Brian Davids Interviews 'The Leftovers' Jasmin Savoy Brown ('Evie')

Written by: Brian Davids

Hi Living Reminders, 

I had the good fortune of speaking with Jasmin Savoy Brown ('Evie') of The Leftovers Season Two via The Film Schlubs Podcast.

We first discuss her background and upbringing in Springfield, Oregon before diving into The Leftovers as of the 00:26:29 mark.

Jasmin describes the audition process in great detail, the lessons she learned from her co-stars such as Regina King, her emotions during various scenes including the famous Jarden Bridge scene and how The Leftovers has impacted her own life. 

The Leftovers Podcast: The Living Reminders Chats with Series Co Creator/ Showrunner Damon Lindelof

Transcribed by: Denise Stewart and Missy Ortiz
The Living Reminders Episode 37
December 20, 2015

Hosts Mary and Blake chat with Damon Lindelof, the co-creator/ co executive producer/ showrunner of The Leftovers.  In this episode you'll learn all about: why Blake and Mary should be in the GR, how The Leftovers came to be, Damon's response to all the "Lefties," what a day in the life of Damon Lindelof looks like, how writers are selected for the show, a christmas elf pitch, what season 3 definitely won't be,  how he keeps track of everything he thinks of for the show, not doing "crazy" for "crazy's sake," why Kevin's sanity is important, plus he gives a sneak peak into what could be a very intriguing portion of the third and final season and much more!

Click here for the full audio version of the interview

Brian Davids Interviews 'The Leftovers' Writer Patrick Somerville

Written By: Brian Davids

Hi Living Reminders,

I had the good fortune of sitting down with The Leftovers' Patrick Somerville, co-writer of "Off-Ramp" and "A Most Powerful Adversary" via the Film Schlubs podcast.

We talked about Season Two in great detail including the breaking of "International Assassin", the Evie reveal, purgatory karaoke, his favorite episode and the infamous cricket.

Patrick also discusses his reaction to the third and final season renewal as well as the impact the show has made on his own life.

The Leftovers Podcast: The Living Reminders Chats with Series Creator Tom Perrotta

Transcribed by: Denise Stewart
The Living Reminders Episode 14
October 14, 2014

Photo Credit jacobsphotographic

Hosts Mary and Blake interview Tom Perrotta, author of the book The Leftovers. Tom is a screenwriter, Academy Award nominee, and author of novels such as Election and  Little Children.  The New York Times has dubbed him as “an American Chekhov whose characters even at their most ridiculous seem blessed and ennobled by a luminous human aura.” We know him best as the author, co-creator and co-executive producer of our favorite show on HBO, The Leftovers.

In this episode, you'll learn all about: the inspiration behind The Leftovers, how it started on HBO, the differences between writing for TV and novels, changes from the book for the show, Saving Mr. Banks, Tom's favorite character and episode, alluding to the actual departure, the importance of the ladies in the car in “The Garveys At Their Best”, fortune cookies, how awesome Carrie Coon really is, cake, and more of Justin Theroux's package.

For the full audio of the interview, Click here

For a full transcription of the interview, Click Read More

Critics' Choice Awards Tips Their Hats to The Leftovers

Written By: Missy Ortiz

Ladies and Gents! We have received notice that The Leftovers has been nominated in many aspects for The Critic's Choice Awards this year! After so much speculation, yes The Leftovers is worthy of recognition, finally! This season has brought us so many surprises including new cast members who have enlightened us with their phenomenal acting. Now, we get to see them receive nominations and crossing our fingers, trophies for their performances.

The Living Reminders received confirmation for the nominations of this year's Critics' Choice Awards. Let's take a look at the list and give praise to our favorite show:

HBO RENEWS THE LEFTOVERS: Seasons Greetings

Written By: Missy Ortiz

Christmas came early everyone! We just got informed that HBO will be renewing our favorite series for another year to come! Today, The Living Reminders received affirmation that HBO was going to renew THE LEFTOVERS for a third and final season. To all The Lefties out there, we would like to say thank you for your support and dedication to The Leftovers.

