I have been a devotee of this show since the beginning. I have watched it every Sunday for the past three years and I couldn't be any happier with its evolution. The Leftovers is human, touching, meaningful television. And this episode isn't any less. Laurie isn't the character I like the most but this was one of the best episodes of the whole series. The delivery by Amy and the rest of the cast was top tier and the writing and music was on point as usual. I tend to be quite skeptical when it comes to character-centred episodes, but this one made me sympathize with her so much I cried and didn't want the episode to go. But as Laurie said, "We're all gone". So is the show. Two more weeks until the hidden gem that is The Leftovers leaves. Two more weeks until the best show no one is watching departures.
7 Reviews
Great entertainment and very strange.
ohmap-977-66481025 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I recently got HBO and caught up with the episodes in about two weeks. I must say this is really a great show that I would suggest to anyone who likes a mystery.
OK...now this is only me speculating, but I have NO idea how this series is going to end. I even wonder if Laurie killed herself, or if she decided not to. If she did, would she meet Kevin in the hotel? I suppose that is the point of the show...to keep people wondering! Two episodes left and I wait with bated breath. I am almost as nervous as some of the people in The Leftovers...well maybe not that dire, but still VERY curious what will happen on flood day.
Will it be like when Charlton Heston opened the Red Sea in the Ten Commandments, or like when Geraldo Riviera opened Al Capone's vault to find nothing.
However this ends, I must say I have been entertained by this series, and agree with those that say it is worth watching.
OK...now this is only me speculating, but I have NO idea how this series is going to end. I even wonder if Laurie killed herself, or if she decided not to. If she did, would she meet Kevin in the hotel? I suppose that is the point of the show...to keep people wondering! Two episodes left and I wait with bated breath. I am almost as nervous as some of the people in The Leftovers...well maybe not that dire, but still VERY curious what will happen on flood day.
Will it be like when Charlton Heston opened the Red Sea in the Ten Commandments, or like when Geraldo Riviera opened Al Capone's vault to find nothing.
However this ends, I must say I have been entertained by this series, and agree with those that say it is worth watching.
Beyond words- just brilliant
varunpidugu-5580724 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I've watched a lot of TV shows- most of them were good, some even great. But nothing comes close to The Leftovers. It is a show like no other I have ever seen. This episode is just brilliant- there's nothing you can fault. The direction, the acting, the background score! Just sensational. This show has redefined what great story telling is. It will be a great injustice if this show doesn't win at least a few Emmy's for acting, direction, background score.
Quiet and devastating
TheDonaldofDoom2 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Another beautiful work of art. This episode is even more quiet and meditative than usual, allowing you to soak in each scene. Nora's story and what happens in the car is the weakest part, slightly boring and not up to the usual standard. However it does end in an emotional farewell to Nora and Matt. Matt, who has finally found peace, and Nora, who, well, hasn't.
Now that Matt has realised the Book of Kevin is a waste of time, the focus is on others who have all looked to Kevin as their saviour. Of course this will involve drowning him and Kevin understands he could well be dying this time, but he's past caring. I guess he reasons if there's a chance he can make some people feel better, he'll go through with it because there's nothing left for him in this life anyway.
Laurie's suicide scene was perfectly set up and acted with a powerful performance from Amy Brenneman. For a brief moment, when Jill called, I didn't think she would go through with it. This scene is proof that less is more, as the final prolonged shot of the boat shows, leaving viewers to imagine what is happening.
Overall, this episode gives the feeling that everyone is drifting apart, coming to terms that they will never get over the Departure. A sad admission that there can be no happy ending. And, with two episodes left to go, I can't see how we'll get a happy ending out of this.
Now that Matt has realised the Book of Kevin is a waste of time, the focus is on others who have all looked to Kevin as their saviour. Of course this will involve drowning him and Kevin understands he could well be dying this time, but he's past caring. I guess he reasons if there's a chance he can make some people feel better, he'll go through with it because there's nothing left for him in this life anyway.
Laurie's suicide scene was perfectly set up and acted with a powerful performance from Amy Brenneman. For a brief moment, when Jill called, I didn't think she would go through with it. This scene is proof that less is more, as the final prolonged shot of the boat shows, leaving viewers to imagine what is happening.
Overall, this episode gives the feeling that everyone is drifting apart, coming to terms that they will never get over the Departure. A sad admission that there can be no happy ending. And, with two episodes left to go, I can't see how we'll get a happy ending out of this.
Evolution of Laurie
sunnylifed22 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I rated this episode as a 9 because I really liked all the pivotal things that occurred to most of the characters, including Laurie and her key advice she had to say to these characters. Only Kevin could say anything that made her think twice. ***Spoiler*** So why, then, did she drug the limited "apostles" and then cop out, after saying she wanted to 'stick around and see this through'? Were we getting duped or did the producers of this episode have second thoughts in the middle of filming? I guess this should be in FAQ, but I don't have authority to start a string.
Winter time?
abuozama18 June 2021
The episode was amazing, but there is an observation during the third season; The weather in Australia in October is nice, the temperature lies between 18- 22 degrees Celsius (70's Fahrenheit) but the it appeared as windy, cold, as winter time which is not accurate with wearing heavy clothing.
Wont anyone think about the children?!
bnevs1829 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Yeah, the real problem here is that all these people who are already gone...they are gone, but they are forgetting about those who rely on them being around. Im of the mind that the final call with Jill never happened; that its one of those things that Laurie put in her mind to give herself closure.
The first time I watched the series, I was focused on The Truth...what really happened? This second time I have focused on the fact that this show is about how people cope, how they can deal with these undefinable events and feelings. Nora's story about the beach ball finally locked that into place for me...these people simply want to whack the ball.
But Im going to be the usher and deflate that ball. Everyone is thinking of themselves here, but not about their children. Even Michael, the believer, doesnt really want Kevin to go through with it...he knows that Jill needs him, as broken as he is. Everyone is in such pain, but they should have stepped outside themselves to see those whose pain would be amplified by the protagonists' ending their pain.
The first time I watched the series, I was focused on The Truth...what really happened? This second time I have focused on the fact that this show is about how people cope, how they can deal with these undefinable events and feelings. Nora's story about the beach ball finally locked that into place for me...these people simply want to whack the ball.
But Im going to be the usher and deflate that ball. Everyone is thinking of themselves here, but not about their children. Even Michael, the believer, doesnt really want Kevin to go through with it...he knows that Jill needs him, as broken as he is. Everyone is in such pain, but they should have stepped outside themselves to see those whose pain would be amplified by the protagonists' ending their pain.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
