The Leftovers airs it's much anticipated freshman season finale this Sunday, the 7th of September. It has quickly become a favorite among fans, whom, at first, were skeptical about the show's premise and longevity. The Leftovers has recently been renewed for a second season and, with the first season coming to a close this Sunday, I thought it would be a great idea to write an article about some elements of the plot that remain a mystery. There are many questions that still need answering and I have included some of the most prominent ones below. I would love for everyone to comment below so we can discuss the season to date and what to expect during the tenth episode. Also, if I have forgotten to include anything (which I'm sure will be quite a bit) please let me know so I can update the article appropriately.
Although the last episode was a flashback, it still contained traits that are relevant to the characters in present day Mapleton. Please keep this in mind when I explain where each character is and where we think they are headed.
Unanswered Questions
- What will happen to the Church and will the Rev ever get it back from the Guilty Remnant? What will Reverend Matt Jamison's role be in the finale?
Reverend Matt Jamison - When we first met the Rev, he was handing out fliers at the parade that we later learned was a medium to out the evils of the departured. He felt that the citizens of Mapleton should be aware that the Sudden Departure was NOT the Rapture and people's ideas about the event were incomplete at best. The Rev is also the focus of one of the best episodes of the season and most popular amongst fans. It is the episode that, for me, made this series one of my favorites as it went beyond the limits of what most shows dare not cross. His cryptic episode gave way to the mysteries of his life and his determination to save his church. In a series partly rooted in religious undertones he is the face of Christianity. Amidst dwindling membership he still holds true to his faith, but ultimately fails to achieve his short-term goal of saving his church from the grasp Guilty Remnant. The look on his face at the end of that episode spoke volumes and I thought, incorrectly, he would have sought out revenge. He has remained optimistic and even has helped the GR, and a few of its members, from time to time. The Rev's story line up to the finale is mostly the same as we have seen all season. He is still passing out fliers and his latest victim was Meg from the GR. I am not sure what his ultimate goals are, but I don't think he is going to get his old church back anymore.
One of the biggest revelations from last Sunday's flashback episode was that Jill was an uber happy teenager who laughed, sang, and enjoyed watching pop-tart shaped cats flying through the night sky trailing a rainbow. Then the SD happened and the Garvey family foundation began to crumble beneath their feet and Jill sunk into despair. She ruined her friendship with Aimee and has come to realize that becoming 'OK' in this new day and age is not possible. What else to do but join the GR? However, has she joined because she realizes the GR is the only place she will get to feel as if she has a purpose or is understood? Or, has she gone there because she believes she can save her mother from their tenuous grip? I'm voting for the latter. I don't think she feels that a cult is all that is missing from her life. I think she finally understands more about the reality of her situation and wants to help her mother.
- Does Kevin know about the baby that Laurie 'lost' in the SD? Will she ever tell (write) him?
Some of you might not think this is relevant, but the Garvey family and their actions are a big focus of the series. This kind of question is also difficult to gauge the importance of due to the fact that we found out about this through the episode nine flashback, events that are essentially three to four years old. We learn throughout the flashback episode that Kevin lies to Laurie many times ranging from small matters to ones more meaningful. However, what we don't focus on is that Laurie is harboring an enormous lie that we never truly know if Kevin had any knowledge of. Will they have one last talk before the first season ends?
- What will happen between Tom, Christine and Holy Wayne? Will the reason he got those women pregnant become revealed?
Tom and Christine's journey has been a lot of fun to watch since we first met them on the "Holy Wayne" compound early on in the season. Christine is one of Wayne's mysterious groupies whom he impregnates and charges Tom with looking after her when the Feds raid the compound forcing Wayne's followers to flee. Tom does whatever it takes to keep Christine and her baby safe equipped with only a burner phone and some money given to him by Wayne. Wayne has contacted Tom only once that we have seen and it was cryptic and strange to say the least; laying half-naked, in what appeared to be a basement, on a mattress asking Tom to take half the money he has left to another 'groupie' of Wayne's. Tom has done a great job taking care of Christine per Wayne's wishes. Christine ended up having to give birth to her baby in a bathtub and I am eager to find out where the next stop on their journey will be. I mean after a hospital, of course.