Here is the official announcement email sent to us on behalf of HBO:

Exploring "I Live Here Now" - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 10

Written By: Chris Hartwell

What makes The Leftovers so engrossing is not merely its ability to justify why one character is alive or explain why another would abandoned her family.  It's strength is found in its exploration of very different, yet equally broken, souls as they connect in the midst of an often unexplainable world... being forced to acknowledge that as real as those mysteries are, so too is their ability to connect with those around them... and that they are not so different from their fellow travelers in this cosmic drama called life. 

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

Chat w/ Max Richter - Episode 28 - The Leftovers Podcast: The Living Reminders

Transcribed by: Denise Stewart

November 10, 2015

The Living Reminders Episode 28

Photo: Deutsche Grammophon

Hosts Mary and Blake Larsen of  THE LIVING REMINDERS  chat with Max Richter, the immeasurably talented composer who writes the score on The Leftovers. He's a German born British composer, who's been an influential voice in the post-minimalist composition and in the meeting of contemporary classical and alternative popular music styles since the 2000's. He has seven solo works including Memory House and Sleep, whose music has been featured on television.  And on films such as Prometheus, J. Edgar, Need for Speed, and To The Wonder. We all know him as the composer for our favorite television show on HBO... The Leftovers.

In this episode you'll learn all about: how Max came on the project, the different instruments he uses, the different ways he uses them, how he comes up with certain themes and why, happy accidents, the blending of traditional orchestra with electronica, Easter eggs for season 2, his favorite scores and much more!

For the full audio of the episode, Click Here

For a full transcription of the interview Click Read More

The Virgin Diaries: Episode 5

Written by: Ashley Crawley

Photo courtesy: Decider

Hi, my name is Ashley and I’m a virgin… of The Leftovers, that is. For those just stumbling onto my posts for The Living Reminders for the first time, here's the scoop. I only recently discovered The Leftovers phenomenon and have committed to catching on from the beginning – season one. Actually, let’s say catching “up”… because in Damon Lindelof land, there’s no guarantee one over catches on. And I like that.

Remember how I decided that the last episode ("BJ and the AC") was my least favorite of the season? How I felt maybe I’d rushed to happy judgement in wanting to permanently gorge off The Leftovers buffet?

Exploring the "Ten Thirteen" - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 9

Written By: Chris Hartwell

One of the greatest challenges Lindelof and Perotta faced this week with "Ten Thirteen" was attempting to surprise the audience, which demands the most precise balance of setup and secrecy.

Error to one side and the twist will feel unjustified and contrived.

Error to the other and it will be spotted from miles away.

Did they succeed?

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

Exploring the "International Assassin" - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 8

Written By: Chris Hartwell

On this week's "International Assassin" Lindelof and Perotta aren't just playing with genre concepts and ideas, merely "staring into the garbage disposal" like Kevin Murphy, but plunging fully down into it... and things will never be the same!    

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

Exploring "A Most Powerful Adversary" - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 7

Written By: Chris Hartwell

In "A Most Powerful Adversary", Lindelof and Perotta have once again switched perspectives, tasking themselves with their greatest challenge yet: justifying why a certain character would choose to kill himself!  Even as they navigate around and even dare to dip their toe into some very 'genre concepts', the writers maintain their audience by ever placing their characters in highly realistic, extremely balanced contexts!    

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

The Guilty Remnant in Kevin's World

Written By: Missy Ortiz

After this last Sunday's "A Most Powerful Adversary", we were all in mourning. Spoiler alert: We witnessed Kevin committing suicide with the help of his late mentor, Virgil, who then subsequently blew his head off. We've talked about Virgil. We've talked about Kevin dying, but have we talked about Patti and her intentions? Did Patti actually want Kevin to die? Why not? Let's not forget that Patti was the leader of The Guilty Remnant Mapleton chapter. Remember Gladys? Not to mention the GR's planning of the mass suicide fire? Patti is most definitely ready for battle. Are we forgetting about how the GR are a vital element in all of this and how their belief system works? 

