The Leftovers

[DanaC]

I am psyched for season 2 of this show. As I understand it, season 1 ends roughly where the original novel ended, and it certainly felt like it could work as a series end, but with enough left open to have more story to tell. From this point on they're into virgin territory on the narrative. I'm intrigued to see where they take it.

I mentioned in another thread, that when I watched the first two episodes (several weeks apart) I really didn't think I would stick with the series at all. There was a lot about it that I liked and thought was really well done - and plenty of intriguing elements - but the overall air of it, the mood it struck was kind of weirdly downbeat. I struggled with Breaking Bad for similar reasons (though there was probably more dark humour on BB) - just left me feeling a bit weirded out, a bit blue. I had read a review that suggested it might be worth sticking with, but I wasn't sure I would.

Episode 3 was brilliant. It was almost a standalone story - set in the world they'd just established. After two episodes setting the scene and following round the various members of the Garvey family, the third episode told us the story of a character who had, up until that point, been a minor peripheral character. It was really cleverly done, and I started to get a sense of the narrative rhythm of the show.

I'm not sure at what point it got under my skin. but somewhere around the middle of the series I was hooked. Well worth the early slog, which I am currently rewatching with what I learned in later episodes, and all that stuff that didn't make any sense now does - and I am catching a lot more dark humour the second time around. There's a definite thread of funny going through this show, but it's a fine thread and used sparingly.

There are some really impressive actors in this show. Some of the best performances were from the actors playing members of the Guilty Remnant. Since the GR remain silent - they had to get everything across without speaking. So we have several key characters who do not speak. One of the central characters doesn't speak a word onscreen until a flashback in episode 9. And she is a brilliantly acted character.

All the performances are great. And visually, it's got a really strong sense of identity - I really like the show's aesthetic.

For anybody who didn't see the first series (I've tried to be as spoiler-free as possible), here's a promo:

(worth taking full screen)



And for those who maybe gave up after the first two eps - I recommend giving it another go.

Anyone else watch the first season? (I don't think I saw anyone posting about it at the time, but I may have just forgotten). anyone else looking forward to the second season?

[Happy Monkey]

I saw it. My biggest impression was that it was a collection of excellent character studies, but the hints of an overarching plot haven't quite gelled.

If there actually isn't a main plot, that's a valid show structure (though not one I usually prefer), but somehow it feels like it almost has one, which bothers me a bit.

But overall, it's very well done and I'll definitely keep watching.