Former Nickelodeon Star Shocks in Surprise Cameo on 'The Last of Us'

Over the course of a season and a half, The Last of Us has brought an incredible caliber of names into its apocalyptic wasteland, ranging from Nick Offerman to Melanie Lynskey to Catherine O'Hara. But the HBO drama took a step out of the ordinary in this week's episode, as actor Josh Peck made a suprise cameo in the opening minutes.
Episode 4 of Season 2 opened with a flashback to 2018 in Seattle. In it, we get our first glimpse at militia leader Isaac (Jeffrey Wright), then working for FEDRA. Alongside Isaac are a gaggle of men decked out in SWAT uniforms. That includes Peck's character, who eagerly regales his co-workers with a story of a FEDRA thug who cracked down on a group of "voters" (their ironic nickname for disenfranchised citizens) disseminating pamphlets.
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FEDRA, AKA the Federal Disaster Response Agency, is a fictional agency of the U.S. government tasked with responding to disasters and emergencies. When the 2003 corydceps outbreak first ravaged the world, FEDRA took charge of the government, setting up "quarantine zones" in major metropolitan areas. The first season of The Last of Us took us into 2023 when FEDRA still had an iron grip on the "QZs," imposing martial law and being accused of fascist behavior.
Even though this scene takes place five years earlier – and on the exact opposite side of the country from where Season 1 began – it, and Peck's character's temperament, serve as a firm reminder of FEDRA's unchecked power. In his brief time on screen, Peck gloats about the authority they're able to exercise, and many of his cohorts laugh and join in on the "bro-ing down" in support.
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Josh Peck started his career as a child actor, appearing in the film Snow Day and The Amanda Show. His big breakthrough came with his next Nickelodeon series, Drake & Josh. Starring alongside fellow Amanda Show veteran Drake Bell, the comedy ran from 2004 to 2007, making it one of Nick's most successful sitcoms. Peck went on to star in shows like Grandfathered, How I Met Your Father and Turner & Hooch, and recently made a cameo in the Oscar-winning Oppenheimer.
While Peck's appearance on The Last of Us was previously unannounced, the actor has made his fandom of the series known. Last week, he posted a TikTok sketch, simulating a therapy session in the wake of the tragic and shocking death of series protagonist Joel (Pedro Pascal). And, in that video, the actor actually alluded to the fact that he would be appearing on our screens soon, writing, "Oh and I'm officially allowed to say, episode 4, let's just say, you're not ready."
Unfortunately, Peck's escapades on The Last of Us were evidently one and done. The cold open ended up serving as the backstory for Isaac's defection from FEDRA and joining the "voters" in the resistance Washington Liberation Front. As his formal act of rebellion, Isaac proceeds to toss two live grenades into the FEDRA truck, then locks the doors. Save one person, who follows him into the WLF, everyone else is brutally killed, including Peck's character.
With the world essentially ending in 2003, The Last of Us has much of its set decoration and aesthetic frozen in a period of nostalgia. And they just showcased that in a major way by cameoing – and killing off – a millennial fan-favorite actor.

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Associated Press

31 minutes ago

• Associated Press

What to Stream: 'The Bear,' Lorde, 'Smoke,' 'A Minecraft Movie,' 'Nosferatu' and Nelly and Ashanti

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Yahoo

2 hours ago

• Yahoo

'The Gilded Age' Season 3 is the best and boldest we've seen from the HBO hit show

