Mastodon Mastodon Mastodon Mastodon Mastodon The Leftovers - The Prodigal Son Returns - Finale Review: "We Made Them Remeber"


    Enable Dark Mode!

  • What's HOT
  • Premiere Calendar
  • Ratings News
  • Movies
  • YouTube Channel
  • Submit Scoop
  • Contact Us
  • Search
  • Privacy Policy
Support SpoilerTV
SpoilerTV.com is now available ad-free to for all premium subscribers. Thank you for considering becoming a SpoilerTV premium member!

SpoilerTV - TV Spoilers

The Leftovers - The Prodigal Son Returns - Finale Review: "We Made Them Remeber"

Sep 11, 2014

Share on Reddit
"Don't leave me
We must forget
All can be forgotten
Which is already fleeing away
To forget the times
Of misunderstanding
And the lost times
To know how
To forget those hours
Which sometimes killed
With blows of "Why?"
The heart of happiness
Don't leave me"
"Ne Me Quitte Pas" - Nina Simone - (Original By: Jacques Brel)

Don't leave me. That is the translation of the title of the song above. Don't leave me. It is what every one of our characters thought at one moment throughout the season. In the first season finale on Sunday, The cold open showed us the Garvey's in the positions we last saw them with this song playing. Kevin didn't want anyone to leave him, but especially Patti. Jill never wanted her mom to leave her and vice versa. Although, I don't think Laurie wants Jill to be a part of the Guilty Remnant, she also doesn't want to lose sight of her daughter. Last, but certainly not least, Tom doesn't want Christine and her newborn baby girl to leave him. Deep down, they both don't want Holy Wayne to leave either, which is evident in the way they both choke up when speaking about how they don't need him.

There were many powerful and emotional scenes in The Leftover's finale Sunday night. I was astounded and amazed throughout the entire hour at how well everything came together and how perfect Lindelof and his writing team harmoniously tied together many of the series plot threads and elements. I thought it was one of the better finales I have seen lately. It elicited many different emotions and feelings and at one point I actually felt really bad for Nora. Wow - that was an awesome scene (I am sure you all know which scene I am speaking of - if not, I will go into detail later). Isn't that what you want out of a TV Series? We want it to elicit emotion and make us run to the internet to find out about a song that was playing, or if we are right in guessing where a certain easter-egg is from. That is exactly what The Leftovers does so well and why we love it so much. And why we are so happy there is a Second Season.
The past few episodes has hinted at some major event brewing and originating from the GR. The family photos that were stolen from everyone's home (remember 'B.J. and the A.C.') came into play as they were used to gather the clothing that the departed wore. Patti acquired the clothing and laid them out on the church floor (remember 'Cairo'). The final puzzle piece was Laurie paying some movers for what appeared to be 'Loved Ones' replicas of each of the Mapleton 'departed'. We finally find out what they had planned for everyone all along. Megan tells Kevin, "We made them remember". This is part of what Patti wanted Kevin to understand in the cabin the moments before she 'departed'. I believe Kevin seeing his reflection in Patti's pool of blood at the very beginning of the episode reflected this understanding.

"We made them remember". Good job to those of you who guessed this correctly. The Guilty Remnant dressed the Loved Ones replicas up with the clothing they were wearing from the photos they stole. They then, sneakily, placed the departed replicas in their families homes as if they had never left. The scenes were hauntingly creative. The moments before the Sudden Departure were replicated by the GR in some sick and twisted way of making the leftover citizens remember what happened. The stillness in the air as one man meditates in a park. The leaves blowing briskly as another departed is cleaning his gutters. The 'dad' from the grocery store in the beginning of the season was also one. And who could forget the Patterson's kid? Sitting eerily at the table with the coins we know he liked to collect and count in the foreground. They were all placed in those positions so their families could find them.

The best one, of course, was Nora's family sitting at the kitchen table, and seeing her reaction. It was fantastic acting by Carrie Coon by the way. It was, by far, my favorite scene of the series and the buildup to it was incredible. The Guilty Remnant's objective was a complete success, however creepy and strange it was. They wanted everyone to remember the SD and acknowledge and accept that it happened. Well, everyone did.

The finale was filled with extraordinary scenes and Kevin's were great. He get's help from the Rev with burying Patti in the woods, but not before he reads a passage that the Rev outlined for him from the Bible. The passage is from Job 23:8 (remember the Rev's episode 'Two Boats and a Helicopter' made references and correlations to Job/The Rev). I won't repeat the whole passage, but it is worth looking up. I thought it was a great selection as some of the lines include "I have departed" and "But He Stands Alone". It was a powerful scene that spoke to the religious overtones of the series and Kevin's struggles throughout. Kevin has had a lot to overcome even though he did not lose anyone in the SD.

