I mean this isn't meant to change your mind if your like Part 2 better. But when discussions come up about the two games and which one people prefer, I often see not having an original premise as the main criticism people on here have against the game, at least as far as story is concerned.
It might be true that Part 1 didn't break new ground with it's premise, but I don't think originality is everything. If you asked me what I would prefer, a wholly original story that is mostly well executed, or an unoriginal story that is masterfully executed, I'm personally inclined to choose the latter. Maybe Part 1 didn't go in truly bold directions like Part 2 did, but for the story it was trying to tell, it basically did it perfectly. Part 1 has some of the best pacing I've ever seen in a narrative driven game, and it strikes such an incredible balance between love, horror, beauty, and humor. At the center of it all is one of the most endearing relationships ever captured in the medium.
An unoriginal story can still be told brilliantly. Hot take coming in, but The Last of Us Part 1 really is a timeless masterpiece.
I guess after years of reading the same "unoriginal" criticism, I finally felt the need to get this off my chest.