When 'The Last of Us' Season 1 premiered, fans were excited to see how the popular video game would translate to the small screen. One of the biggest changes that the TV series made was to the Infected, with the producers taking inspiration from the real-world Cordyceps fungus that infects insects and takes over their bodies. However, many fans were disappointed to see that this unique twist on the classic zombie formula was not explored in depth, leaving viewers wondering why the show abandoned it.

The Cordyceps fungus is a parasitic organism that infects insects and spiders, manipulating their behavior in order to maximize its own chances of survival. Once the fungus infects a host, it begins to grow inside their body, eventually taking over their brain and causing them to behave in ways that benefit the fungus. In some cases, the fungus will even compel the host to move to a more advantageous location, such as a high branch or a sunny spot, where the fungus can continue to grow and spread. This process is incredibly gruesome, and it's not hard to see why it provided such a compelling basis for the Infected in 'The Last of Us' Season 1.

However, despite this unique concept, the TV show never fully explored the implications of the Cordyceps fungus. While there were brief sequences that showed how the fungus had taken over the bodies of those infected, the show focused more on the action and drama of the surviving characters. As a result, many fans felt that the series missed a major opportunity to explore the complexities of this parasitic relationship.

The reasons for why the producers chose not to explore the Cordyceps fungus in depth are unknown, but it's possible that they simply didn't have enough time or resources to fully flesh out this concept. Alternatively, they may have felt that the Cordyceps angle was too "out there" for the mainstream audience and chose to prioritize more conventional zombie tropes instead.

Regardless of the reason, it's clear that the Cordyceps fungus was a missed opportunity for 'The Last of Us' Season 1. By taking inspiration from real-world biology, the show had the potential to create a more grounded and nuanced portrayal of the Infected, one that would have given viewers pause for thought and reflection. Instead, the show relied on more traditional zombie fare, relegating the Cordyceps angle to a mere footnote in the grander scheme of things.

In conclusion, while 'The Last of Us' Season 1 was highly anticipated and met with mostly positive reviews, the missed opportunity to fully explore the Cordyceps fungus is a disappointment for many fans. With a second season now confirmed, it remains to be seen whether the producers will revisit this concept and give it the full attention it deserves. Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Cordyceps fungus is too compelling of an idea to ignore completely.