life is love, for a long, long time...

I think that this show, and this episode will win Emmys this year.

One subtlety during the raider attack scene, since Tess and Joel in episodes 1 and 2 talk about Bill and Frank due to the timeline 10 years later, we know Bill has a future of some sort after that attack.

think back to ep 1, all the food they almost ate. pancakes, birthday cake, biscuits, chocolate chip cookies instead of the flour-free oatmeal raisin ones her neighbor did make. they dodged infection again & again.

Joel mentioned pancake mix and the day of the outbreak which was also the day Sarah died. He probably was thinking how she would have been alive if not for that soldier, especially since he's telling Ellie about what happened with the soldiers and civilians after the outbreak and when the QZs were full

Single greatest episode of television in a decade. I wept like a child when I watched it for the first time and I cry whenever I rewatch it or watch people react to it. "You'll crush all of these up. Put it in my wine. I will drink it. Then you'll take me by my hand, bring me to our bed. Then I will fall asleep in your arms." Bills tears after kills me every time. "I'm old. I'm satisfied, and you. Were my purpose." Such a fantastic line. I can't listen to Long Long Time by Linda Ronstadt w/out tearing up anymore.

im glad im not alone in thinking that this is the best episode of television that i have ever watched

This episode of heartbreaking love and bittersweet loss. In my opinion it was one of the best qpisodes of TV I had ever seen. To this day I still can't listen to "Long Long Time"

I had one whole year of a relationship like that over 30 years ago These two are by far the luckiest people in this entire series 🙏

Truly one of thee greatest episodes of TV ever to air.

Since I haven't seen it mentioned, my favorite bit is how it subtlety tells how Joel and his family avoided being infected retroactively. In the first episode they dodge every instance of having something with flour in it. (i.e. Not having pancakes, cake, cookies, etc.)

Cant wait for the rest of the series. 😁

I’ll just make this statement: this was the best hour in the history of filmmaking. Movies, television, and anything else doesn’t come close to the beauty of this episode. Bill and Frank’s story just hits every possible emotion. It’s heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny, sad, and most importantly hopeful. It shows how even in the worst of times and situations, some people will make the best of it and find happiness. The best part is their story hits you so hard regardless of if you’re gay or straight. It beautifully illustrates true love between two people and anyone who’s ever been in love can relate to this story. In my opinion, I don’t think the story would have been so powerful if it had been a straight couple. I don’t know why, but I just don’t think it would have been so perfect. Also, I don’t think it would have hit so hard with any actor other than Nick Offerman. Not only was his performance one of the best in recent memory, seeing his tough and stoic personality completely change into a loving and compassionate one was an amazing character arc, and one that I’ve never seen done so perfectly in 30 minutes. Overall, anyone who can watch this episode without tearing up due to all of the powerful emotions it evokes has to be dead inside. The only bad thing about this episode is that it shows how great television and movies can be. If studios would put more thought into what they produce instead of just pumping out franchise sequels, we could really see some amazing content. The talent is out there, it’s just that the money isn’t. If a studio would spend $250 million on 10 new projects instead of producing The Fast & The Furious 17, they would end up making more money and viewers would actually get to see compelling stories. Hopefully the praise and awards this episode earned will encourage some producers to take a chance on telling a good story instead of pumping out CGI garbage that’s just made to sell action figures to little kids.

Loved your reactions, keep 'em coming ❤

FFS... I thought I'd seen enough people react to this episode by now that I wouldn't tear up again... 😢

Btw, it didnt occur to me until now that the 80’s music code for trouble was related to bill and frank

SUCH a good episode.

Glad you enjoyed your good cry. No spoilers but fans of the game have made "tv style" episodes of the cutscenes on YT for you to compare the show to the game. They take about 6 hours.

This is the one I've been waiting for. I'm getting popcorn.

I definitely would watch your playthrough game videos of "The last of us 1 & 2" 👍 ❤ 🎮 📹

everyone in New England laughed at 10 miles west of Boston being the rocky mountains. In reality they would be behind a Star Market

Man. Bill and Frank what a beautiful damn story

Still not have recovered from this episode, and its been weeks. Masterful filmmaking.

This episode was amazing. Super sad and heartbreaking but really well done.

Was watching the Flagrant podcast and they didn't even make fun of this that shows how amazing this episode is. He pointed out they look like Jordan Peterson and Zach Galifainakis tho and I loved that.😂 Seriously though one of the best episodes in TV history. 11/10 🔥

Absolutely incredible. Loved it. I can't believe this was a video game. Did it have this much depth and amazing storytelling as this?

The episode 3 is so beautiful. Good show to begin with, it's a piece of art. Never played the games, if that matters.

Finally someone else who picked up on Chains Of Love by Erasure on playing on Bill's Computer.

really loving your reactions! Also would totally watch you watch the game if you do any kind of content like that!

15:15 - You sound like Jennifer Coolidge right here

BTW: the episode this was dedicated to, Annie Wersching, who was the actress who did the mo-cap and voice of Tess for the game. And she did an amazing Job. she made Tess a complete badass!!! oh the red shirt Ellie is wearing at the end of the episode is her iconic shirt.

The writers ability to make us care so deeply about a character, even in a single episode, is really incredible. It was just so so good... and your reaction as well! Can't wait for the rest of the season!

They definitely won the apocalypse. The lived a life that was more simple and beautiful than most live today.

You are not going to make it to the end of the season without being emotionally destroyed, it only gets more heartwrenching from here

12 minutes not first but I'm early❤😂 best episode yet!!!!

For everyone saying nick and Murray each need to win an award for this episodes were both nominated for an emmy for best guest actor but not only are thy going against each other they are also going against kaivon Woodard (Sam) and Lamar Johnson (Henry) from the show along with james Cromwell and Arian Moayed from succession so odds are tlou will win the award.

this is the best episode of tv i have ever seen

Lmao I love that you made that comment about their hair Ames - only a (former, I think you said?) hairdresser would have that thought 😂😂 as always, I love watching stuff with you 💜😁 hope you’re well!

Bar none one of the best pieces of acting ever done.

0:08 Was that a ad/sponsor for the beverage? If not, that was quality 👌🏻😂

is that Tart Cherry Kombucha Flavour? i love the cherry one :) this episode was beautiful i like how they portrait Bill and Frank

As a member of the LGBTQ community I am so grateful for this story. I hope it does immense good in this world.

Ames, as always, I love the reaction and this is a really good show. BTW, I agree that you should be a prepper. Just sayin! 😉

Posted 12 seconds ago, let's goooo

"Please tell me they are not going to romeo and juliet this thing..." Show: Yeah, about that... Edit: Its been about a month, since thats how long the music was set to wait without Bill resetting the timer, and the music came on just after Joel and them left Boston.

"But then can't they get it under control now?" I asked myself that very question too. But it's possible that there just aren't enough humans left to undertake such an operation. Plus that people have splintered off into different groups who are pretty much doing their own thing.

Ah yes, the famous Mortal Kombat line: "Come here!"

I know it's a bit late, but...he's gonna Romeo and Juliet this thing.

I don't think i've ever had that kind of wine but I would gladly join you for some.