Featured Image Credit: HBO/Naughty Dog
Topics: TV And Film, The Last Of Us
HBO’s The Last of Us kiss in the seventh episode of 'Left Behind' was censored in some regions of the world.
As the name of this episode suggests, it was inspired directly by The Last of Us DLC, Left Behind. In fact, it was probably the most faithfully adapted episode from its video game yet.
In case you didn't know and without wondering too much into spoiler territory, Left Behind tells the story of Ellie’s life prior to meeting Joel. Brought up in the QZ, Ellie had little idea of what life was like beyond the quarantine walls.
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However, Ellie's best friend Riley gives her best day ever and ensures it’s one to remember. What’s more, we also learn how Ellie got her bite as well as sharing a special moment with her bestie. Ellie (Bella Ramsey) and Riley (Storm Reid) share a kiss.
In the Left Behind DLC, it was a wonderful moment and no doubt brought many a tear to an eye. Unfortunately, not everyone got to see this moment in the HBO adaptation.
Per an article from GameSpot, Ellie and Riley’s kiss was cut from HBO’s streaming partner OSN+ in the MENA (Middle East/North Africa) region. GameSpot also reports that OSN+ previously came under fire for cutting out same-sex romance in House of the Dragon and How to Get Away with Murder.
However, episode three “Long Long Time” which had a heavy focus on the relationship between Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett) was not edited by OSN+. Twitter users shared clips of the scene in question from 'Left Behind,' one edited and another untouched.
In the most recent episode of The Last of Us HBO recap series “Inside the Episode,” Naughty Dog chief and series co-producer Neil Druckmann described that moment as Ellie getting “to experience first love” and her “first kiss.”
Despite some accusing the episode of being a filler, fans of the video game will know how important this is to the backstory of Ellie. Sadly, however, that hadn't stopped the episode from being review-bombed from disgruntled viewers.