The pilot was excellent. Introduced us to the main character Joel, where he came from, how the end of the world came to pass (very original idea), the motivation behind why Joel does what he does in every episode after, and it sets a great tone. The post-apocalyptic sets are top-notch. The main societal problem (outside of the epidemic) is not a new idea but it works for the most part. Some of the acting is superb, mostly from the guest stars (Nick Offerman is the best in my opinion), Pedro Pascal is good when he can keep his Texas accent, Bella Ramsey has one mode and doesn't do it all that well. Also, I love post-apocalyptic shows and movies, probably my most favorite genre.

Buuuuuuuuuut, the show went downhill for me after that. It was a slow decline until the episodes 7 and 8, then it fell off a cliff. Seriously, what the heck was up with episode 7? Man that was bizarre. Ellie's character is obnoxious with near zero redeemable qualities. She is constantly outwitting adults who have her dead to rights with the stupidest of escapes (sometimes killing multiple grown men without a gun in one sitting) that any person with half a brain could have prevented. Joel heals miraculously from a near deadly wound in seemingly minutes and turns into a stealthy assassin. Joel started out with a rooting resume but it has diminished with each episode. I mean what happened to creating likable characters? Heroes can have flaws but they must have redeemable qualities and values. Joel has lost most of his. Its so easy to see the heroes escape route or deus ex machine about to save them from a perilous situation. Because of that the suspension of disbelief goes right out the window.

All in all it's a shame. A shame the source material got this treatment. It had a lot of promise but like a lot of shows in the last 5 years they peter out within the first season or by season 2. Westworld and Raised By Wolves are two examples on HBO alone.