David and Christian reflect on a memorable season of post-apocalyptic television. 

This episode is brought to you by Nissan - EVs that electrify. Thanks for a great season of TV recapping! We’ll be recapping Succession next so stay tuned for more episodes of the podcast. In this Decoding TV bonus episode about The Last Of Us, David and Christian discuss topics such as:<ul><li>Listener/viewer reactions to the season</li><li>The realism of the season finale</li><li>The philosophical questions in the discourse</li><li>What we think season 2 of the show might look like (spoilers are clearly marked)</li><li>And much more!</li></ul> Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us Season 1 Post-Mortem

Joel and Ellie's journey comes to an explosive conclusion, for now.

This episode is brought to you by Nissan - EVs that electrify. Thank you for listening this season! We’ve loved making this podcast for you. We’ll be doing one additional bonus episode next week responding to feedback and other thoughts on season 1 so please stay tuned. In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 9 of The Last Of Us, “Look for the Light.” Joel and Ellie wrap up their journey for the season. But how well does this ending work? Do we think Kiss Kiss Bang Bang could’ve prevented the tragedy that takes place in this episode? And at the end of the day, what do we think this show is trying to say about love and grief? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more! Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E09 - Look for the Light

A thrilling episode amps up the violence and the horror.

This episode is brought to you by Nissan - EVs that electrify. In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 8 of&nbsp;The Last Of Us, “When We Are In Need.”A new character illustrates a different element of the post-apocalypse. But how believable is the character of David? What do we make of Joel’s turn this episode? And how amazing is Bella Ramsay in this episode? (Spoiler: Extremely!). We discuss all this and more on this week’s episode. Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E08 - When We Are In Need

A contemplative episode teaches us about how Ellie became who she is. 

This episode is brought to you by Nissan - EVs that electrify. In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 7 of The Last Of Us, “Left Behind.” A detour takes us away from the main timeline of the series. How well does it work in at this point in the story? How does it compare to the game? What does it teach us about Ellie’s life and her relationship to others? And what is this show trying to say about FEDRA anyways? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more. Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E07 - Left Behind

“Be careful who you put your faith in. The only people who can betray us are the ones we trust.”

Thanks to our sponsors for this episode:<ul><li>Nissan - EVs that electrify</li><li>The McDonald's app - Download the McDonald's app today</li></ul> In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 6 of The Last Of Us, “Kin.” Joel and Ellie reunite with someone familiar in unexpected circumstances. What is the source of friction between the characters? How will Joel deal with the possibility of getting out of his commitment to Tess? And is Joel going to make it out of this situation alive? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more! Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E06 - Kin

Joel and Ellie's journey through Kansas City continues.

Thanks to our sponsors for this episode:<ul><li>Nissan - EVs that electrify</li><li>The McDonald's app - Download the McDonald's app today</li></ul> In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 5 of HBO’s&nbsp;The Last Of Us, ‘Endure and Survive’ This episode finishes off a two-episode arc as we continue to follow the stories of Kathleen, Henry, and Sam. How good was Henry’s escape plan, exactly? Is Kathleen a compelling character? What does this episode’s script do well (and not)? And what does this show have in common with&nbsp;World War Z?&nbsp;Listen to hear us discuss all this and more! Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E05 - Endure and Survive

A transitional episode sets the table for upcoming confrontations. 

Thanks to our sponsors for this episode:<ul><li>Nissan - EVs that electrify</li><li>The McDonald's app - Download the McDonald's app today</li></ul> In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 4 of HBO’s The Last Of Us, ‘Please Hold To My Hand.’This episode captures the bombed out countryside of the U.S. as Joel and Ellie continue their journey. How well does the episode bring this post-apocalyptic country to life? How effectively does it capture the set pieces from the game? Where is Joel and Ellie’s relationship at this point? And what’s up with these new characters that are introduced? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more! Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E04 - Please Hold To My Hand

Love will abide in this stunning episode of 'The Last Of Us.'

This episode of Decoding TV is brought to you by our sponsors:<ul><li>Nissan - EVs, that electrify</li><li>The McDonald's app. There's always a reason to order in the app.</li></ul> ﻿In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 3 of HBO’s The Last Of Us. Every single episode of this show has been better than the last. Has the show finally peaked? We don’t know but either way, this was a tremendous episode of television. How effectively did the show depict the relationship between Bill and Frank? Is this show’s vision of the American government a realistic one? And what was up with that weird scene between Ellie and that dude in the basement? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last of Us S1E03 - Long Long Time

A riveting episode takes us through modern hellscape that is Boston, Massachusetts

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Christian Spicer discuss season 1 episode 2 of HBO’s The Last Of Us. What do Christian and David thinks of these flashback cold opens (a TV show invention)? How does Tess and Joel’s relationship reveal itself through the course of the episode? What do we learn about this specific post-apocalyptic universe this time around? And how about that ending? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more! Links:<ul><li>Email us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com</li><li><a href="http://instagram.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Instagram</a></li><li><a href="http://tiktok.com/@decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Follow this podcast on Tiktok</a></li><li><a href="http://youtube.com/decodingtv" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to this podcast on YouTube</a></li><li><a href="https://tinyletter.com/christianspicer" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to Christian Spicer’s newsletter, Let’s Chat Games</a></li><li><a href="https://dlc.fireside.fm/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Check out Christian Spicer’s videogame podcast, DLC</a></li><li><a href="http://www.decodingeverything.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Subscribe to David’s newsletter, Decoding Everything</a></li></ul>

The Last Of Us S1E02 - Infected

Analyzing the latest and greatest in TV

CURRENTLY COVERING: The White Lotus, Andor. In Decoding TV, David Chen (@davechensky) is joined by critics and friends like Roxana Hadadi (@roxana_hadadi), Patrick Willems (@patrickhwillems), Siddhant Adlakha (@siddhantadlakha) and Don Marshall (@donmarshall72) to discuss and analyze the most exciting shows on television.

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