The thing is, you will either think this is the greatest thing or think it's pointless. I absolutely adore this and season 2 has just got better and better. Justin Theroux deserves so many accolades for what he has brought to the show. Then again, pretty much everyone concerned with making this have hit a home run. I don't know if there will be a season 3. I really hope there will be but if not we were treated to something special. In a world where every show is a copycat of the same bland procedural rubbish it is a breath of fresh air to have a show that leaves you screaming what the fudge! every 3 minutes. We'll miss you :)
15 Reviews
Season 2 (9/10 stars): Better Head-To-Toe Than Season 1, If Perhaps Less Iconic
zkonedog30 June 2019
The first season of Damon Lindelof & Tom Perrotta's "The Leftovers"-based on Perrotta's gritty novel-was an unrelenting (and visually stunning) treatise on grief and coping in the wake of a tragic event. Season One needed 3-4 episodes to really "kick into gear" and find its footing, but after that it quickly transformed into a prestige drama darling (if more critically than socially). This second effort-taking those iconic S1 characters and expanding on them beyond Perrotta's written work-is certainly better than its predecessor from episode one to episode ten. At the same time, it also lacks some of the iconic visuals and incredibly focused themes that personified the entire series.
For a very basic overview, Season Two sees Kevin (Justin Theroux), Nora (Carrie Coon), and Jill (Margaret Qualley) absconding from Mapleton to Miracle, TX-a place that saw no departures on that fateful October 14th day. Reverend Matt Jamison (Christopher Eccleston) has already taken up residence, believing the town may have the power to help his comatose wife Mary (Janel Moloney). But is Miracle as special as advertised? New Garvey neighbors John Murphy (Kevin Carroll), Erika (Regina King), Evie (Jasmine Savoy Brown), and Michael (Jovan Adepo) have some strange goings-on behind their closed doors-and Kevin can't quite shake the visage of Patti (Ann Dowd). Weirder still are the hippie-like squatters who inhabit Miracle's outer limits. Elsewhere, the Guilty Remnant are not out of the picture: Meg (Liv Tyler) has now inherited the leadership mantel, opposing Laurie (Amy Brenneman) and Tommy's (Chris Zylka) team-up to extract white-clad members one by one.
As mentioned, if rated simply on the basis of "season premiere to season finale", this slate of episodes eclipses what came before it. This go-round, Lindelof & Co. Do not require any "feeling out" period-every episode is well-crafted and engaging from the jump. The idea of "a place with no Departures" is endlessly intriguing, and the writers mine every ounce of quirkiness and emotion out of such a premise. Episodes such as "Off Ramp" (the Laurie/Tommy catch-up), "No Room at the Inn" (Matt's continued torturous path of religious belief), and "International Assassin" (utterly wackadoodle world-building that somehow ends on perhaps the season's most poignant moment) are high up on my "favorite TV installments of all time" list.
All of that being said, Season Two also stretches itself thin in certain areas. Not only must it service the S1 characters, but an entirely new Miracle group (most notably the Murphys) must be given due diligence. While handled about as well as humanly possible, this approach leads to a much different feel to the series. Instead of the uber-focused, often dark or depressing (to be totally honest) human drama of S1, S2 is bigger and bolder. For better or worse, every episode takes a big swing and viewers have absolutely no idea what will transpire the next week (or the one after that, etc.). What this approach gains in expanding the scope of the series, it also backslides a bit in utter thematic brilliance.
On a different note, Season Two of "The Leftovers" continues being a masterful "counterpoint" to Lindelof's previous "LOST" series. When the new opening credits blare the folk theme "Let The Mystery Be", his modus operandi is clear. Though based on the mysterious Sudden Departure, every seemingly magical scenario in the show comes with a rational explanation in tow. As such, when all is said and done this series is truly about the characters.
Overall, I settle on a 9/10 star rating-the same I gave S1-for S2 of "The Leftovers" for this reason: while I enjoyed not having to puzzle my way through 3-4 episodes just to figure out "what the heck this show is about", I also missed that iconic "Leftovers feel", so to speak. When I close my eyes and think about the series, I see Kevin Garvey in his Mapleton police uniform, G. R. smokers standing on street corners, and that permeating feeling of desperation amongst all featured characters. Season Two-while growing bigger in its overall ambitions-strays enough away from that tight focus that I can't quite elevate it to "better than S1" status.