Let's take a look and see why The Guilty Remnant could very much be Kevin's "Most Powerful Adversary":

Ratings: Why They're Irrelevant + Why The Leftovers Will NEVER Be Canceled

Written by: Blake Larsen

People are worried that The Leftovers is going to be canceled. Of course, the first thing they point to is the ratings! "Oh my god the ratings have gone down 60%! It can't stay on air - this is a disaster!" Naturally, panic sets in, one tweet from some random gabrone is said about cancellation and everyone starts losing their minds.  Listen people, ratings are dumb as hell.  They're irrelevant and guess what, The Leftovers will NEVER be canceled.  Here are the reasons why....

The Department of Sudden Departure Asks: Are you a Leftovers Fiend?

Written By: Missy Ortiz

The Department of Sudden Departure is a U.S. Government organization created to distribute benefits and assist those who lost loved ones from The Sudden Departure. The department was established after The Sudden Departure in order to aid citizens who lost family or friends. A member of the Department asks benefit applicants 150 questions about the departed before dispersing any benefits. This movement is to attempt to figure out any patterns on those who vanished.

We know that Nora Durst is employed here and she has been known to ask the questions required in order to receive these benefits. We have heard her ask the questions in last season and now in season two as well. For those who pay attention, we know the type of questions that are asked to the family or friends of the departed. If the Department of Sudden Departure was to create a questionnaire to see if there are patterns of watcher withdrawals and psychological changes, in other words, if you are a Leftovers fiend...you would be asked questions such as these:

Exploring the "Lens" - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 6

Written By: Chris Hartwell

"Lens" quite exceptionally showcases the sort of payoff we get from The Leftover's rather segmented, point-of-view type storytelling!

To describe Lindelof and Perotta as master chefs: they've spent the first 5 episodes of this season, mincing the vegetable, grilling the meat, and warming the sauce... and now, this week, they've thrown all those individually prepared ingredients together into this pressure cooker of an episode! 

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

The Virgin Diaries: Episode 4

Written by: Ashley Crawley

Hi, my name is Ashley and I’m a virgin… of The Leftovers, that is. For those just stumbling onto my posts for The Living Reminders for the first time, here's the scoop. I only recently discovered The Leftovers phenomenon and have committed to catching on from the beginning – season one. Actually, let’s say catching “up”… because in Damon Lindelof land, there’s no guarantee one over catches on. And I like that.

If episode three left me feeling I could endlessly eat off The Leftovers buffet, this episode made me consider whether fasting could be a very real option.  Don't get me wrong - I'm on board, fully on board.  But this episode was just "eh" for me. I don't have unrealistic expectations that every episode will blow my socks off. Even my all-time favorite shows have "valley" episodes. This felt like one of those to me.

Let's relive this B.J. and A.C. roller coaster ride!

A Letter to The Leftovers on HBO: Petition for Renewal

Written By:Missy Ortiz

There have been rumors going around here and there on social media about our favorite series being cancelled. There isn't any official evidence proving this, however, there can be something done to prevent this slander from becoming a reality.

HBO has created a phenomenal unity of people who have come together from different backgrounds, and different cultures by allowing The Leftovers to exist. We are the family of The Leftovers. We may not live in the vicinity of each other, but we gather together on social media and praise this series. We, the fans of The Leftovers would like to say thank you to HBO for granting us these two amazing seasons of bliss. While currently being in the middle of season two, we have recognized a higher rate in viewers. We hope that HBO will allow for this wondrous series to be renewed for many more seasons to come. Here is our petition and why:

Exploring "No Room At The Inn" - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 5

Written By: Chris Hartwell

From The Leftovers' Season 2 opener, it's been clear that Lindelof and Perotta are extremely interested in watching their characters (and their audience) affix meaning to the people, places, and things that surround them.  It is for that reason that we find Matt Jamison in Jarden, Texas, caught in such a desperate, lonely cycle.  Will that routine be found meaningful and his beliefs be shown true?  

