Doctor Neuman is a supporting character in the first season of HBO's The Last of Us. He was an epidemiologist who appeared on a talk show segment in 1968, alongside Murray and Dr. Schoenheiss.[1]
Biography[]
Background[]
Before 1968, Neuman took up smoking and became an epidemiologist. He became skilled in the profession, enough that he was invited to take part in a late night talk show in 1968, alongside Dr. Schoenheiss.
Events of HBO's The Last of Us[]
While on the talk show, Neuman disagreed with Schoenheiss that influenza was the thing man should fear most; in his eyes, humanity had been "at war" with viral infections and had what he considered an impeccable track record in weathering them; though large numbers of people through history had died of viral pandemics, the survivors' immune systems adapted to the threat and the species as a whole survived. In his opinion, the greatest threat humanity faced was not viruses, or even bacteria, but fungus. He explained that this threat lay in the inherent difference between fungus and other microorganisms; where viruses and bacteria reproduced by killing hosts, fungi life cycles were defined by control of hosts.
In particular, he explained how many species of fungus replaced its host's tissues with its own and prevented decomposition to keep the host alive to spread its spores to other non-infected animals. He noted that it would infect insects, like ants, first infesting their bloodstream then reaching their brains, where it would flood them with hallucinogens that would manipulate the host's will and lead them to do as the fungus desired.
When asked by the host what the solution was, Neuman explained there was none; not only was there no natural immune response to fungal infection, science had not discovered a means to destroy one, let alone prevent one; no treatments, no preventatives, no cures. In his opinion, he didn't believe it was even possible. He stated that the only real barrier to fungal infection of mammals was that no known fungus could survive in a host with a body temperature of over 94°, which was why the infections he described were only seen in cold-blooded animals, like insects. However, if the Earth's temperature increased even slightly, then any number of fungi (like Cordyceps) could evolve to survive in warm-blooded hosts, resulting in a pandemic that would cause civilization to collapse, and threaten mankind with extinction.[1]
Legacy[]
In 2003, Neuman's hypothesis was proved correct as the Cordyceps brain infection infected and took over much of humanity, leading to an apocalypse.[1]
Appearance[]
Neuman wore a suit with a tweed blazer, black waistcoat, smart pants, shoes and a striped tie. An older man, he was balding and had wrinkles on his face.[1]
Personality[]
Neuman was highly educated and spoke quite bluntly about Cordyceps. He had a sense of humor, dryly responding to the talk show's hosts remarks to elicit laughter from the audience. He could appear relaxed, leaning back in his chair as opposed to sitting up straight as the host and Schoenheiss were. Despite this, he was also quite serious though, his blunt manner emphasizing the serious problem that Cordyceps would pose if it were to infect humans.[1]
Behind the scenes[]
- Dr. Neuman is portrayed by Scottish actor John Hannah.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 HBO's The Last of Us episode 1: "When You're Lost in the Darkness"
