And I Feel Fine

Given our current geopolitical shitstorm (we, non-MAGA America, are really sorry about all this – sincerely), I’m kind of relieved we get to relax and enjoy the end of the world for a change. “The Last of Us” returns after two years away to a very different world, both on screen and in real life. Because I read spoilers about the videogame years ago, I know we are in for an intense and intensely sad season. But because I read those spoilers years ago, I don’t remember any of the specifics. Well, other than I remember Abby’s arms.

I know there has been some rumblings about Kaitlyn Dever not looking the part of Abby. But I know that woman can flat-out act, so I’m not that worried about the size of her biceps. We can’t all be Katy O’Brian.

I’m more pleased they chose Ellie and Dina’s relationship for slavish recreation. I hope Bella Ramsey and Isabela Merced share as much chemistry as they do likeness – and taste in clothes – to their video game counterparts.

Also sneaking a kiss into the trailer? Yeah, they’re trying to make it up to us queer ladies for killing Melanie Lynskey in the first season. (It’s been more than two years, that’s not a spoiler…)

So, who’s ready for a nice, calming apocalypse?

Dancing Into an Apocalypse

Are you ready for the end of the world? No, not whatever is going to happen in approximately 10 days in Washington D.C. I mean the end of the damn world, with mushroom zombies and armed lesbians. “The Last of Us” is back and amid to bring us more death and and decay, both physically and morally. If you’ve played the game, or read the spoilers like me, you will know the aftermath of Joel’s actions to save Ellie at the end of Season 1 will drive much of the story in Season 2. We also get clearer looks at Kaitlyn Dever as Abby, who you’d better believe is coming for Joel’s ass, and Isabela Merced, who plays Dina Ellie’s new love interest and slow dance partner. Something tells me we’d better hold onto every last moment of warm, sapphic happiness because the rest of the trailer. Yeah, the end of the world isn’t for everyone.

Return to the End of the World

Holy, and I mean this sincerely, shit. Like, holy shit does the second season trailer for “The Last of Us” look good. Like holy shit, should I be feeling weepy about a trailer? Now, I haven’t played the video game. But I have a general sense of the emotional shitstorm that’s coming in the new season. And, of course, the sapphic relationship that made me pay any attention to a video game in the first place. This show is, to put it succinctly, scary as hell. But it’s also filled with so much quiet pathos, which is a hard duality to pull off. And, I am biased, but I love that a queer character (and actor) is at the heart of this show that has become a bit of a cultural phenomena. And it’s definitely not subtext or wishful gay thinking. It’s just a queer girl (played by a nonbinary actor) fighting to stay alive at the end of the world. I mean, holy shit, how cool is that?

Also, I was not expecting Moira Rose to pop up. But now I’m pretty sure I’d tell her each and every last one of my deep, dark secrets. And it’s reassuring to know that even during an apocalypse, playing acoustic guitar for a girl you like totally and completely works. (Well, for lesbians. Men are still advised to stop playing “Push” aggressively at women, per the Barbie rules.)

So, thoughts? As a non-gamer, I’m not sure what the exact dynamic will be between Bella Ramsey’s Ellie and Kaitlyn Dever’s Abby – but I’m guessing it’s not good. So that will be quite something to watch Bella and Kaitlyn square off (again, if they do – no spoilers). Also, are we already a little swoony about Isabela Merced as Dina? Because the way she looks at Ellie with that guitar, well, heart eyes is an understatement. Finding gay love in a desperate, mushroom apocalypse place? Holy shit, I can’t wait.

Love & Other Apocalypses

Hey, remember getting the bejesus scared out of you by “The Last of Us?” And remember how it’s coming back for Season 2, a.k.a. When Shit Gets Really Gay? The first footage and images of Bella Ramsey as Ellie and Isabela Merced as her girlfriend Dina have emerged as the second season continues production. Hello, thigh holsters! You gotta give the makeup and props department props for how well they’ve recreated the videogame. Granted, I never played the game but from my untrained (but highly gay) eyes that looks great and super gay.

So, there’s at least something to look forward to as we trudge through our own hellscape. There may be an apocalypse, but there is also gay love. And we haven't really seen Kaitlyn Dever as Abby yet either. So bring on the murder mushrooms again. Time to strap one one and get ready for the second season.

The Newest Last Leads

Because of the weird annual sputter restart that is the New Year (see: Dreaded January Doldrums above), I’m a little behind with this news. But that makes it no less exciting. “The Last of Us” has cast two key female stars for its much anticipated (and much anxiety making, man that show is stressful), second season, Namely, they’ve cast Abby, who if you played the game know is a key protagonist (though, um, antagonist for Joel) in the “The Last of Us: Part II.” And they’ve cast Dina (a.k.a. Ellie’s girlfriend on TLOU: II). The series has named Kaitlyn Dever (from “Book Smart” and “Unbelievable”) as Abby and Isabela Merced (from “Let it Snow,” but one of the straight storylines) as Dina.

Having not played the video games, and while trying to maintain relative unspoiled status for what will happen in the second season, I don’t have a ton of insight into these casting choices other than to say I think they’re both good. Kaitlyn (who it always astounds me has also spent like ten seasons on “Last Man Standing”) is very talented and capable of convening the most complicated of emotions without words through just the vulnerability of her face. Yes, Kaitlyn might have to work on her guns a little. But I have every faith in her ability kick future ass. As for Isabela, well, to be extremely superficial she makes an extremely cute couple with Bella Ramsey. Get it, Ellie. So, any of you play the games? Thoughts on these castings?

My Weekend Trailer

We conclude trailer week with something entirely unexpected. I’d never heard of “Booksmart” before it debuted this week at SXSW. It’s the story of two high school best friends vowing to have a little fun before they head off to college. It’s also the directorial debut of Olivia Wilde. Yes, that Olivia Wilde. And it stars actresses Kaitlyn Dever as Amy and Beanie Feldstein as Molly (you might remember her as the best friend in “Lady Bird”) as the aforementioned booksmart best friends. Amy, it appears, plays on Team Gay. And she’s gay enough to realize scissoring is not a thing. (Like, sure, you can do it – but there are so many better/easier/more satisfying ways to gay…) This film follows in the recent trend of young women claiming their sexuality and claiming their full agency. Movies like “Blockers” and shows like “Sex Education” have taken the raunchy teenage boy sex comedy genre and reframed it wonderful, empowering way. From the trailer, it looks like “Boosmart” fits delightfully in that new, refreshing tradition. Happy weekend, all.