Frank

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Frank's story in the series begins twenty years before the main timeline, when he encounters Bill after falling into a trap. He bargains for a hot meal, shower, and fresh clothes. They play "Long Long Time" on the piano, and Frank deduces Bill has never had a romantic partner. He kisses Bill and they sleep together. Three years later, Frank invites Tess and Joel to establish a smuggling operation. Ten years after that, Frank has a degenerative disease which leaves him with limited mobility. He asks Bill to help him die. Bill takes Frank to dress in new suits and they marry in their living room. After dinner, Bill places a lethal dose of sleeping tablets in Frank's wine and reveals he spiked his own drink as well, admitting he has no desire to live without Frank. They retire to their room and die together.

In Their Own Story

The episode intentionally avoids specifying Frank's degenerative illness; series co-creator Craig Mazin said it was either multiple sclerosis or early ALS. Frank's final moments are spent with Bill after they marry in their living room. Bill places a lethal dose of sleeping tablets in Frank's wine and reveals he spiked his own drink as well, admitting he has no desire to live without Frank. They retire to their room. Several weeks later, Joel and Ellie reach Lincoln and find a letter from Bill addressed to Joel, leaving him his truck, weapons, and any supplies he needs. In the letter, Bill describes how protecting and caring for Frank gave him a purpose.

Reader's Guide

Frank is portrayed by Murray Bartlett, who was cast on July 15, 2021. Bartlett was unfamiliar with the source material but was drawn to the show after he read the script. According to Mazin, the producers cried during Bartlett's audition. A singing coach helped Bartlett prepare for the piano performances; Bartlett was specifically coached to sing worse. Mazin wanted gay men to play Frank and Bill, and sought advice and approval from gay men involved in the production, including Bartlett. The episode "Long, Long Time" was written by series co-creator Craig Mazin and directed by Peter Hoar. It aired on HBO on January 29, 2023. The episode's title is taken from the 1970 song by Linda Ronstadt, which plays an important role in Bill and Frank's relationship. The episode received several awards, including Hoar for Outstanding Directing at the Directors Guild of America Awards. Bartlett was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Did You Know?

• Frank's degenerative disease is never specified in the episode; series co-creator Craig Mazin said it was either multiple sclerosis or early ALS.
• Murray Bartlett was specifically coached to sing worse for his piano performance of "Long Long Time".
• Frank invites Tess and Joel to establish a smuggling operation three years after meeting Bill.
• Bartlett was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards for his performance.
• The episode's final shot of the open window was a reference to the game's title screen, though the idea of each episode opening on a unique window shot was later scrapped.