For a very basic overview, Season Two sees Kevin (Justin Theroux), Nora (Carrie Coon), and Jill (Margaret Qualley) absconding from Mapleton to Miracle, TX-a place that saw no departures on that fateful October 14th day. Reverend Matt Jamison (Christopher Eccleston) has already taken up residence, believing the town may have the power to help his comatose wife Mary (Janel Moloney). But is Miracle as special as advertised? New Garvey neighbors John Murphy (Kevin Carroll), Erika (Regina King), Evie (Jasmine Savoy Brown), and Michael (Jovan Adepo) have some strange goings-on behind their closed doors-and Kevin can't quite shake the visage of Patti (Ann Dowd). Weirder still are the hippie-like squatters who inhabit Miracle's outer limits. Elsewhere, the Guilty Remnant are not out of the picture: Meg (Liv Tyler) has now inherited the leadership mantel, opposing Laurie (Amy Brenneman) and Tommy's (Chris Zylka) team-up to extract white-clad members one by one.
As mentioned, if rated simply on the basis of "season premiere to season finale", this slate of episodes eclipses what came before it. This go-round, Lindelof & Co. Do not require any "feeling out" period-every episode is well-crafted and engaging from the jump. The idea of "a place with no Departures" is endlessly intriguing, and the writers mine every ounce of quirkiness and emotion out of such a premise. Episodes such as "Off Ramp" (the Laurie/Tommy catch-up), "No Room at the Inn" (Matt's continued torturous path of religious belief), and "International Assassin" (utterly wackadoodle world-building that somehow ends on perhaps the season's most poignant moment) are high up on my "favorite TV installments of all time" list.
All of that being said, Season Two also stretches itself thin in certain areas. Not only must it service the S1 characters, but an entirely new Miracle group (most notably the Murphys) must be given due diligence. While handled about as well as humanly possible, this approach leads to a much different feel to the series. Instead of the uber-focused, often dark or depressing (to be totally honest) human drama of S1, S2 is bigger and bolder. For better or worse, every episode takes a big swing and viewers have absolutely no idea what will transpire the next week (or the one after that, etc.). What this approach gains in expanding the scope of the series, it also backslides a bit in utter thematic brilliance.
On a different note, Season Two of "The Leftovers" continues being a masterful "counterpoint" to Lindelof's previous "LOST" series. When the new opening credits blare the folk theme "Let The Mystery Be", his modus operandi is clear. Though based on the mysterious Sudden Departure, every seemingly magical scenario in the show comes with a rational explanation in tow. As such, when all is said and done this series is truly about the characters.
Overall, I settle on a 9/10 star rating-the same I gave S1-for S2 of "The Leftovers" for this reason: while I enjoyed not having to puzzle my way through 3-4 episodes just to figure out "what the heck this show is about", I also missed that iconic "Leftovers feel", so to speak. When I close my eyes and think about the series, I see Kevin Garvey in his Mapleton police uniform, G. R. smokers standing on street corners, and that permeating feeling of desperation amongst all featured characters. Season Two-while growing bigger in its overall ambitions-strays enough away from that tight focus that I can't quite elevate it to "better than S1" status.
Deeply engaging and profound
Mr_Masterjones26 September 2019
I've never really writed a review for an episode of tv series that I've never fully watched tho I've seen some excellent episodes on other shows before but this particular episode of the series was something exceptional and peculiar to me.
This show its definitely goes beyond my expectation. Before watch the series, because of the cast and its unique story, I knew this must be something that I'm interested in but didn't think its become one of my most favorite tv shows.
The whole series its something much more of what it seems, has so many important message and topics to discuss and all of it in a well-crafted, strong structured and well written story and magnificent Visualization.
Acting at its very best, writing is just mind blowing, the end scene of this episode by far was one of the best and meaningful ending I've ever watched in a long time. The great and well received concept of this whole episode its remain to fully comprehend and understand...
This just was an easy 10 of 10 and don't know what else can I say and really at this moment cant !!!!
This show its definitely goes beyond my expectation. Before watch the series, because of the cast and its unique story, I knew this must be something that I'm interested in but didn't think its become one of my most favorite tv shows.
The whole series its something much more of what it seems, has so many important message and topics to discuss and all of it in a well-crafted, strong structured and well written story and magnificent Visualization.
Acting at its very best, writing is just mind blowing, the end scene of this episode by far was one of the best and meaningful ending I've ever watched in a long time. The great and well received concept of this whole episode its remain to fully comprehend and understand...
This just was an easy 10 of 10 and don't know what else can I say and really at this moment cant !!!!