Now that the world of The Gilded Age has been firmly established, Season 3 of the HBO show (on Crave in Canada) takes a strong step to expand the scope of its storytelling. In a absorbing and satisfying new season, with an ensemble cast that includes Carrie Coon, Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, Morgan Spector, Louisa Jacobson, Denée Benton, Taissa Farmiga, Harry Richardson, Blake Ritson and Ben Ahlers, the period drama is a delight. The show from Julian Fellowes raised the stakes in Season 2, but Season 3 includes more bold choices for many characters, including fan favourite Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), whose story was more overlooked that fans desired back in Season 2. From death, divorce, love and potential financial ruin, it's a delightful eight episodes. The Gilded Age is available to watch on Crave in Canada (Max in the U.S.), with weekly episodes on Sundays at 9:00 p.m. ET. There are eight episodes in Season 3 of the show. The new season of The Gilded Age takes place just months after the end of Season 2, with the first scenes showing a snowy New York. Marian Brook (Louisa Jacobson) and Larry Russell (Harry Richardson) have to keep their relationship a secret, trying to wait for the time when they be honest about their courting, since Marian was previously engaged. Meanwhile, Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) is struggling with the power flip with her sister Ada Brook (Cynthia Nixon), now that Ada is the one with money. Across the street at the Russell household, Bertha (Carrie Coon) is ready to marry off her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) to the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), but Gladys is in a secret relationship with Billy Carlton (Matt Walker). They want to get engaged, but it seems like an impossible task to go against Bertha. George (Morgan Spector) is largely focused on his work acquired land to build the railroad, but he's not particularly on board for Bertha's plans for their daughter. Peggy and her parents, Dorothy (Audra McDonald) and Arthur (John Douglas Thompson), get a more robust story in Season 3, particularly when Peggy meets a handsome doctor, William Kirkland (Jordan Donica), and the journalist's love life starts to blossom. Peggy also meets his wealthy parents, Elizabeth (Phylicia Rashad) and Frederick (Brian Stokes Mitchell). The Gilded Age always faced the challenge of establishing a robust story with so many characters, and Season 3 does so at a series best. Playing in both the historical and fantasy space, you've never felt so invested in these characters. Throughout the eight episodes, the stakes just grow, leading to a particularly compelling finale, which we won't spoil, but we'll tease that it feels like a fitting, but curious, end to the season. Season 3 allows us to see far more conversations about race and discrimination, and the fight for more rights for women, including divorce. The story is firmly planted in the disparity in power between men and women, explored in an anger-inducing but effective way throughout the season. While also giving us a more fully formed and significant narrative of the Black elite, expanding that part of the story in a really necessary way. The performances continue to be nothing short of spectacular across the board, from the actors who appear throughout the whole season, to the ones we see only for moments in time. That includes Jack Trotter's (Ben Ahlers) story as he continues with his alarm clock-making, which on the surface may seem incredibly silly, but it's just perfectly charming. Mr. ad Mrs. Russell continue to be a highlight, as are Ada and Agnes, with the actors continuing to have infectious on-screen chemistry. And in Season 3, they have even more juicy storylines to play with. Overall, this season feels satisfyingly intricate in how each episode has been crafted. Just when you think you may be done with the stories about the wealthy and powerful, even in the 1880s, Fellowes gives you a good reason to hit play on The Gilded Age again for Season 3.