As the Rev and Kevin are driving home, you can over hear on the radio something about Holy Wayne escaping. I remember commenting to someone (Daniel?) about how great it would be if Holy Wayne and Kevin met and sure enough Kevin sees him moments before he dies on the restaurant bathroom stall. Wayne has no idea that this is Tom's dad that he is speaking to, but nonetheless grants him a wish to see if he is a fraud or if he is the real deal. Kevin thinks about this wish and for a moment you can see Holy Wayne light up as if it was the best wish he had heard. More on Kevin's wish later.

Before Kevin and the Rev get to the restaurant, Kevin has a nightmare. It involves Kevin being admitted into the same mental institution that his dad is in. While in his cell someone tosses the cryptic National Geographic magazine inside. In it Kevin sees the article for 'Cairo' that we have mentioned before with a note that states if he stops talking to himself they will let him watch TV. He walks out of his room to see his dad watching 'Perfect Strangers". A perfect show to be on while Kevin and his dad are together. Finally, Patti shows up and tells him to wake up. I wonder if we will see more of Patti in Season Two. She, after all, just wanted Kevin to understand while they were all still there.

The most meaningful line was from Kevin, who says to the Rev, "I started to lose them, one by one". He is speaking about his family and haven't we all thought that throughout the season? The Leftovers is a story about loss, whether from the Sudden Departure or otherwise. For reasons undetermined or unexplainable. Kevin Garvey may not have lost anyone in the SD, the event around which the whole series revolves, but he did lose his family in a series of events stemming from it. He lost himself along the way as well. Laurie and Tom left to join cults, and he has had a tenuous grasp on Jill for the better part of the season. He is trying to find love again with Nora and he almost lost her as well. He is a tragic-hero we have all come to root for in a world that has gone mad from unexplainable events and phenomena. I wonder if he will ever read that letter form Nora. Maybe they can raise that baby together and Nora can start a new family with them? It's difficult to picture a bleaker and darker season two with this ending. There was a little bit of hope in it, wasn't there?

The episode did a great job of closing out a roller coaster ride of a first season. A season that has made this show a favorite for some its viewers. It is definitely one of my favorites. The hidden meanings and mesmerizing characters. The cults and groups and fanatics. The finale tied it all together. Nora now has a reason to stay in Mapleton; a baby girl left by Christine for Tom, who, in turn, left it on his dad's doorstep for Nora to find. Jill now understands that things can be 'OK' after the SD and the look on her face says she is willing to accept Nora. My guess is that Tom will join the GR with his mother and Laurie will rebuild the GR with Patti now gone. Kevin will keep holding on tight to Jill and who knows what the future will hold. My guess is that Season Two will be even greater than the first.

Thoughts And Discussion

- The songs in this episode are:

"Ne Me Quitte Pas" - Nina Simone - Beginning scene with Kevin overlooking Patti - The full lyrics are amazing and mirror the entire series in certain ways. If you have time I suggest looking them up.
"Nothing Else Matters (Instrumental Version)" - Apocalyptica - Jill and Laurie writing back and forth.
"Sleepwalk" - Johnny & Santo - The Rev and Kev
"Dream" - Al Green - The Rev and Kevin driving back from the restaurant

- Did you notice...When Laurie was talking (writing) to Jill at the start of the episode you can see Laurie's lighter (NOT the one Jill gave her) between them. I'm not sure if this was purposely done by the writers, but I thought it was a neat little Easter-Egg.

- Did you notice...During the scenes where we saw all the replicated departed there were dogs barking in the background.

- I love how the dog that Jill set free came back to both of them, symbolizing their family unit and Kevin's sanity.

- I laughed at the Rev's reaction to Kevin telling him about the other woman disappearing while he was with her.

- The Prodigal Son is the title of the episode and it takes its name from one of the parables of Jesus. It focuses on loss and redemption.

- I am so glad they added the line by Lucy to Kevin - "You were right". It was a perfect line for the finale. Also, Laurie's first and only word she spoke (post SD) throughout the whole season was "Jill" - very appropriate.

- My other ideas for the Tagline were: Review: "The Uncanny Valley" and Review: "I Have Not Departed" and Review: "Penguins:One Kevin:One"

- Did you notice...What Kevin sees as he runs through the GR house while it was on fire:
- Kevin helps one member from being beaten up with the word 'Forget' written on the white board behind her. Also on the white board is - "Support Counseling Meeting: TBA" (Maybe they should have had that meeting earlier). Under "Important Information" they have written the time the SD occurred - 2:23.
- A half burned sign about one of the GR's mottos concerning smoking to proclaim their faith.
- A man sitting and meditating in a corner of a room at the worst possible time.
- Picture frames without any photos in them.

- I wonder what season two will be about? Any thoughts?

