It isn’t unusual for genre titles across mediums to inspire intense reactions from fans. Often, these fans weaponize their collective power to spread negativity about films or shows.Targeted harassment of this kind is commonly known asreview bombing, and this is exactly what we’re seeing unfold currently with the ongoing second season ofThe Last of Us. The video game adaptation is now in the final stretch of its sophomore season, which has drawn a horrendous response from a section of the audience. As a result, theshow’s audience score on aggregator platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes has been in free fall.
Initially in the 60s, the show’s audience score on RT dropped into the 50s, and then the 40s. It’snow on the verge of falling into the 30s.The Last of UsSeason 2’saudience score is currently teetering on the edge, at a “rotten” 40%. That being said, theseason’s official critics' score is exemplary, at a “certified fresh” 95%. The platform’s consensus reads, “Grabbing onto thorny moral questions with its bare hands,The Last of Us' second season is a challenging expansion that retains its predecessor’s superb performances and verisimilitude.” Andin his reviewfor Collider,Ross Bonaimecalled it “the best video game adaptation ever.”
The first season was similarly acclaimed, in addition to being largely embraced by audiences. It won a bunch of awards, and propelled starsPedro Pascal(Joel) andBella Ramsey(Ellie) to new heights. But, as expected, the trolling has been directed mainly at Ramsey. Just as it was with the source video game, a section of the audience has been critical of several plot developments revolving around Ellie and her personal life. Plus, Joel’s murder earlier in the season certainly didn’t placate them. A new barrage of negativity has since been directed at cast membersKaitlyn Dever(Abby) andIsabela Merced(Dina).
Measures Have Been Taken to Tackle Review Bombing
Review Bombers typically target minorities; sometimes, the negativity is fueled by an artist’s political leanings. For instance,Snow WhitestarRachel Zeglerwas blamedfor the film’s failure because of her pro-Palestine comments. Before that, the fourth season ofThe Boyswas review bombed for similar reasons.Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jediwas targeted by fans for its portrayal of Luke Skywalker. It remains one of the best-reviewed films of the iconic franchise. Following the harassment ofBrie Larson,Rotten Tomatoes took measures to prevent this sort of thing, but it doesn’t seem to have worked. No amount of online hate, however, can negate the fact thatThe Last of Usis one of the most acclaimed shows in recent times. You can watch new episodes on Sundays on HBO. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
The Last Of Us
After a global pandemic destroys civilization, a hardened survivor takes charge of a 14-year-old girl who may be humanity’s last hope.