Elle

3 hours ago

• Elle

'The Gilded Age' Season 3 Kicks Off with Some Serious Power Moves

Spoilers below. Bertha Russell (Carrie Coon) was the clear victor of the Opera Wars that dominated the second season of The Gilded Age. The Metropolitan Opera House's grand opening was a triumph, adding another jewel to the nouveau riche Bertha's society crown. Now, Bertha has an even shinier target: a British duke. But her daughter Gladys (Taissa Farmiga) has different ideas about who she might wed. Bertha faces stiff competition as the Russell patriarch, robber baron George (Morgan Spector), has promised Gladys that she can marry for love. 'Who Is in Charge Here?' is the premiere title, which applies to more than just the Russells. The lavish HBO period drama kicks off with myriad attempts to grab power or assert control in a society with a fondness for rules that rarely favor women. One such incident underscores how divorce in 1880s New York City could be life-ruining even if you aren't the one who committed adultery. It is an eye-opening moment in a season premiere as decadent as the dazzling costumes from Emmy-nominated Kasia Walicka-Maimone. Read on to find out who is at loggerheads, get an update on the clock plot, and learn who is being painted by legendary portrait artist John Singer Sargent. Agnes Van Rhijn (Christine Baranski) almost lost everything after her son Oscar (Blake Ritson) fell for a con that drained the family finances. Or rather, Agnes lost everything, but a surprise inheritance from Ada's (Cynthia Nixon) husband, Luke Forte (Robert Sean Leonard), saved them from downsizing. Luke's tragic death left Ada with a hole in her heart and the financial means to save her sister. Ada is now the mistress of the house, but that doesn't mean Agnes is falling in line behind her younger sister, especially with the new cause Ada is championing. One early point of contention stems from Ada hosting a temperance meeting. 'Let the sober circus begin,' Agnes quips as people arrive at East 61st Street in the snow. Ada won't let her sister bully her, though, explaining that she has chosen this cause because she wants to honor Luke's memory. 'He cared about people and I will too,' Ada reasons. Of course, Agnes points out the flaws as Luke drank wine with dinner and served Holy Communion. No one does withering delivery quite like Baranski as she takes pleasure in every barb and eye roll. A highlight of this new dynamic is that Ada no longer allows herself to be a doormat. Ada pushes back, instantly making this dynamic even more compelling. Agnes takes her pettiness to new heights and won't let her sister use the good silver for the meeting, prompting confusion regarding the conflicting orders. They want Bannister (Simon Jones ), the butler, to resolve this issue, as they can't have two mistresses. However, it is not as simple as that because Agnes always speaks her mind. On Bridgerton and The Buccaneers, marrying a duke is mainly seen as desirable. However, on The Gilded Age, Gladys only has eyes for sweet Billy Carlton (Matt Walker). Knowing their mother will object, Larry (Harry Richardson) helps his sister meet up with Billy in secret so the couple can discuss their plans to wed. Billy wants to talk to George about proposing, who is currently on business in Arizona. Later at the opera, Billy is concerned about the gossip items he has read in the newspapers that indicate Hector, the Duke of Buckingham (Ben Lamb), is returning to New York to be with Gladys. However, Gladys thinks her father will ensure she can marry for love, not a title. By now, Gladys should realize that Bertha rules the domestic roost. So much so that when Billy's mother thinks she will find common ground with Bertha about the happy union, Bertha immediately shuts down this talk of celebration. Mamie Fish (Ashlie Atkinson) helped with the whole opera meet-up. 'I'll suffer for that,' she says. However, Mamie also lives for the drama, making this spat worth it. When Bertha confronts Larry about the ruse, she mentions that Mrs. Fish loves gossip more than anything, and he was stupid to involve her. Larry won't be bullied by his mother, insisting Gladys should have a choice. Bertha thinks her children are young and foolish, and even though Larry puts up a fight, there is no winning. Unknown to Bertha, Larry is also in love and, like his sister, he is unofficially betrothed. Marian (Louisa Jacobson) doesn't want to go public yet, as it has only been a few months since she broke off her second engagement. She still has to pass the Bertha Russell test. At the end of season 2, Bertha promised Gladys's hand in marriage (and sizable dowry) to Hector. It would be uncouth to admit that she is planting stories about this forthcoming union in the newspapers, but Bertha is doing everything she can to make this happen. Part of this scheme to ensure her daughter becomes the face of society is commissioning a painting by John Singer Sargent. The Gilded Age has long sprinkled real-life figures amid the fictitious, from regular characters like Caroline Astor (Donna Murphy) and Mrs. Fish to Oscar Wilde and Booker T. Washington. Having Gladys sit for