The Last of Us: Episode 8 Recap - A Haunting Display of Humanity's Dark Side

The eighth episode of The Last of Us on HBO takes us to a new level of horror and desperation, revealing humanity's ability to become barbaric. As Ellie faces a cannibalistic paedophile named David, played by Scott Shepherd, she uncovers previously unknown layers of herself in the face of the most disturbing chapter of the show. Ellie's brutal kill of David marks a crucial turning point in her character arc, revealing that she is not yet fully divorced from the humanity that David has left behind.

As Bella Ramsey and Pedro Pascal deliver a stunning performance, we see Joel and David's two sides of the same coin, operating at different ends of the moral spectrum. Despite being proxy fathers, they have different methods to protect those under their care. Joel, played by Pascal, shows a darker side to his character in this episode, as he crosses a moral line to keep Ellie safe. Meanwhile, Shepherd delivers a chilling performance that reflects the cult-like nature of the group he leads.

Although the episode is firmly ugly, it's beautifully shot with stunning camerawork and set design that evokes the harsh conditions of a world on the brink. The score is also sensational, particularly during Ellie's short-lived escape, which uses pulsating electronic beats to evoke the sci-fi surges of Blade Runner 2049's score.

In conclusion, The Last of Us Episode 8 is a haunting display of humanity's dark side. It's an hour of television that's hard to look away from, showcasing the depths of depravity that humanity is capable of when faced with the apocalypse.