Where Your Home Is
nomis947 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
"I Live Here Now" is a 10 out of 10 episode that left me speechless and sobbing at the same time. 70 minutes of pure perfection. The acting is excellent, the writing is magnificent and the main message is just... perfect.
The scene with Matt and Mary is a poignant highlight of the whole TV series and it's hard to deny the grandiosity and strength of this scene. The bridge-scene is so unpredictable and suspenseful, wow! It really captivated me and I had a bad feeling about the whole situation. The ending is just amazing and the final scene really got me. I guess the main message here is pretty obvious - and profound.
Well, I'm going to miss "The Leftovers"... But I hope that we'll see more great television in 2017 - with season 3!
The scene with Matt and Mary is a poignant highlight of the whole TV series and it's hard to deny the grandiosity and strength of this scene. The bridge-scene is so unpredictable and suspenseful, wow! It really captivated me and I had a bad feeling about the whole situation. The ending is just amazing and the final scene really got me. I guess the main message here is pretty obvious - and profound.
Well, I'm going to miss "The Leftovers"... But I hope that we'll see more great television in 2017 - with season 3!
A good episode, but a quite confusing timing.
tarsosa22 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
The downside of this almost perfect episode is the time spanning since Garvey's attempt of suicide by the river and the girls' escape, in which they left the car on that spot; since Garvey had visited the old man in the woods as a sleepwalker, it is implied he had to go to bed and felt sleep first. But then, how to explain that he was capable of sleeping so deep as he left his home sleepwalking to the woods and take some time chatting with the old man, and finally, he made his way to the river BEFORE the girls arrive in their car, since them had driven down there as soon Garvey was leaving his neighbor's house? It makes no sense and is quite impossible.
Perfect Ending
remix_199016 June 2020
This episode nearly had me in tears. One of the best qualities of The Leftovers is the character build-up and the incredible emotions portrayed by the actors. On top of that, to have every little detail in previous episodes to culminate into one incredible ending was a pure work of art.
This is the Leftovers, it's art, and almost every scene makes a great contribution to this amazing episode. On top of that, the sound and music are just breathtaking.
This is the Leftovers, it's art, and almost every scene makes a great contribution to this amazing episode. On top of that, the sound and music are just breathtaking.
All Ties in together perfectly
jp-3346529 October 2021
So well composed in everyway. Hard work pays off and to see it all come together like this is beautiful. Thank you.
To be honest this season was dragging for me a bit however all is redeemed and everything that felt worthless had its purpose.
To be honest this season was dragging for me a bit however all is redeemed and everything that felt worthless had its purpose.
What If There's Nobody Home
matthewjmiles25 December 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The conclusion of the second season of the Leftovers follows immediately from the startling revelation that the three girls who supposedly 'departed' are actually alive and well, but part of the Guilty Remnant. The main characters are all addressed in turn, with satisfying culminations to each of their season-long storylines, and we finally get (some) answers to the ongoing mystery of Kevin's sleepwalking and the dystopian afterlife seen in 'International Assassin'.
This is a great episode that naturally features the most devastation and emotionally-fueled conflict, as the previous season finale did. I would be lying if I said it didn't bring a tear to my eye on more than one occasion. I am also enjoying the show on a deeper level as it progressively heightens its reality and makes the twists and turns more drastic - for instance, Kevin being killed and sent back to the afterlife mere hours after he crawled out of his grave. A lot of this is due to the Bible-like setting of Miracle, or Jarden, that all the characters have slowly made their way to before the end of the season. Of course, this meant the return of the ubiquitous Guilty Remnant, whom had been very much in the background until recently. This is the reason I have given the episode a 9 rather than a 10 out of 10, not because I dislike the Remnant in any way, but I feel their inclusion at the end of the season was quite random and blindly destructive instead of the methodical, meaning-driven Remnant of the first season. I don't know if Meg works as its new leader, she has basically been purely vindictive so far and seems to be just out to cause as much misery as possible rather than Patti's goal of making the world remember - a still suitable goal, especially as the episode takes place on the fourth anniversary of the Departure. I didn't love her episode before this one and I thought the romance between her and Tommy was incredibly forced; although the writers dropped this subplot almost as quickly as it appeared, preferring to reunite the son with his family in the wholesome last few seconds.
