[Review] The Leftovers Season 3: Learning to Love Amidst Suffering
The Leftovers is a legend. From a first season with mixed reviews, to a second season gradually receiving more acclaim, to the recently concluded third season being hailed as one of the best (or best unwatched) series in television history, this show consistently delivered surprises. For the past few years, I've relentlessly recommended this show to everyone around me, and now I have to tell you here: you absolutely, absolutely must watch this series!!!
The Leftovers Season 3 takes place nearly seven years after the "Sudden Departure," portraying a world where many people, influenced by biblical narratives, believe that something significant will happen on the seven-year anniversary of the event. Many among them even believe it will be the end of the world, a new flood. Within this premise, the entire season is more bizarre than ever, with more exaggerated events unfolding, yet it manages to be self-consistent and fit the season's apocalyptic theme. The writers' handling of this was truly ingenious.
The show's co-creator, Damon Lindelof, was also the creator of another "divine series" a decade ago, Lost. Across The Leftovers' three seasons, he brought a key characteristic of Lost to this show: each episode focuses on one character's story, delving deeply into their development and psychological changes. As the plot progresses, this season revolves around fewer characters than before, primarily focusing on Kevin Jr. (Justin Theroux), Nora (Carrie Coon), Kevin Sr. (Scott Glenn), Matt (Christopher Eccleston), and Laurie (Amy Brenneman). This focused approach allowed for deeper character development than ever before, drawing viewers further into their stories. Moreover, this season only has eight episodes, and many major characters from the previous two seasons saw significantly reduced screentime, becoming supporting roles, with the overall plot concentrating more on these five central figures.
Speaking of the apocalypse, another crucial element is, of course, the reappearance of the Messiah. The plot of the first seven episodes this season almost entirely revolves around whether Kevin Jr. is indeed the Messiah. When the first episode initiated this storyline, I couldn't help but chuckle; after all, such a plot is groundbreaking and rarely seen in other series or even films. However, in a show about faith, coupled with this season's apocalyptic atmosphere, this storyline becomes incredibly compelling. Even the actions of Kevin Sr., long considered insane, become rational, drawing viewers into this grand mystery. By the seventh episode, we revisit the captivating "other world" from the previous season, and this episode continues to be immensely enjoyable, even featuring some surprise appearances from characters of the first two seasons.
The most captivating aspect of The Leftovers lies not just in its story or performances, but in the atmosphere and mood it meticulously crafts. For the casual viewer, the series' pace is indeed very slow, and the plot may not develop significantly. However, the show's portrayal of human development and its thematic explorations are exceptionally brilliant. If viewers are willing to wholeheartedly immerse themselves in the narrative, feel the characters' emotions, and ponder the show's propositions, this series will become addictive and difficult to put down. Furthermore, the show's soundtrack and musical score are among the most outstanding I've ever encountered in television, perfectly immersing the audience in the show's emotional landscape. Some of the groundbreaking musical choices are incredibly memorable, such as the fourth episode of Season 3 playing three versions of "Take On Me," each creating a vastly different yet incredibly precise atmosphere.
The Leftovers' story, dealing with mysterious disappearances, sounds like a science fiction series. But the show's focus isn't on this grand mystery; instead, it centers on how those left behind—those who have lost friends and family—navigate these changes, confront different emotions, and continue living their lives. Almost every character in the series embodies a unique proposition: If Nora lost all her family, is it her own fault? What motivates her to keep living? How does Matt, facing so many misfortunes, continue his faith and believe in God's existence? Kevin's entire family did not depart in the Sudden Departure, yet his family was torn apart by various events, and his subsequent deaths and resurrections finally lead him to find those he loves and cherishes. Every character in The Leftovers is a superb text; even if viewers don't share the same real-life circumstances, they can still understand the characters' emotions and inner worlds, and be moved and inspired by the plot to navigate their own lives.
The series' writers leave much unsaid, deliberately providing no clear answers to the above propositions, allowing viewers to interpret and reflect on their own. However, the series finale takes a sudden turn, focusing on one central theme: love. The characters in the show tell us that no matter what suffering we endure, no matter the departure of loved ones, we must still learn to love. Whether we are religious or not, we must still know how to love, because love can transcend all things and heal wounded souls. The series' ending doesn't clearly explain everything, nor does it confirm the truth of what the characters say, because these things aren't important. What truly matters is that the characters find the people they love and can share joy and sorrow with each other. The series concludes with a conversation between Kevin and Nora, simple yet incredibly moving.
Finally, I understand that The Leftovers is not an easy series to digest or to binge-watch. However, if you genuinely want to experience an extraordinary viewing process and ponder philosophical and life questions, I encourage you to take the time and wholeheartedly watch this series. It truly is my favorite series in recent years, and in my mind, a "divine series."