Throughout the season we have heard about Wayne does and his 'gift' since the SD. We have actually seen him in action in one of our favorite episodes - "Guest". Charging $1000 for essentially a 'hug', Holy Wayne claims he can relieve anyone of their emotional pain by giving them a spiritual embrace. In 'Guest', a reluctant Nora pays the money as she is desperate to become 'ok' with the new way of the world. Wayne ensures her that she will never forget her family, but he can unburden her of its weight. What we are not sure of is if there is some higher power involved or if it's just a bunch of hocus-pocus or thought manipulation. Will we find out if he is for real in the finale? Or is it one of those elements of the series that is left to the viewer to interpret?
- What does Kevin plan on doing with Patti's dead body?
Kevin is one big enigmatic character. Even he is not sure of what his actions are at times. He wanders through the night hunting dogs while other times he preys on leaders of the local cult. He hangs up his shirts in the woods in a town hours away and argues with dry cleaning store owners. Episode eight, 'Cairo', saw Kevin rough up Patti and, with the help of Dean, take her to a cabin in the woods. Patti ends up killing herself, but it doesn't look good that Kevin was the only person there and the circumstances surrounding it. I, for one, am looking forward to find out how Kevin reacts to this and what he plans on doing with her remains.
- Who is Dean (The dog killer that 'helps' Kevin) and what is his relation to Kevin?
At first, we thought he was a figment of Kevin's imagination. Now, we know he is real and that other people can see him. The episode where he helps Kevin with a detained Patti in the woods only furthered his mysteriousness. Patti claimed she could find no information about the man. So, who is he? Where did he come from? Why is he helping Kevin? Why is he shooting the dogs? Saying the dogs are not ours anymore is not a reason to shoot them dead.
One of the biggest mysteries this season has been Kevin Sr. and the voices he hears and appears to have an actual, real-time, conversation with. Are they real? If so, who are they? What do they want with either of the Kevin's?
- What is the Guilty Remnant's plan with all the clothes on the floor of the church? Also, what is in the bags that Laurie paid for in episode 8, 'Cairo'?
I am sure that there are body double's in those bags, but I hesitate to make any assumptions with this show with all the twists and turns we see on a weekly basis. My guess is that they are doubles of everyones family member that was lost in the SD. They will be clothed in what they were wearing in the photos the GR stole from everyone's home a few episodes back (B.J. and the A.C.). Then they will display them in some fashion around town to manifest the GR's ultimate motto of "We Won't Let Them Forget". That's just my guess. I would love to hear all of your thoughts about what they plan to do with the clothes and mannequins.
Bonus Questions
- What was with the carful of mysterious women that pulled up to Kevin sitting on the curb of a street in the last episode?
The women pull up to Kevin during one of his runs while he is taking a breather. He is wearing a whit shirt and gray sweatpants. After they pull up they ask, "Are you ready?". Kevin responds with bewilderment and the women exclaim they thought he was someone else before driving off. Some of you have stated they were part of the Guilty Remnant and thought Kevin was also a member wearing their signature color. But, how could they be part of the GR if the SD hadn't occurred yet? And if they are the GR, how could they have known something like the SD was going to happen?
I re-watched the last episode and noticed there was quite a few references to the 'heat' and thought it was odd. It could be nothing, but why not explore it a little more by asking all of you what you think as well? The first reference to Hell was Kevin telling Laurie how unusually hot it was for October after he came back from one of his runs. There were several other references like this and the most prominent one was immediately after the carful of women drive away from Kevin after asking him if he was ready. The manhole cover begins to rattle in place right before it shoots up into the air and the manhole erupts in flames. This could all mean nothing, but I thought it was interesting there were so many Hell references and flames literally coming out of the ground. Either way, I would love to know what you all think.
