Heres Why The Infected Scene In Episode 5 Of TLOU Works So Well

Here’s why the infected scene in episode 5 of TLOU works so well…

Buildup: As of episode five in the series, we’ve seen infected multiple times already, and every appearance has built up this “threat-level” of them. In the first two episodes we see both the larger scale of the infected and how scary they can be in hordes (like the driving scene and the capitol building, as well as the absolutely brilliant overlook scene), but also how threatening they can be solo (Joel and Sarah in the diner and the museum scene)… also in episode three we get Bill’s little “ehehe” from an infected death which is just as if not far more important as well.

By the time we see the infected come running out of the crater, the writers have already intentionally and precisely given us the knowledge of just how scary the infected can be.

That’s also why I’m glad they only did this type of massive battle once in the series, because once they did it, it becomes impossible to recapture that buildup and almost “unleashing” of the infected, of seeing just how scary they are.

The buildup also includes the more typical rising tension of the episode (which was, like everything else in the show, done absolutely fantastically), and the foreshadowing of the infected by both Kathleen and Henry.

Scale: The infected scene in episode 5 is by far the biggest in scale action sequence of the show. The huge amounts of infected pouring out of the rubble and the massive Bloater, as well as how many people are involved, the fighting in the background, it makes the whole battle feel huge. It leaves you in this sense of almost “awe” that so many great action sequences have.

Horror: In the sequence there are horror elements added in to make it feel scarier (complementing both of the points above). Obviously zombies are already horror-esque, but that’s not what I mean.

I feel like the best example of horror elements being incorporated into the fight is the part where Ellie is in the car. Enclosed spaces are a horror staple. Ellie being trapped in the enclosed space with an infected, and later Henry and Sam trapped under the car, transition this battle beautifully into tension-filled smaller scale sections in this massive battle, with parts so pinprick focused on the people we care most about, and how bloodthirsty and terrifying these monsters are.

We also see it in Kathleen’s shocking and gruesome death, and the power of the bloater, almost reminiscent of the predator or other near-unstoppable horror forces.

Cinematography: The lighting in the battle is so good, with the fire and darkness adding to this scary effect of the battle, as well as this extra layer of dynamism and contrast.

Also, I’m always a sucker for background fight, following characters as they navigate through violence. The way this sequence does it is also incredibly well done, with the background ever-shifting and changing, with the focus of the shot being on someone actively trying to avoid the fight and get past this living mass of gore.

The handheld style of TLOU is something I can write essays about (and I will! Post about cinematography coming soon lol) but in this sequence it makes you feel like you’re on the ground with the characters as the battle rages around you.

Monster Design: This one is self-explanatory, I’d say. The clickers, and the Bloater, my goodness the Bloater, look so incredibly good. And the way that they created this almost alien thing overtaking regular peoples bodies and turning them into monsters is incredibly amazing, and the practical effects make it look so real and detailed (they had the makeup guy who did the Night King and Vecna)

Emotional Resonance: This one’s pretty simple. The battle makes you feel things. Not just fear for the characters, though there’s definitely a lot of that, but also showcasing Joel and Ellie’s growing bond, with Ellie trusting Joel to have her back and Joel desperately trying to protect her.

It was absolutely magnificent, and an absolute feat of filmmaking.

i love you im glad you exist im so happy you’re alive

@adhdprincess here! I have a headcwnon ask:

How do you think the Jackson community deals with troublemakers/lawbreakers? Do you think they give second chances? Do you think they have executions? Exiles?

Hmmmmm, that’s an interesting one.

I think they’re very particular with who they let into Jackson (and the only reason Joel and Ellie got in was because of Tommy), so they try not to let anyone in who has the potential to really fuck things up.

But sometimes things happen, and I think that the leaders of Jackson have a very in-depth conversation about what the perpetrator deserves.

Things like thievery are taken very seriously, since the state of resources in Jackson are so fragile. If someone steals food or other important resources, they’re probably given a very stern talking to (VERY stern) and forced to do community services and maybe lose some privileges that they have to earn back.

I don’t think they deal with more serious crimes much because of how exclusive Jackson is, but it’s probably happened once or twice.

We know Jackson isn’t above killing people, but the people there don’t really seem to be living in fear or oppression. My bet is that if someone does something really bad, the perpetrator gets ridden out into deep into the forest, maybe to some large gorge or river, and killed. They don’t make a big deal out of it, it’s just sorta “one day they’re there, the next day they’re gone.”

REBLOG if you have amazing, talented WRITER friends.

Because I certainly do, and I love every single one of them and their work.

Such a good analysis! I absolutely agree!

I think it's really important that they didn't parallel Joel and Ellie's violent scenes in episode 8. Joel is still shown as a protector, he killed and tortured (morally ambiguous) men for Ellie, to find out where she was and he didn't care how he had to get that information, he was willing to do what needed to be done without remorse.

Ellie on the other hand, killed David (and that other guy) to protect herself. She killed him after he kidnapped her, kept her in a cage, tried to kill her, and worst of all he tried to do the one thing that all girls are taught to fear about men from a far too young age. He tried to dehumanise and violate her in the most horrific way, so when she killed him it was more than to just protect herself and get away, if that were the case she would have stopped far sooner. All the extra stabs show the anger and fear she felt being let out, it symbolises her forcibly taking back the control and power he took from her.

Joel killed for Ellie but she didn't parallel it by killing to get to him, she killed for herself. Joel's kills were kind of unnecessary, where as Ellie's were the only way to win, Joel already had the upper hand on those men but Ellie had to kick, scream, claw, and fight however she could to take it from David.