Making Sam deaf was a great example of how diversity and representation don't have to compromise a character. I'm not deaf myself, I don't know anyone who's deaf, and yet you won't hear anything negative from me about Sam being deaf, because 1) it's not my place to judge whether it's meaningful to those represented, and 2) they managed to keep everything that really mattered about him.
In fact, I'd argue Craig Mazin even elevated Sam's character and his dynamic with Henry by tying his deafness to his innocence. Sam can't hear the gunfire, explosions, screaming, and tough conversations that Henry has to deal with and protect Sam from. It ties into what Joel tells Henry about how being a kid is easier. What a great adaptation of this chapter in the story.
That moment where Sam is sitting on the edge of the bed and we don't know if he's turned was adapted brilliantly. In the show, Ellie knows he's infected, but when she calls out to him and gets no response, she doesn't know if he's okay, because he's deaf. Great example of incorporating representation into a story in an uncompromising and meaningful way.
"If you wanna see some action, gotta be the center of attraction." oh god I missed that so much!!