Regardless, The Leftovers remains one of the best dramas I have watched in recent years. The new elements of this season - the Murphys, Miracle, Kevin's new yet fractured family - all add seamlessly to the existing themes and features of the show. I must say I'm interested to see where it goes next, given some controversial things I have heard about Season 3. I certainly won't be complaining no matter how unrealistic or crazy it becomes.
This is a great episode that naturally features the most devastation and emotionally-fueled conflict, as the previous season finale did. I would be lying if I said it didn't bring a tear to my eye on more than one occasion. I am also enjoying the show on a deeper level as it progressively heightens its reality and makes the twists and turns more drastic - for instance, Kevin being killed and sent back to the afterlife mere hours after he crawled out of his grave. A lot of this is due to the Bible-like setting of Miracle, or Jarden, that all the characters have slowly made their way to before the end of the season. Of course, this meant the return of the ubiquitous Guilty Remnant, whom had been very much in the background until recently. This is the reason I have given the episode a 9 rather than a 10 out of 10, not because I dislike the Remnant in any way, but I feel their inclusion at the end of the season was quite random and blindly destructive instead of the methodical, meaning-driven Remnant of the first season. I don't know if Meg works as its new leader, she has basically been purely vindictive so far and seems to be just out to cause as much misery as possible rather than Patti's goal of making the world remember - a still suitable goal, especially as the episode takes place on the fourth anniversary of the Departure. I didn't love her episode before this one and I thought the romance between her and Tommy was incredibly forced; although the writers dropped this subplot almost as quickly as it appeared, preferring to reunite the son with his family in the wholesome last few seconds.
Regardless, The Leftovers remains one of the best dramas I have watched in recent years. The new elements of this season - the Murphys, Miracle, Kevin's new yet fractured family - all add seamlessly to the existing themes and features of the show. I must say I'm interested to see where it goes next, given some controversial things I have heard about Season 3. I certainly won't be complaining no matter how unrealistic or crazy it becomes.
Season 2: Surrealism and drama
thecineman-9943124 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't realize that this season was so surrealistic after i realized kevin can't die in miracle, he coming back from death, mental trip, disapearences and miracle, where no one was departed, this is perfectly mixed with the perfect drama
Extremely Underwhelming
the-prestige-201130 December 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Now I want to start by saying I don't actually believe this episode deserves a one. It's a great episode just like all the others in season 2, but a 9.8?! Are you kidding me?? This is my first review and I had to because of how ridiculously high this got rated. My main issue with the episode is with Meg and her followers. There was all this build up that Meg was going to "change everything", but really all they did was walk into town and turn it into a rave. Maybe they did more and didn't show us but they just walked into town, lit the Jarden sign on fire and now they're all just sitting in the visitors Center doing nothing!! There wasn't any drama when Kevin got shot cause we knew he could come back, and even that was easier than I thought, he just sang some Simon and Garfunkle and boom he's back! Now again don't get me wrong, I love this series and this episode but not worthy of a near perfect rating. Don't understand how this gets a 9.8 but the Fargo season 2 finale that perfectly wraps up the characters and themes of the season gets an 8.8. But regardless this episode is shot well, scored well, acted very well, just a bit too underwhelming for so much build up. 9/10
Tension filled and emotionally draining in the best possible way
talhacarrim29 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
WOW! JUST WOW!
One of the most tension filled episodes of television I've ever watched. I kept pausing it after every curveball as I needed to catch my breath. I couldn't watch at times coz it was SCARILY GOOD! Such an emotional rollercoaster. Excellent writing, the back and forth cuts to each individual storyline bringing them all together to a climax was perfect. And that coupled with the excellent excellent music of Max Richter.
Regina King on the bridge with Evie with 0 dialogue heard was a masterpiece of a scene. Nora chasing the baby snatcher made my insides drop. Kevin looking for his dad on the TV with that BLOODY PANIC INDUCING MUSIC lol.
Just as you're processing one curveball scene they throw you something else.
I was totally wired all episode and had a massive adrenaline rush. Very few episodes of tv have done that to me, Succession/Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad/Ozark come to mind of episodes that gripped me like this.
I was tentatively apprehensive after the 1st 3 episodes of S2 as they moved away from the story slightly and it wasn't a direct continuation of S1. They needed to build the story again for a few episodes. And the 1st 3 were all isolated episodes, centric on a group of characters each time. And I was confused a little. But 204 was vital as they made sense of the story thus far.
And the 2nd half of season 2 was sublime. They had many consecutive episodes of perfection. I can't tell you how good some of those episodes were.
By the way, Christopher Eccelstone centric episodes are phenomenal.