- So, what does everyone think Kevin's wish to Holy Wayne was? My guess is that Kevin wished that everyone that departed was returned. In a weird sort of way his wish came true when he returns to Mapleton to see it has erupted into chaos after the GR did just that. That or he wished that Tom would return to him. I would love to read what all of you think his wish was. Comment below and let me know.


Thank you all for a great season of discussion and comments for The Leftovers! I can't wait for the next season so we can do it all again! Please comment below so we can discuss the episode and the season as a whole more. Have a great weekend everyone! I hope to hear from you all after my other Reviews of Sons Of Anarchy, Resurrection, The Strain, and the much anticipated Season Two of The Blacklist!


About the Author - Geo N
My name is George and I am from Detroit, MI. My favorite shows are The Blacklist, Hell On Wheels, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, LOST, The Leftovers, The Strain, Sons Of Anarchy, Sleepy Hollow and countless other shows. When I'm not watching tons of TV, I enjoy reading, playing hockey, comic books, weightlifting, and writing. Thanks for checking out my post.
Recent Reviews By Geo N (All Reviews)

19 comments:

  1. I loved the season finale and the season was amazing. The Leftovers was truly a fantastic show. The Leftovers had some of the best writing, acting, and scenes in recent memory. Also don't forget the fantastic music and score in each episode. Can't wait for season 2.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm going to read this on my way home on the train but I just wanted to first say thanks for all your great reviews after the episode. They have really made me enjoy the episodes more and made me appreciate the show more.
    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. You are very welcome! Thank you for the kind words I really appreciate it! Enjoy and have a safe train ride!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I completely agree! It is now one of my favorite series. Lol, and you are the 'Daniel' I mentioned in this Review.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I know lol. I saw that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. OMGGGGG. i was waiting for this.
    it is true after the show ended i went all around tumblr looking for the song and the complete translation of "Ne Me Quitte Pas" is pure gold if you see it from the series POV. Apocalipta was the great way to introduce what was coming when the GR were leaving the house. I remember i said "F#$#" too many times during this episode. It was simply brilliant.

    It was an episode that had everything. I discussed this with someone here and that person said that it was going to be too much if the GR do that, and they did it. It was a hard way to make a statement but they accomplished what they wanted. I understand why the people snapped and the GR were expecting that kind of reaction.
    Nora: Carrie Coon (she deserves a bow tbh) was phenomenal in the episode, very powerful scenes and so full of meaning for the show. Like she said on her letter, she tried to move on and she thought she had it all planned and ready but then the GR came and reminded her that everything has change (kind of unffair because those people are trying to move on) and she saw that she will never forget her family. the way i saw it, the GR did it cause they thought people forgot all about that day but the true is that these people are suffering and they are not showing it, they didnt need some cult to show them what they lost.
    I would've love to see how Holy Wayne come to that restaurant, who killed him and why. I'm pretty sure Kevin's wish was to have his family back once again in one way or another and he had it, they all in the same town now.
    Rev and Kevin's scene while reading the biblical passage was one highlight momments as well, teh way i saw it. Rev choose that passage very well, it was a way to give hope that no matter what had happened it wasnt his fault, the he is not guilty and noone in this life will judge him.
    I cant completely grasp on how the hell Tom leave the child at Kevin's doorstep WTH DUDE, You did the same that Christine did (not at all cool) but hey Nora find a little piece of hope there, you could see it in her face.
    I wonder if Patti will be Kevin's concience now maybe his dream was the beggining of that, they way his dad talks to others maybe this will be Kevin's.
    Incredible episode, one of the best season finales i have seen this season. And as always a great review as well.
    Cant wait for The Blacklist to premiere to read your thoughts about it.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I don't know why but I thought his wish was about his family being back together or something like that.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That's what most people think, but it's all up to interpretation.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I loved the season finale and thought while the show started a bit slow it picked up significantly and became one of the best shows of the year.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I was thinking for a second that his wish was that , but then thought it didn't come true. They weren't together. right?

    ReplyDelete
  11. I feel satisfied with the season finale.

    The last few minutes make me think that maybe there is hope, everything is not lost. In some way was a happy ending. It was the calm after the storm:
    Tom comes back with his mother.
    Kevin and Jill holding hands walking back home.
    The once-feral dog has changed. Now it's friendly with them. That scene was lovely.
    Nora finally found out a reason to move on.
    Because of this, I think the next season will be about a fresh start. Everyone’s been trying to recover their old lives so after all what happened this could be a chance to start a new life (maybe this is that what they need)

    I think the name of the episode it's very appropriate. It's related to Tom and Kevin.
    The scene between Matt and Kevin at the restaurant was some kind of confession i think. And we know the prodigal son (the parable) is about a man who has everything, and having the opportunity to have it all, one day he makes a bad decision. It's much like kevin's story.