- What's with the deer and the dogs?
I have theorized that the deer is Kevin and the dogs represent Laurie. I would love to know what you all think about it. Maybe there is something much deeper? Will we find out in the finale? Is there enough time in the finale to go over everything we want to know? Probably not, but I am sure it will be a great episode and my money is on one huge cliffhanger to keep us on our toes until the second season.
I can't wait for the finale and I'm sure none of you can either. Please comment below so we can all discuss the show more and we can talk about what we can expect from the finale. If I forget anything important please let me know and I will update this post appropriately. Have a great week everyone!
Can't wait for the finale.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Dean I read a good theory that he has been working with Patti and helping mess with Kevin's head. Dean was conveniently in the woods when the GR found Gladys and we know that Patti staged her murder.
ReplyDeleteI don't think Kevin knew about the sudden departure of their unborn child, if he did then I think he would be more sympathetic and understanding to why Laurie joined the GR. It seems like he has no idea about why she did other than his own affair.
Very good point about Kevin. He would be more sympathetic towards her actions post SD if knew what had really went on.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good theory about Dean, but so much about what Patti was saying about him when in the cabin sounded and appeared genuine.
After epidode 8, I figured the dogs represented the Guilty Remnant. They're not like they used to be before because they know and understand what happened, while everyone else is still in denial. Kevin caught the dog because he wanted to ''civilize'' it, but he wasn't able to. The most obvious parallel was when Jill took a knife to let the dog go (rather than killing it), and Kevin did the same at the end of the episode with Patti.
ReplyDeleteGreat read, man! I was gutted when I realised that there was no new episode last night. I'd be surprised if the things in those GR bags aren't body doubles, as it explains why they've been stealing photos and stuff and laying out all of the clothes in the church. I think that the GR might put the Church pews back in, and then display all of the towns departed loved ones on them to make it look like they've come back from heaven or something. Probably not though, I'm just curious why they bought the Church. If it was just to have enough space to sort the bodies and clothes out then surely they could have just done that in a random warehouse?
ReplyDeleteI loved what you said about the references to hell in the last episode. I hadn't picked up on that and it's fascinating, I want to go back and rewatch it to try and pick up on more that I've missed. That's the thing that I love about this show, it has great rewatchability. Like last weeks informed us on so much that if we went back and watched the series we would see and understand more.
Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI know, bummer no episode last night. That would be interesting if they put the bodies all clothed and in the pews. Then invite the families to come into the church. The look on everyone's face when they see an exact copy of their departured family members in their own clothes none the less. would be crazy.
I think that your synopses is spot on. It looks like the GR have a pseudo- funeral planned. Maybe that's what the church they purchased is for. Is it possible they will dress the simulated bodies and obtain some kind of closure by giving them a proper funeral. Please let us know what your thoughts are.
ReplyDeleteSometimes when I see Kevin Sr. talking to others that nobody else can see or hear I get the feeling that he's not insane or delusional but actually has the ability to communicate with the departed.
Thank you for the summary.
I'd like to know more about Megan's backstory. Why was she so unhappy prior to joining the GR?
ReplyDeleteI think you're right about the GR's and the bodie-doubles, as for the questions I really don't want to expect any answers in particular for fear that I'd be disappointed but I love that we have an entire second season for the ones that don't fit in the finale.
ReplyDeleteMaybe they didn't say much about it but the statement about her grief being hijacked sounds pretty convincing for me, loosing someone important can make your world shatter to pieces and only with stability you can get back on track, that could proove so much harder when the actual world is crumbling too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good point Luana. I understand what you mean,but maybe there is more to her backstory than we know? That would be cool if there was a mystery surrounding her mom and the SD.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad we have a second season. This is such a good series.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the article, nice read. I'm really looking forward to this week's episode. I'm really curious to see how they'll end it and if they'll have any major cliffhanger.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I'm not holding my breath for any answer anytime soon... I mean, if there's something I've learned from Lost is that giving answers is not Damon Lindelof's strongest suit.
