I don't know I don't want to be a fan boy and normally like to just read other people's writings on things. But I thought to contribute my two cents. It was surprisingly good, the first episodes especially hit hard. I had to amend this for the 3rd episode which for whatever reason hit harder to me.

But if you knew the story and premise you'd expect it from the first two. The second's ep, especiallly climax, had some missed opportunities for emotional engagement and felt lackluster for some reason. The 3rd although completely non-canonical apart from two characters being together with the same names and is totally different. I'm kind of astonished (as I had to research it due to not recalling that, but yeah those story's 2 diff themes I reckon)

I think I am a bit offput by casting. I do love diversity and inclusion so am all for pedro pascal as he killed it in narcos. But Bella Ramsey's Ellie seemed far grittier and not very resemblent of the canon character (whereas I pictured a younger Ellen Page for some reason). Maybe she'll grow on me. I'm stoked they have the game writer doing like active participation in the showrunning and process.

I mean almost to a fault it follows the games (albeit some much needed/appreciated backstory for explanation which the games lacked cause they're.. just games) but it'd be nice for original plot lines to be interwoven. But the first game had such a perfect story (except the end IMO, although I don't know what I would've preferred otherwise) so I look forward to seeing more of it!

First review! Thank you.