Despite the impressive production value and high-quality performances from its cast, the show's lackluster writing and pacing fall short of expectations.

The character development is good but the dialogue is often clichéd and predictable. The main characters are not particularly likable. Some of the side characters are much more interesting (for example, episode 3).

The show's pacing is also a major issue, as it struggles to maintain momentum and suspense. This works sometimes to provide a break but the breaks are sometimes jarring. They can suddenly end and we're back in action as if the break didn't happen. The show would work better with more transition between the character and plot development.

Episode 4 really started going off the rails and the episodes were uneven after that.

The show's reliance on graphic violence and gore also feels gratuitous and excessive, lacking any real purpose or impact.

Overall, "The Last of Us" fails to provide a compelling and engaging narrative.