What Really Happened to Frank and Bill on ‘The Last of Us’
- Oops!Something went wrong.Please try again later.
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
For most shows, the biggest and most poignant episode tends to be season opener or the season finale. But The Last of Us surprised fans and critics alike with its third episode, “Long, Long Time,” which largely focused on new characters Bill and Frank. While it was a small departure from Joel and Ellie's journey, it was definitely worth it considering how much of an impact the story had on viewers, particularly thanks to Nick Offerman’s and Murray Bartlett’s unforgettable performances. But some fans still have questions about Bill and Frank and their big ending.
Here’s what really happened to Frank and Bill on The Last of Us.
Are Frank and Bill both dead?
At the end of the episode, it's revealed that both Frank and Bill are dead. While Frank initially asked Bill to give him one last amazing day and help him pass on before his disease completely took over, Bill surprised him by revealing he had already laced the bottle of wine they were drinking with pills. "Enough to kill a horse," he noted.
Why did Bill also choose to die?
In their final moments together, Bill said, "This isn't the tragic suicide at the end of the play. I'm old. I'm satisfied. And you were my purpose."
Bill repeats this sentiment to Joel in the note he left behind, writing:
"If you find this...please don't come into the bedroom. We left a window open so the house wouldn't smell, but it will probably be a sight...I'm gonna tell you something because you're probably the only person who will understand. I used to hate the world, and I was happy when everyone died. But I was wrong because there was one person worth saving. That's what I did. I saved him. Then I protected him. That's why men like you and me are here. We have a job to do. And God help any motherfuckers who stand in our way. I leave you all my weapons and equipment. Use them to keep Tess safe."
Since he felt like he had already fulfilled his purpose of keeping Frank safe, Bill determined that it was time for him to move on as well.
Joel then appeared a couple of weeks later with Ellie. At the end of episode 1, the radio in Joel's room started playing Depeche Mode's "Never Let Me Down Again" which signaled something had happened to them. Joel revealed that Bill's system was set to play a certain playlist featuring '80s songs if no one came down to use it after two weeks.
How are Bill and Frank's deaths different from the video game?
The Last of Us: Remastered - PlayStation 4
$38.79
walmart.com
In the games, Bill never dies and players never actually meet Frank, as he dies before Joel and Ellie reach their town.
Joel and Ellie try to get a truck to move faster on their journey. When they reach Lincoln, Bill tells them about his partner who previously left. While searching Frank's new place, they find his body and discover he was infected before he died. Frank chose to die by suicide instead of letting the infection take over. He also left behind a note for Bill that reads:
"Well, Bill, I doubt you'd ever find this note cause you were too scared to ever make it to this part of town. But if for some reason you did, I want you to know I hated your guts. I grew tired of this shitty town and your set-in-your-ways attitude. I wanted more from life than this and you could never get that.
And that stupid battery you kept moaning about—I got it. But I guess you were right. Trying to leave this town will kill me. Still better than spending another day with you. Good Luck, Frank"
Bill helps Joel and Ellie get everything they need and gives them a truck. They leave, and we don't get another update on Bill for the rest of the game (or even in the sequel), but it is presumed that he is still alive.
You Might Also Like