    Regarding Kevin's wish the first thing I thought it was about his family being back together. But this didn't happen or it happened partially.
    By the way, i like your theory about this. It make sense.

    Thanks for another great review! You've done a fantastic job all season!

    See you (read you) next season!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Like you, i thought the same thing when Patti said to Kevin: "we're gonna be traveling companions." I think we'll see more of Patti the next season :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I think it was about having family again. He got that with his daughter finally moving on from her step mom due to the fire incident, Nora, and now a new baby. You could tell they all looked happy at the end

    ReplyDelete
  14. Great review as always GeoN! I finally just caught up last night!


    I def think the series got better as it went on, but I have to say that if it wouldn't of been for the ending, I wouldn't have been nearly as excited to see where the writers go from here. The one thing that I don't like about it that it's almost too serious for it's own good, unlike something like LOST, where there was always comic relief to help soften the blow. This is so continuously intense, that it doesn't let you breath and that makes it a bit depressing.


    I thought he wished for his family to return, because of how they went about the flash back in the penultimate episode and that almost for everyone else, they got a twisted juxtaposed answer to that wish with the fake bodies. However, I also think the ending is slightly open to interpretation since we do not see the Garvey's reunite completely and one could speculate that Tommy just left the baby and he and his mom may not come back to Jill and Kevin, especially since Nora seemed like she was saved by finding the baby on the porch...So it could in fact pave the way to an even more complicated monkey wrench, especially if Tommy's friend, the baby's biological mother would return, although the writers make make one wonder if there is also something special about the baby...


    Anyways. I have been going back through your reviews and I just wanted to say thank you for all of your insights and hard work! Sorry I didn't stay caught up to engage more frequently.It's just been one of those summers where there is more to do than I thought. :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you very much! I appreciate the kind words...you just made my morning!


    I have been debating the wish with the few people I know that watch the show and everyone has been giving differing answers. I like your theory too. Maybe we will get some clues as to what it was next season (probably not). But the fun is in the speculation, right? Lol.


    You are very welcome for all the Reviews! It was My Pleasure! Thank you for that comment! It was definitely a lot of fun when I get to Review a show that I love this much and the fans love as equally as I do. It made The Leftovers even more enjoyable than it already was, so I want to say thank you to you and everyone else that read my Reviews and commented on them and the series. I can't wait until next season to do it all over again. I have other shows to Review to keep me occupied until next Summer with Sons Of Anarchy, which just started its seventh and final season - Resurrection, which begins its second season near the end of this month - and The Blacklist, which will start a week from Monday. If you watch any of those I would love to read your comments after my Reviews of those shows episodes. Thanks Again!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you for the kind words! I really appreciate it! Thank you for commenting, I enjoyed reading all of your comments as much as I did writing the Reviews.

    The theories circulating about Kevin's 'wish' are many and all could be true. It is completely up to interpretation. (But, I secretly like mine the best...LOL, I'm just kidding)

    See you (read you, lol) next season! Unless you enjoy one of the other shows I Review. I have other shows to Review to keep me occupied until next Summer with Sons Of Anarchy, which just started its seventh and final season - Resurrection, which begins its second season near the end of this month - and The Blacklist, which will start a week from Monday. If you watch any of those I would love to read your comments after my Reviews of those shows episodes. Also, The Strain is currently airing and I Review that as well!


    Thanks Again!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Ron, I have really enjoyed reading all your comments all season. Thank you for commenting!


    I agree with you about Tom's decision to leave the baby on the doorstep. I kept thinking, "He just did the same thing Christine did!"


    I think you are right that we have not seen the last of Patti or Kevin's 'surreal thoughts'. I think it will play heavily in Season 2.


    I, very much, look forward to reading your thoughts on my Blacklist Review's! If they are anything like the comments you posted after my 'The Leftover' Reviews, than I, and everyone else, are in for a big treat!


    Thanks again Ron! See you (read you) in a few weeks when The Blacklist starts!

    ReplyDelete
  18. You're Welcome! (and you're right, speculation and everyone's unique interpretation is half the fun!) :)


    You can expect to see me participate with The Blacklist! Can't wait for that to return! :D

    ReplyDelete
  19. IKR, if the show wouldn't have been renewed this would've been a proper closure, I also thought of "hope" as the main subject on this season finale, the way Nora's face changed when she saw that baby. Kevin getting closser to her daugther and Tom going for his mother. In a way they found a little peace for now.

    ReplyDelete

NOTE: Name-calling, personal attacks, spamming, excessive self-promotion, condescending pomposity, general assiness, racism, sexism, any-other-ism, homophobia, acrophobia, and destructive (versus constructive) criticism will get you BANNED from the party.