I just finished Last of Us from HBO.  I never played the video game so I can't comment on its accuracy, etc.  Although reading commentary people seem to like the accuracy, but also the freedom that the writers took to dive deeper in to some areas.

Overall I thought the writing was solid, the acting was really good, the characterization was excellent, and the story arcs all made sense.  It wasn't the best thing I've ever seen, but it was solidly entertaining.  My understanding is that there is a season 2 planned too although there really wasn't a cliffhanger so I'm not clear on an overall plot, although I guess there was a part 2 of the video game that the plot is going to follow. 

I know some people seem to fall on both sides of the fence with the characterization of GLBT people in movies, and it sounds like that was the case with Last of Us as well.  I read both gripes and accolades on Last of Us around this.  I for one thought the characterization of GLBT relationships was solid and didn't feel forced.

Their take on "zombies" was also pretty cool and different.  There was a head scratcher in there, but for the most part it was entertaining.

Solid episode.  I got a little worried when the first part of the episode had pod racing involved, but was glad it was just a setup and not part of the plot.

I'm too am hoping somehow Bo Katan and Din can work together regardless of who is holding the Darksaber.  I don't care about a love connection, just an ass kicking connection.

Its interesting to note that everyone calls him "Mando", but when he interacts with other Mandalorians he is Din.

Opened this set up today and while I'm happy to have it, I must say I'm disappointed that Hasbro didn't make alternate hands for some of the band members like they did for the Black Series version... especially for holding the bandfill, playing the ommni box, or drums. 

Just got mine but haven't cracked it open.

That is disappointing to hear that there aren't different hands.  That seems like it would have been a really easy/cheap thing to do for what we paid for this.

Quote from: Dave on March  1, 2023, 09:46 PM

I think they had the BoBF crew helping on the first episode.  A whole bunch of random.

I look at it as a whole lot of set-up.  Those pirates are going to be a problem and we got a look at most of the major players.

Yeah, I just wish the writing would be better.  Greef/Mando and the pirates get in a duel over having a drink in a school???  There could have been a better way to create some conflict with the pirates.  Maybe a new or old bounty that Mando had to track down.  I'm surprised the surviving pirate didn't take off in a Skittles colored speeder bike.   

And maybe its just me, but the giant monster battles (giant gator) just seem silly and really didn't have anything to do with the overall story.  Mando already knew he had to redeem himself in the pools below the mines so I'm not sure why he had to go back and have The Armorer tell him that again.  He went to the space station covert (in BoBF?) and got this info.  If they needed to refresh people's memory there could have been a much simpler way of doing this.  I guess maybe he is going to enlist this covert later for help, but again I'm not sure there needed to be a giant gator battle.  Eh, maybe I'm the only one that thinks these monster battles are a little silly (giant gator, Krayt dragon, BoBf sand best). 

I did like the space whales that Grogu spotted while in hyperspace.  That was a nice call back.  Hopefully these come back around in the Ahsoka live action show if they end up on a quest to find Ezra.

I know Andor is a high bar and aimed at adults, but there wasn't much unnecessary stuff in that show.  Each scene added to the whole without serious tangents that left you scratching your head.  I'm hoping The Mandalorian can still be kid oriented and fun, but without some of the nonsense we saw in BoBF.

I got my Artillery Stormtrooper and Cal Kestis from Amazon yesterday.  Both look pretty sweet.  When Hasbro decides to do a new(ish) figure they do it well. 

I think they had the BoBF crew helping on the first episode.  A whole bunch of random.

Yakface posted a new Amazon exclusive NED-B and Purge Trooper 2-pack of carbonized figures for $75 (which is more than these figures went for individually).

The comments are pretty negative about this.  Ranging from these figures not even interacting, to the price, to the endless repaints.  The comments mention someone on the Hasbro SW team getting the boot last month too.  Not sure who that was, but beyond Chris I think they need some new blood on that team.