In a previous review, I had bemoaned the lack of really groundbreaking television shows beginning their run this decade. There have been a few, yes, but most of the supposedly best shows - Fargo, Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Better Call Saul, Stranger Things etc - have become nothing but rehashes of old formulae. Really polished takes on them, sure, but ultimately safe and refusing to push the boundaries of the medium. Yeah, I'm not much of a fan of TV shows in general, but the truly exceptional ones are must-have experiences even for me. The Leftovers promises to be one of them.
The Leftovers is somewhat a cross between Twin Peaks - the small-town-supernatural-mystery and Six Feet Under - relationship-melodrama. The Leftovers was co-created by Damon Lindelof of Lost fame, and there is undeniably thematic similarities between them. The Leftovers ends up being a far more mature and sophisticated interpretations of the same root ideas.
It has always been a strong drama - right from the pilot. However, for long stretches of Season 1 and Season 2, things always delved into psychological thriller/drama clichés. Still, there was always a unique twist and a gentle treatment that set it apart from most current TV shows. In addition, the acting was outstanding at every moment, the music was pitch perfect at all times.
However, it is with Season 3 that The Leftovers ascends to something truly special. Immediately, there's no filler material. None of the standard fare that dragged some episodes of S1 and S2 are gone. There are only 8 episodes in Season 3, and for good reason! As an aside, I have always felt 13 episodes were far too long for most TV. 6 to 8 seems like the ideal number - how it is done in Europe.
Each episode is memorable and iconic, with its own set of unique charms and twists. Every single actor in the ensemble is firing on all cylinders, a cast far ahead of anything else on TV currently - save for The Deuce.
Pretty much all of drama - whether film, literature, television or games - revolve around the idea that people make stupid mistakes. Most often, good people experiencing bouts of irrationality. The Leftovers is no different, of course. However, where it really innovates in making said mistakes and people's reactions utterly fascinating and sometimes quite bizarre. It is an utterly human show, with an absolute commitment to exploring the diversity of the human condition.
Most of the episodes in the latter half of Season 3 are totally off the hook. They are wild, bizarre, and explore things never seen before on TV. It's not quite enigmatic and esoteric like Twin Peaks. It has its own kind of madness, which is consistent with some moments from previous seasons. However, this time, writers show absolute confidence in committing and seeing through pretty unorthodox concepts.
TV shows have long offered closure in their final season. It's something that just works, and has always worked. Some rebelled, but they went the other extreme - such as The Sopranos - taking a stand against the idea of an ending. Many modern TV shows do offer closure, but in a bittersweet manner. The Leftovers, however, takes an immaculately well balanced approach. The finale does offer pretty clear closure, but at the same time, leaves every question unanswered and open for interpretation. A special mention for Carrie Coon's final monologue - one of the finest moments of acting in the history of filmed entertainment. One of those rare occasions that shows "tell, don't show" can triumph over the age-old mantra of "show, don't tell".
And that's where the beauty and innovation of The Leftovers lies. It's a show that asks a lot of questions, but makes sure that it is never about the answers. It doesn't matter what the answers are, all that matters is how us humans cope with having a barrage of questions over us. Yeah, that's obvious, so what does any of that have to do with a TV show? I know it doesn't make sense, but please watch The Leftovers, you'll know exactly what I mean.