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

Does this scene from "Two Boats and a Helicopter" Inform Us of What's To Come in S2?

Written by: Brian Davids

Does this dream sequence from Season 1, Episode 3, "Two Boats and a Helicopter," inform us of where things are headed in Season 2?

Exploring the 'Orange Sticker' - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 4

Written By: Chris Hartwell

In order to sustain a television show, new characters must be introduced, old characters must change, and fresh conflicts must be sown.  With "Orange Sticker", as The Leftovers necessarily evolves, it simultaneously avoids feeling like a forced-TV-drama in the character department, while at the same time, falls prey to a number of weak plot devices and contrivances.  

Exploring the 'Off Ramp' - Video Review of Season 2 - Episode 3

Written By: Chris Hartwell

With "Off Ramp", Lindelof continues his strict point-of-view type storytelling, dedicating the entire episode to Laurie and Tom.  Though some may dislike the absence of characters like Kevin, Nora, or Matt, I believe this unique and bold approach allows us to more deeply invest in each of these individuals' fears, hopes, and desires. 

Click "read more" to join me as I take a closer look!

The Virgin Diaries: Episode 3

Written by: Ashley Crawley

Hi, my name is Ashley and I’m a virgin… of The Leftovers, that is. For those just stumbling onto my posts for The Living Reminders for the first time, let me catch you up. I’m brand new to The Leftovers phenomenon and have committed to catching on from the beginning – season one. Actually, let’s say catching “up”… because in Damon Lindelof land, there’s no guarantee one over catches on. And I like that. Feel free to relieve episodes one (“Pilot) and two (“Penguin One, Us Zero”) all over again.

Bye-Bye, Baby: The Ethics of Infants in Peril

Written by: Kendra Spring Klasek

It's every mother's worst nightmare, the ominous silence prompting the glance into the back seat, only to find the car seat empty.  Or perhaps this one, an enormous snake slithers menacingly over your screaming bundle of joy. For me, worst of all is the thought of me gone and my child left helpless and alone, facing certain death in terror and isolation.  The fact that someone else swoops in is bitter consolation.  The fact remains that he cries out for his mommy and she is gone.

Here we will be exploring this and looking at child endangerment on 'The Leftovers' and in other media as well.

The Leftovers: "Not Guilty By Reason of Insanity"

Written By: Missy Ortiz

2% of the world disappears. No one allegedly disappeared from Jarden, well, up until now. Now...does it matter where they went? We are definitely going to be taken on a long adventure, like in Lost, where we revolve around characters’ lives and how they react and feel about the departure. We will get to witness what happens to them physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Speaking of Psychology, I would like to dig into the psychological aspect of the show. This, is what I think reels us in the most.

The Leftovers - Music to Our Ears

Written By: Michael Cassidy

I've often thought that a good TV show can almost be watched with your eyes closed. At least the good TV that I have watched. Shows like "Lost," "Friday Night Lights," "Breaking Bad" and "Mr. Robot" all have a captivating score that is almost a character in its own right. The Leftovers is a beautiful example of how great music can help make a great show.

Is Tommy Garvey the New Holy Wayne or Just Another False Prophet?

Written by: Brian Davids

Brian Davids Explores "Off Ramp" and Its Biggest Question: Is Tom the New Holy Wayne or Just Another False Prophet?

