TLDR;
This video discusses Bella Ramsay's recent comments telling disgruntled fans of "The Last of Us" that they "don't have to watch" the show, specifically season 3. The video analyzes the potential consequences of such a statement, especially in light of declining viewership and fan division following season 2's controversial story choices. It also touches upon the broader trend of showrunners and actors dismissing criticism rather than engaging with fans, and the historical examples of how alienating audiences can negatively impact a franchise.
- Bella Ramsay told "The Last of Us" fans who are complaining that they don't have to watch season 3.
- The video analyzes the potential consequences of such a statement, especially in light of declining viewership and fan division following season 2's controversial story choices.
- The video touches upon the broader trend of showrunners and actors dismissing criticism rather than engaging with fans.
Bella Ramsay's Controversial Statement [0:00]
Bella Ramsay, the actress playing Ellie in HBO's "The Last of Us," has stirred controversy by telling dissatisfied fans that they don't have to watch the show, particularly season 3. This statement comes after a divisive second season that saw viewership drop and fan backlash over story direction, including the killing of Joel. Ramsay's comment was made on a podcast, where she responded to criticism by suggesting that if viewers hate the show so much, they can simply replay the game instead.
Analyzing the Impact of Dismissing Fans [1:44]
The video questions the wisdom of Ramsay's approach, comparing it to similar situations where celebrities or creators have told fans not to watch if they don't like the product, often with negative consequences. The speaker suggests that a more diplomatic approach, such as acknowledging the controversial decisions and expressing hope that viewers will still give the show a chance, would be more effective in maintaining a positive relationship with the audience. The speaker also notes that Ramsay, at 21 years old, may face harsher criticism than younger actors.
The Trend of Dismissing Criticism [4:53]
Ramsay admitted to avoiding online chatter about the show, acknowledging that nothing could be changed about season 2 after it aired. This reflects a broader trend of showrunners and actors dismissing criticism rather than engaging with fans. The speaker suggests that actors sometimes take roles without fully understanding the potential controversies or fan expectations, prioritizing the job over potential backlash. In today's climate, especially with the influence of "Woke," it's crucial to understand the fandom and character to avoid alienating the audience.
The Showrunners' Choices and Potential Consequences [6:28]
The showrunners of "The Last of Us" chose to largely follow the game's storyline for season 2, which itself divided fans. While they made some cool additions, such as the fort attack scene with the dogs, they could have made more significant changes to retain viewers. The speaker suggests that saving Joel's death for the end of the show would have been a smarter move to keep people watching. Showrunner Craig Mason has expressed that pleasing social media was never part of the plan, but the video argues that franchises depend on audience engagement and that alienating fans can have long-term reputational damage.
Historical Examples and the Future of "The Last of Us" [7:54]
Hollywood history is full of examples where creatives telling fans not to watch has backfired, citing Brie Larson's Captain Marvel press tour and Ryan Johnson's The Last Jedi commentary as examples. In the streaming era, where attention is scarce, suggesting fans walk away is the opposite of what a struggling franchise needs. With season 3 looming, the speaker predicts it will perform poorly due to the divisive nature of season 2 and the negative impact of Ramsay's comments.