The Leftovers aired its premiere episode last Sunday night to mostly positive reviews. Some fans expected more than what they got and to them I say give it a chance. Give it a few more episodes and I think you will like what you see. You might enjoy episode number two like I did.
Episode Two is titled "Penguin One, Us Zero". I wondered what that title could possible mean before I saw the episode and my strange mind couldn't even come close. Maybe if someone asks me after I post my Review next week I will tell you, but I won't bore you with what I thought right now. I will say that the episode is another great chapter in the series. I am really enjoying how well each episode is pieced together. They have such a smooth flow that the episode ended after what felt like a few minutes. Peter Berg, the director, really does an incredible job.
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The action definitely heats up and there are some great scenes involving Tom and Holy Wayne. We learn a little more of Wayne's history and what Tom's role is in his organization. This is why I say to those people who did not enjoy the premiere episode to give it a chance. Things heat up in very specific ways and I feel that with each subsequent episode we learn a lot more about each character and how they deal with the Sudden Departure. I think everyone will enjoy the this episode, plus don't you want to find out what that interesting title means?
Thoughts and Discussion Through Episode 1
- What is the significance of the dogs as they relate to Kevin? The dogs come into play in the second episode so we learn a little more about that plot line.
- What is the story with the man that shot the dogs in the first episode?
- Why does Wayne think Tom is so important?
- Why did Meg join the Guilty Remnant?
I look forward to discussing the episode with everyone after I post my Review next week. Enjoy your weekend everyone!
The storyline intrigues me, but I don't think I can stand this show. It's just far too bleak for me; after I watched the premiere I had trouble sleeping and I couldn't stop thinking about it the next day. It's something that never happened to me before, something remarkable and a bit fearful at the same time. On one hand I'm really impressed that a work of fiction could affect me this much, but on the other hand I don't want to feel like that again, because I honestly felt like shit after watching the premiere: it was a brilliant piece of television, well written, thought provoking and well acted, but for some reason it affected me like no other show has done before, more than Fringe, Game of Thrones and Homeland combined.
ReplyDeleteSo I don't think I'll be able to keep watching, I rather read the reviews instead and follow what's going on, because I can't certainly take feeling like crap each Sunday night. Maybe it's because of its bleakness, maybe it is because I feel the character's pain way to real, but for whatever reason it affects me too much, to the point I can't simply stand it. As I said, this has never happened to me before, so I'm still pretty shocked and confused about it
I will watch the Pilot RN. Finally have alittle time to do it! after that i will come back here to read this and understan it a little better!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I have seen a show divide viewers this much, and it is only the first episode! The bleak nature is definitely not for everyone and I totally understand why someone would not want to watch a show like this. The mystery is probably going to remain ambiguous if they continue with the series and that will divide people as well. Ultimately the premise intrigues me and the characters are interesting and complex.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing that one show can be so divided with the people.
ReplyDeleteHave you considered trying to pair it with a more upbeat/happier show to try and balance things out?
ReplyDeleteThanks Geo, I really liked the first episode and look forward to the second. I find the dog storyline interesting, so I´m happy to hear that they will follow up in the second episode.
ReplyDeleteI was surpriced that a lot of people didn´t like it, I thought the actors did a fantastic job.
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYeah, I'm interested to see where the dog storyline goes as well...it's very interesting.
I was a little surprised with the mixed Reviews myself. I thought the Pilot did a great job at introducing the characters and the story arc.
The show is definitely bleak and perfect for HBO. I didn't understand the audiences reaction to the Pilot. It's only one episode and I believe the show will only get better.
ReplyDeleteI really would like to know what you thought about it Ron! I hope you enjoyed it. I have a Review out for the first episode that maybe you would like to read first? Then, hopefully after you decided you enjoy the premise and the Pilot, you can come to read this article before watching episode two tomorrow night. Let me know what your thoughts are!
ReplyDeleteThat is a good idea. Maybe pick your favorite SitCom (may I suggest VEEP? - also on HBO - Or Modern Family? - On ABC) to watch afterwards?
ReplyDeleteI understand that you don't want to feel like that again, Pablo. The show is very bleak at it's core, but, any show that deals with loss and death will have a certain level of downheartedness, I imagine. I'm not a psychologist, so I would never presume to say, "Why don't you tell me what it was that made you feel that way and I can help you?". But I do love to help fans discover and understand great, amazing Television Shows. I think that is what my colleagues and I, that work for SpoilerTV, all ultimately want. That's why I love writing for this incredible website.
ReplyDeleteSo, I would love to help you, in any way, understand the show a little more and hopefully, if you understand it a little more, it will make it easier to watch. Maybe, since I watch all the episodes in advance, you could tell me what you focused on so much the following morning and I can tell you if the show takes that kind of direction or goes down those certain avenues? WITHOUT spoiling the story line for you, of course.
Just a thought. If you just want to read my Reviews, like you said, I completely understand. I mean they are AWESOME Reviews...Lol, I'm jk. That was a joke......I said it to lighten the mood for your comfort......you're welcome. Lol, jk - another joke..... Ok, I'll stop....
But Seriously Pablo, I would love to help in any way. I look forward to it actually. Have a great weekend, bud.
If you thought the first episode was bleak.
ReplyDeleteWait until you see the opening sequence of Episode 5. It's one of the most brutal things I've seen on TV.
I seriously love this show. It's very unique. Episode 3 was wonderful.
I can't wait to see it! Thanks Andy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, I understand this is a great piece of television, but I also know why I feel I can't watch it; it strikes too close to home.
ReplyDeleteIt took me some time to realize what happened to me while watching, and it was that the show opened up some old personal injuries; I'd rather not talk about them because it's far too personal, but the thing is that the show is so real that I couldn't help but relate to the point it was almost soul destroying.
I hope the show gets good ratings and that it gets a good run, it's an incredible show, but I think I found the one that I just better just let slide. Maybe if I read about it it won't be as hard as watching it, the pain the actors showcase was so similar to mine that I just couldn't stand it, I think that's what affected me the most. (Then again, the fact that said pain is shown almost equally as the one someone went through in real life shows how greatly acted the show is).
I know I'm not saying much, but I hope you understand; I have nothing but respect and admiration for this show, but it's not something I can deal with, at least not right now. Maybe a couple of years from now on when I'm ready to watch (something I did with Breaking Bad, of which I watched the pilot five years ago and I wasn't ready for it, and now I'm completely hooked)
I completely understand Pablo. I hope one day you can enjoy this and other shows peacefully.
ReplyDeleteYou sound like a very brave person and if you have any questions after reading at least the Reviews I would be more than happy to answer them for you.
Episode 3 was my favourite, one of my favourite actors might have made me a little biased but I really did enjoy it!
ReplyDelete