You're welcome! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteAnd I agree with you, knowing DL there will be a huge cliffhanger with few answers, but I am fine with that, he is a great story teller along with the other writers form The Leftovers who deserve a lot of credit as well.
Thank you Diana! Your theory is great too...a pseudo-funeral for the departed. I was thinking they would just put everyone in sitting positions or, to add to the already enormous creep factor, action poses, lol. Action poses at the church or on the families lawn.
ReplyDeleteOMG..that's quirky and definitely suits this show. I'm so psyched for Sunday!!
ReplyDeleteHave a great day. :-)
Lol, me too! have a great day as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Geo! So many questions and I doubt that we will get more than a few answers on Sunday. It´s fine by me though, now that we have a second seaons coming.
ReplyDeleteWas Dean in the books? I would love to know his agenda. He seems to be seeking Kevin out. Their runins doesn´t seem random to me. He claims to know both sides of Kevin and likes the agressive side best....creepy.
I don´t have any idea when it comes to Holy Wayne. Is he for real? I doubt it, but I´´m most interested in why he is doing it, and why it was importend for him to get all those girls pregnant. I don´t think it was about the sex.
I don´t think Laurie told Kevin about the baby. I really hope he finds out in the finale.
You're welcome! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteDean was not in the books, no, so I don't know hi agenda at all, but you ar eright it's creepy to say the least how he is always there.
There was a short backstory to Holy Wayne in the books, but they haven't touched on it in the show at all. We really have not gotten much of him in the show besides his compound and penchant for asian girls, lol. I would love to see a scene with him and Kevin.
Yes, Holy Wayne trying to hug Kevin would be awesome. :-) Let´s hope we get to know Holy Wayne a bit better on Sunday! If not, you´re gonna have to tell me what it said in the books. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI haven't kept up with this show but I thought it was funny to see an article about a Damon Lindelof show titled Unanswered Questions. :D
ReplyDeleteGood job George! It was a great recap about curious facts and questions unanswered of the season.
ReplyDeleteRegarding Jill, I think she feel lost and empty. Also she feel she has nothing and her life is hopeless. So that by joining to GR it's a way to be close to Laurie because she misses her mother so much (And she needs her) at this moment.
I would really love to see a talk/write between Laurie and Kevin. I'm sure it would be a powerfull scene.
Regarding the references to hell, i think Jill's Science Fair about entropy it could be one of them. If we search on the web the meaning of entropy we'll see there are several definitions:
- A quantitative measure of the amount of thermal energy not available to do work.
- The tendency for all matter and energy in the universe to evolve toward a state of inert uniformity.
- Inevitable and steady deterioration of a system or society.
- The natural tendency of the universe to fall apart into disorder. Although the concept of entropy originated in thermodynamics (as the 2nd law) and statistical mechanics, it has found applications myriad of subjects such as communications, economics, information science and technology, linguistics, music. In day-to-day life it manifests in the state of chaos in a household or office when effort is not made to keep things in order.
So i guess the references to hell are a foreshadow for what would come next.
I'm really looking forward the season finale and , of course, your review about it.
By the way, I apologize if I rambled on :)
Regards.
Lol
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! I don't think you rambled at all! It sounded like what I have in my head but just haven't typed out yet, lol.
ReplyDeleteI like your thoughts about entropy, I was thinking the same thing regarding Jill's project. At first I thought it might pertain to her life pre- and post- SD...that could make sense also, right?
The finale looks amazing from the promos and photos...I can't wait until Sunday night!
Thanks again, bud...I look forward to reading your thoughts too after the episode!
Lol, no problem! I hope we learn more about him.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the women in the car, I think they might be GR. When Patty was in session with Laurie she talked about something big was coming--there'd been tremors but the big one was coming. I think it's possible that this has happened before but with smaller numbers such that it just appeared to be missing person cases. Oct 14 was just too big to dismiss.
ReplyDeleteWhat did he wish for?
ReplyDeleteTo have his son return home