Recently as part of a Director Emmy Roundtable for THR, the helmers of some of the most acclaimed episodes of the past year of television sat down to discuss their work.
During the conversation it was revealed that none other than Steven Spielberg was so taken with the now famous third episode of HBO’s “The Last of Us” that he wrote a letter to showrunner/writer Craig Mazin espousing his praise.
The episode “Long, Long Time” takes a slight detour from the games as it explores the relationship between two men – survivalists Bill (Nick Offerman) and Frank (Murray Bartlett). Critics overwhelmingly considered the episode the season’s best with the writing, direction and both Offerman and Bartlett’s performances expected to be in serious awards contention.
Peter Hoar directed the episode in question as participated in the roundtable. He explains what happened:
“Well, I didn’t get it directly, but [an actual Spielberg letter] came to Craig Mazin, the writer of my episode on The Last of Us – the writer of all the episodes.
He shared it with myself, Nick Offerman, Murray Bartlett and [cinematographer] Eben Bolter. Basically, a whole group of middle-aged men started squealing because their idol had realized who they were.
I think he probably knew who everyone else was, but he didn’t know who I was. And now he’s probably forgotten.
The roundtable’s various directors went on to also espouse praise for the episode, “Succession” helmer Mark Mylod saying: “it’s the most extraordinary tonal switch in a series that I think I’ve ever seen in my life, Peter. I remember watching with the rest of the country, just jaw on the floor.” Another called it “one of the most moving things I’d seen in my entire life.”
“The Last of Us” is now available to stream in full on Max, is available to purchase on VOD and will be coming to 4K UHD disc next month.
