'The Last of Us' episode 8 stars original Joel actor Troy Baker in a decidedly non-Joel role
"When We Are in Need," the highly disturbing eighth episode of The Last of Us, continues the show's trend of casting actors from the game in the television series. Merle Dandridge plays Firefly leader Marlene in both the game and the show, while Jeffrey Pierce, who played Tommy Miller in the games, made an appearance in episodes 4 and 5 as Perry. Now, it's Troy Baker's turn.
Baker originated the role of Joel (played in the show by Pedro Pascal) in The Last of Us and The Last of Us Part II, introducing audiences to the gruff smuggler who slowly comes to care for Ellie (played in the game by Ashley Johnson and in the show by Bella Ramsey). However, his role in The Last of Us TV show couldn't be farther from the character he originated in the video games: While game fans may be used to seeing Baker protect Ellie, the show sees him on a mission to hunt her down.
Who does Troy Baker play in The Last of Us show?
Baker takes on the role of James, who is sinister preacher David's (Scott Shepherd) right-hand man in the survivor community of Silver Lake. As David's closest henchman, James is aware that the town has turned to cannibalism to survive — a secret that not everyone knows. He also accompanies David on a hunt for food, where they run into Ellie.
Knowing that Ellie is traveling with the man who killed one of Silver Lake's own, James is totally ready to kill her or leave her to fend for herself in the wilderness. When David points out that she would die if left alone, James responds, "Maybe that's God's will." Brutal.
Later, when James and the rest of David's men capture an unconscious Ellie, James prepares to shoot her. Luckily for us, David intervenes — although how "lucky" can we really say we are when a sicko like David is involved?
Ellie gets her chance at revenge later, when James and David try to butcher her. She turns the tables on them by killing James with a cleaver to the neck. Is it morbidly funny to see the show version of Ellie kill the game version of Joel? Somewhat. But Baker looks different enough from Joel that he sinks into the role of James with menacing ease.
If you want more Baker, you're in luck: He hosts HBO's The Last of Us podcast, where he speaks to the show's co-creators Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann about each episode and the changes the show makes from the game. Plus, if you love seeing The Last of Us game actors show up in the show, get ready for the finale, as original Ellie actor Ashley Johnson will be making an appearance.
The Last of Us is now streaming on HBO Max. New episodes air every Sunday at 9 p.m. ET on HBO.