Ep 1. Alive in Tuscon/The Elephant in the Room

Title: Alive in Tucson/The Elephant in the Room

"The Last Man on Earth" is an end-of-the-world comedy television series that debuted on FOX in 2015, created by and starring Will Forte as the seemingly sole survivor of a cataclysmic event. In the premiere episode, "Alive in Tucson/The Elephant in the Room," we're introduced to the post-apocalyptic world through the eyes of Phil Miller—a lonely and somewhat juvenile everyman who thought he wanted nothing more than to be alone, until he was.

As the episode unfolds, we find Phil meandering through a desolate United States after a virus has seemingly wiped out the entirety of humanity, leaving him as the last man alive. The open road has become his canvas, the abandoned cities his playground, and the remnants of civilization his toys. Yet despite the initial thrill of having the world to himself, the gravity of his solitude sets a heavy tone for the series premiere.

Amidst the backdrop of a once bustling Tucson, Arizona—now a ghost town—Phil's days are characterized by a poignant blend of slapstick humor and crestfallen moments. He scours the country in an RV, peppered with signs begging any fellow survivors to contact him in Tucson, a rendezvous point he selected based on a personal attachment. Phil commences his day by engaging in outlandish activities, embodying the adage "when in Rome" taken to an extreme, as he breaks societal norms and indulges in his newfound freedom without fear of reprisal or judgement.

Despite his creative attempts to pass the time, ranging from bowling with aquarium tanks to lounging in a margarita pool, Phil's antics are underscored by his mounting despair. The comedic hijinks are met with introspection and heartache as he confronts the reality of his situation. His once clean-cut appearance gives way to a wild, unkempt beard and disheveled hair, symbolizing the erosion of his sanity and the passage of time.

The absence of human connection is the "elephant in the room"—a constant, silent presence that looms over Phil's joie de vivre, revealing his deep longing for companionship. His daily routine gradually becomes a Sisyphean cycle, highlighting the futility and loneliness of his solitary existence. The luxuries of civilization—fine art, rare automobiles, endless supplies—lose their luster when there's no one to share them with.

As Phil struggles with the dichotomy of enjoying absolute freedom in an empty world versus the relentless craving for human interaction, he stumbles upon the remnants of the world that once was. Homes frozen in time, personal belongings scattered without owners, and the infrastructure of the city standing as a hollowed testament to the life that used to hustle and bustle within it. Artifacts of what used to be a normal life now serve as haunting reminders of the people he lost—and the societal norms that no longer apply.

"Alive in Tucson/The Elephant in the Room" delves into the psyche of a man faced with the ultimate existential crisis: What is the value of one's existence when there are no others to reflect it back? The episode manages to balance humor and pathos, as Phil's character arc weaves a narrative that explores human nature when stripped of its social constructs.

In a series of comedic yet touching vignettes, Phil's journey is marked with attempts to maintain sanity, search for meaning, and hold on to hope against the seemingly incontrovertible truth that he might truly be the last human standing. It becomes clear that what he is searching for is more than just survivors—it's a purpose, a sense of belonging, and a shot at reclaiming the humanity that seems to have evaporated along with the rest of the world's population.

As the double-length episode concludes, the audience is left with a mixture of laughter and empathy for Phil's plight, setting the stage for a series that promises to deliver both a comedic exploration of life after the apocalypse and a nuanced look at the human condition. The premiere of "The Last Man on Earth" invites viewers to wonder not just what they would do in Phil Miller's shoes, but to reflect on the intrinsic human need for companionship, community, and connection—even when it seems that all is lost.