In Austin, Texas, Joel Miller celebrates his birthday with his daughter, Sarah, and his brother, Tommy. The Last of Us Season 1, Episode 1 Recap - Deadline

The first episode of The Last of Us , titled "," establishes the origin of the global pandemic and follows the initial meeting of the two main characters, Joel and Ellie. 1968: The Fungal Warning

The episode opens with a 1968 talk show where an epidemiologist warns that while viruses cause pandemics, could be far more dangerous. He explains that if the planet warms, fungi like Cordyceps could evolve to survive in humans, taking control of their minds to spread infection. 2003: Outbreak Day