What was the big zombie in The Last of Us episode?

The Big Zombie of The Last of Us: A Threat to Humanity?

In the popular television series The Last of Us, a unique brand of zombies has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. These "Infected" humans are not the conventional zombies you might be thinking of – they’re the product of a deadly Cordyceps fungus infection that ravages their brains, making them mindless and murderous. The fifth episode of the series sees the introduction of the rare and formidable Bloater, the largest and most fearsome of all Infected variants. But just what makes this big zombie so significant, and are its monstrous abilities grounded in reality?

The Fungal Infestation

The Last of Us draws inspiration from the natural world, where Cordyceps fungi have long been recognized for their devastating effects on insects. This real-world fungus, named Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, infects ants, ultimately leading to their demise as it slowly takes over their bodies. The same parasitic behavior is depicted in the TV series, but with humans as the unsuspecting hosts.

Meet the Bloater

Introduced in Episode 5 of The Last of Us, the Bloater (or "Shambler" as it’s known in some regions) stands tall and imposing, unlike its smaller, faster relatives. These behemoths of fungal infection can be as large as 5 feet in height and boast thick, armored bodies due to their fungal overgrowths. Their immense size, coupled with their brute strength and relentless aggression, make them a force to be reckoned with, posing an existential threat to human survival.

But Is it Realistic?

The Last of Us may have pushed the boundaries of plausibility in its portrayal of these terrifying creatures, but is the concept of giant, super-strong Infected inspired by real-world scientific principles?

Real-world Cordyceps analogs: While Ophiocordyceps unilateralis infects ants, Cordyceps sinensis (known as Caterpillar Fungus) can infect moth larvae. Similar to Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, these fungi alter their hosts’ behavior to make them climb to high altitudes before producing spores. But, there isn’t any documented case of fungi altering ant or human biology in a similar manner to the TV series.

Cordyceps-based Health Supplements: As the fungi are explored, you’ll find Cordyceps products advertised for various health benefits. From boosting oxygen consumption to boosting the immune system, the touted benefits might come with mixed results, leaving scientists cautious about drawing grand conclusions from limited data. These real-world health products often require further study, while in The Last of Us, the infectious fungal compound is an outlandish, Hollywood take.

The Scientific Divide

What’s more critical is distinguishing between real scientific understanding and the show’s narrative ambitions. The sheer magnitude and ferocity depicted in the Bloater raise important questions about the fungus’s evolution and preadaptations, if this were to actually happen.

Key Distinctions: While Ophiocordyceps unilateralis can control insects’ actions, the actual host-animal behavior adjustments in Cordyceps infection (e.g., changing moth larvae to produce spores) do not equate to the transformative growth patterns seen in the show’s Infected characters. A crucial aspect lies in the timing and the manner in which the fungal parasites would be able to generate these gargantuan fungal overgrowths in real-life. The concept has captured imagination, but let’s remember that scientific data has precedence over fiction.