Sargent is another example of how the series marries historical authenticity with the outlandish antics playing out. Bertha is enamored with Sargent and finds the whole Madame X scandal alluring. That particular painting (a personal favorite of many, including myself) now hangs in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and recently was on loan at Tate Britain in London (I have seen it in both locations). Bertha references the Mrs. Burckhardt painting ('Lady with the Rose') as capturing a young woman becoming a woman, which is what she wants for Gladys's portrait. While Gladys doesn't understand the fuss, Bertha recognizes the value. Later, Gladys tries to reason that her mother would have loved to see her daughter married to someone from a family like Billy's, but Bertha says they have overtaken them. Now, Gladys needs someone who matches her station. The two can't agree, but Bertha doesn't foresee her daughter running away in the middle of the night. Gladys isn't waiting for her father to get home to fix this mess, but is she eloping? Speaking of George, he is on a business trip out west (Morenci, Arizona, to be precise) because he has grand plans to build a railway line from New York to Chicago and Chicago to Los Angeles. If it comes together, it will be his crowning glory, but it is a huge gamble. For starters, George needs to persuade the land owners that it is a good deal to sell off their mines, which gets off to a slow start.. It is a precocious time for the banks in New York, with George getting called back to the city as there is a 'run on' another financial institution. If too many people withdraw cash, it will go under, and George will lose a fortune. It seems unlikely that George will have too much time to deal with Bertha's plans to wed Gladys—or the funds for the dowry. Will this cause cracks in their own marriage? Theirs is not the only union under strain, and perhaps the most shocking moment of the premiere comes courtesy of Charles Fane (Ward Horton). Until now, Charles hasn't left much of an impression beyond his pearly white smile, but I was ready to fight for his wife Aurora (Kelli O'Hara) when he arrived home late and announced he was leaving her. Aurora could not believe her ears when Charles dropped the mistress bombshell. Aurora has always been sweet and supportive to her family and newcomers like Bertha, but a divorce will end her social life. It might sound incredibly dramatic, yet this exile is likely even though she did nothing wrong. For starters, it is Aurora who will have to file for divorce because Charles is the adulterer, and she needs to establish residency in Newport because New York courts allow the press to enter. Aurora refuses to do so, but Charles makes it clear he will marry the other woman. When Aurora tells Agnes, Ada, and Marian, they are as aghast as Aurora. Marian thinks their friends will surely not turn their backs because she is innocent in all of this. 'Society is not known for its logic, especially where women are concerned,' Aurora responds. Sadly, history tends to show Aurora is right. Another person struggling with their place in the world is footman Jack (Ben Ahlers), who continues to work on his clock invention with Larry as his partner. But some characters view his ambition with suspicion or jealousy. When Jack meets with Larry at the Russell household, there is confusion about whether the Russell footman should serve Jack refreshments. Larry thinks it is ridiculous that his staff assumed otherwise, but the Russell employees make their dissatisfaction known to Jack when he leaves. Adelheid (Erin Wilhelmi) tells Jack he is getting in over his head, which is not true. In fact, Jack needs to speak up and let Larry know he needs to be at the meetings with potential investors, as Larry has no idea about the clock mechanics. Thankfully, Jack's colleagues are far more supportive (Armstrong aside) and dismiss Adelheid's cruel words. They support and want the best for Jack, giving him the boost he needs for confidence. Another person moving up is Peggy Scott (Denée Benton), who traveled to her parents' home in Brooklyn to pick up some mail: the Christian Recorder wants to publish an extract from her work-in-progress novel. After traveling back to the Van Rhijn/Forte residence in the snow, Peggy tries to write new chapters throughout the episode, but gets sicker and sicker. At first, Peggy dismisses the concerns, saying she probably picked something minor up in the cold. But as her cough worsens, Agnes sends for the family physician. However, the doctor refuses to see Peggy because she is Black. Agnes is horrified, especially as Peggy sounds rather ill. In this emergency, Oscar says they must send for her parents, with Jack taking the message. Peggy's father is a pharmacist, and they probably should have contacted the Scotts earlier. For all the frivolity of storylines about socialite marriage and other silly plotlines, Peggy's dilemma is a reminder of the racist 19th-century realities. Despite Agnes thinking she has the power in this household, there are matters she cannot control, which are far more egregious than her sister's new status.