Warning: spoilers ahead for The Last of Us episode 6.
The Last of Us is a magnificent television programme, with its plot, photography, visual effects, and performances by protagonists Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey receiving critical accolades since its debut.
Unfortunately, it appears that no matter how intelligent a software is, there will always be opportunity for error… with one apparently noticed by fans in the most recent release, following the publication of episode 6 on Sunday in the US and Monday in the UK.
In the latest installment of the famous video game adaption, Joel (Pedro) and Ellie (Bella) trek through a snowy terrain in search of Joel’s brother Tommy (Gabriel Luna), whom he hasn’t seen in months.
At one point, they cross a bridge after being cautioned by a couple living in a remote home that they are entering dangerous terrain and risking their lives.
During an overhead shot, viewers with keen eyes may have noticed members of the production team inadvertently remained in view of the camera to the left of the screen.
The incident occurred 14 minutes into the programme, and more fans are discussing the alleged catastrophic gaffe.
Of course, there have been analogies to the notorious incident in Game of Thrones in which a coffee cup was left on a table during a scene.
Scott T Jones, a guitarist and composer, reacted to a tweet from The Last of Us co-showrunner Neil Druckmann with an image of the scene in question.
‘Excellent episode. Something you should probably correct and reupload. In this view, you can see the film team,’ he explained.
‘Brilliant episode. Something you might want to fix and reupload though. You can see the film crew in this shot,’ he said.
One person tried to offer a plausible explanation, making up a story to explain the extra people in the shot by replying: ‘Those were local survivors from the settlement, shooting new material for the town movie night. Maria & Tommy said they didn’t need film permits, it’s fine.’
‘I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that noticed this hahaa,’ another viewer remarked, as someone else suggested that HBO could tweak the scene to digitally remove the crew members, writing: ‘Better watch it now because soon it will change. Welcome to the online digital world.’
The sixth episode of The Last of Us was praised by fans, with many appreciating Pedro, Bella, and Gabriel’s moving performances.
Meanwhile, showing Ellie checking a menstrual cup has been hailed for helping to break down the stigma that still surrounds menstruation.
The Last of Us is available to watch on Sky and NOW, with new episodes released on Mondays.