S3 HERE I COME...DONT WANT THIS TO END.
One of the most tension filled episodes of television I've ever watched. I kept pausing it after every curveball as I needed to catch my breath. I couldn't watch at times coz it was SCARILY GOOD! Such an emotional rollercoaster. Excellent writing, the back and forth cuts to each individual storyline bringing them all together to a climax was perfect. And that coupled with the excellent excellent music of Max Richter.
Regina King on the bridge with Evie with 0 dialogue heard was a masterpiece of a scene. Nora chasing the baby snatcher made my insides drop. Kevin looking for his dad on the TV with that BLOODY PANIC INDUCING MUSIC lol.
Just as you're processing one curveball scene they throw you something else.
I was totally wired all episode and had a massive adrenaline rush. Very few episodes of tv have done that to me, Succession/Better Call Saul/Breaking Bad/Ozark come to mind of episodes that gripped me like this.
I was tentatively apprehensive after the 1st 3 episodes of S2 as they moved away from the story slightly and it wasn't a direct continuation of S1. They needed to build the story again for a few episodes. And the 1st 3 were all isolated episodes, centric on a group of characters each time. And I was confused a little. But 204 was vital as they made sense of the story thus far.
And the 2nd half of season 2 was sublime. They had many consecutive episodes of perfection. I can't tell you how good some of those episodes were.
By the way, Christopher Eccelstone centric episodes are phenomenal.
S3 HERE I COME...DONT WANT THIS TO END.
The ending was...brutally stupid
shefchenko15 October 2020
Such a great episode, such a terrible ending. Why did they have to arrange themselves like that? What were they trying to prove? I get that they are one big, "happy" family now. But why couldn't they just be in the house, but had to be arranged within the perfect distance from each other and in 1 room?!? It's just stupid .
Amazing, but frustrating
TheDonaldofDoom31 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not as impressed with this episode as I was by the finale to Season 1. There are lots of twists and great character beats, but in some ways it's underwhelming. That's not to say it's bad. It's still stellar and a mark up over most TV.
The most confusing element is how Meg's plan ends. We're expecting the bridge to blow up, but nothing happens. Then, the real twist happens, a stampede that penetrates through Jarden's walls. This could have happened anytime if people got together, but it took this event to make it happen. Miracle is not the same anymore, and they destroy the sense of peace by raving and generally trashing the place. I can only speculate as to what the point of all this is. Maybe it ties in to the question of whether Miracle really has some magical property. Has it really been ruined by being invaded by outsiders? After all, it's after all this chaos that Kevin finally finds his way home where family and friends are waiting for him.
About that: Kevin has been through hell, quite literally, so it's a wonderful note to end on. He deserves it. The way he almost breaks down when singing "Homeward Bound" in the Dream Hotel is a magical moment. As is when John finally becomes a sympathetic character. He doesn't understand what's happening, why Kevin is still alive or why his daughter joined the GR. Even though he's been a mean character, you can't help but feel for him knowing his daughter left him voluntarily.
This episode delivers some wonderful moments. Mary wakes up again. When Nora shields her baby from the stampede, it's a shocking but beautiful moment. And when Kevin comes home, you realise family, faith and love is the thing that holds everyone together, not a town's possible "miraculous" properties.
The most confusing element is how Meg's plan ends. We're expecting the bridge to blow up, but nothing happens. Then, the real twist happens, a stampede that penetrates through Jarden's walls. This could have happened anytime if people got together, but it took this event to make it happen. Miracle is not the same anymore, and they destroy the sense of peace by raving and generally trashing the place. I can only speculate as to what the point of all this is. Maybe it ties in to the question of whether Miracle really has some magical property. Has it really been ruined by being invaded by outsiders? After all, it's after all this chaos that Kevin finally finds his way home where family and friends are waiting for him.
About that: Kevin has been through hell, quite literally, so it's a wonderful note to end on. He deserves it. The way he almost breaks down when singing "Homeward Bound" in the Dream Hotel is a magical moment. As is when John finally becomes a sympathetic character. He doesn't understand what's happening, why Kevin is still alive or why his daughter joined the GR. Even though he's been a mean character, you can't help but feel for him knowing his daughter left him voluntarily.
This episode delivers some wonderful moments. Mary wakes up again. When Nora shields her baby from the stampede, it's a shocking but beautiful moment. And when Kevin comes home, you realise family, faith and love is the thing that holds everyone together, not a town's possible "miraculous" properties.
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