The latest episode of HBO’s The Last of Us, titled “Endure and Survive,” continues to captivate audiences with its heart-wrenching storyline. The episode follows the journey of two brothers, Henry (played by Lamar Johnson) and Sam (played by Keivonn Woodard), as they try to escape from a quarantine zone run by a ruthless leader. Along the way, they team up with Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) to better ensure their safety as they navigate through the dangerous world filled with infected.
What sets this episode apart is the inclusion of Sam as a deaf character, adding a layer of depth and beauty to the already poignant story. The creators of the show, Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann, cast Keivonn Woodard, a deaf child actor, to play Sam, and incorporated American Sign Language between the two brothers to highlight the power of communication beyond the auditory.
In an interview with Deadline, Lamar Johnson and Keivonn Woodard discussed their experience bringing their brotherly bond to life, their inspirations, and the intense filming of the final scene. Johnson was thrilled about the inclusivity of having a deaf child actor on the show, and the two actors bonded over their shared commitment to their roles.
The finale of the episode is a heart-wrenching scene where Henry must make the devastating choice to kill his brother and then himself. Both Johnson and Woodard spoke about how they approached this emotional scene, with Johnson striving to be present and authentic in his performance, and Woodard feeling sad about the outcome.
HBO’s The Last of Us continues to be a critical success, and the latest episode is a testament to the talent of the actors and the powerful storytelling of the show. The series airs every Sunday on HBO.
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