If You Expect Answers About The Departure - You're Barking Up The Wrong Tree

Written by: Blake Larsen

You know what gets me really frustrated? When people say - I don't want to watch The Leftovers because "they don't give any answers."  Of course, my reaction is always the same, "well, what answers are you looking for?"  And, of course, the answer to my question is ALWAYS the same - "I wanna know why the people departed and where they went to." Then I just hang my head while shaking it in frustration, anger, and disgust.  I'm angry because this person just doesn't get it. They don't understand that they're never going to get that answer. Most importantly, or egregiously (depending on your perspective), they don't understand the fact that even if they HAD the answer, it's not important.  In fact, I'd argue it's almost irrelevant.  Here's the top 5 reasons why...

"A Matter of Geography" - Random Takes, Theories and Observations

Written by: Brian Davids

Brian Davids offers up his 'Random Takes, Theories and Observations' following episode 2, "A Matter of Geography."

The Virgin Diaries: Episode 2

Written by: Ashley Crawley

Hi, my name is Ashley and I’m a virgin… of The Leftovers, that is. For those who missed my first post, let me catch you up. I’m brand new to The Leftovers phenomenon and have committed to catching on from the beginning. Actually, let’s say catching “up”… because in Damon Lindelof land, there’s no guarantee one over catches on. And I like that.

The pilot of The Leftovers definitely hooked my husband and me in last week, but I wondered if it would have that same raw edge to it in the second episode. I’ve seen many shows that falter after a promising debut, but then regain steam after a few episodes. Would The Leftovers be one of those?

5 Reasons Why You Should Read Tom Perrotta's "The Leftovers"

Written By: Franziska Beck

As Missy already mentioned in her "The Perfect Guide To Being A Leftovers' Fan" article, you should pick up a copy of Tom Perrotta's book "The Leftovers" and read it. Or listen to the audio book if you aren't much of a reader. You might think: "But I've already seen the show. I know what happens to Nora, Matt, Patti and the Garveys." Well, you're wrong. Let me try to convince you with my five reasons why you should read the book!

Conspiracies of the U.S. Mailbox in The Leftovers

Written By: Missy Ortiz

There has to be an explanation about those peculiar mailboxes we saw in season one. We saw Kevin hiding his cigarettes, Tommy stashing money for Wayne's children, and rabid dogs barking out of them.  Have you ever found yourself breaking your head and thinking, "Why Lindelof!? WHY!!!?"
Is the Department of Sudden Departure affiliated with the United States Post Office? If you haven't noticed how often these symbols of the U.S. Mail appear in The Leftovers, you'll be in a for a great surprise. Let's review how often we see mail being represented in this series.

Walter White Had Flies; John Murphy Has Crickets: How a Character's Guilt Manifests Itself Onscreen

Written by: Brian Davids

Brian Davids dives into the murky waters of John Murphy's conscience and notices something quite similar to Breaking Bad's Walter White.

Season Two and Expectations

Written by: Michael V Cassidy

It was probably over 2 years ago that I heard Damon Lindelof was headed to HBO with a show called "The Leftovers." The show was briefly described as, "If Lost and Friday Night Lights had a baby... I was hooked already. Lost and Friday Night Lights are my two favorite shows of all-time. Damon Lindelof is my favorite television writer of all-time. HBO creates some of the best content of all-time. 

Here we are at the start of Season 2 and I would be lying if I said I hadn't read all the glowingly positive reviews that came out about the changes made to season 2. I found myself again stricken with expectations.

Oh, Deer! There's a Stag in My Living Room!

Written by: Kendra Spring Klasek

"I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness." - Howl, Allen Ginsberg

There may not be a stag physically crashing into your living room, but over the course of the last three years, at some point,  there's been one on your television screen.

Mapleton's rogue stag comes as only the latest in a long line of stag appearances, though it's no wonder.  The deer has a wealth of mythological symbolism in everything from Celtic, Egyptian, Germanic, Hungarian and Greek cultures, as well as meaningful imagery and folklore in Christianity, Judaism, Islam, the Occult, Hinduism and many more.

Where might you have seen stag or antler imagery before? Oh, I don't know . . . everywhere?  First, we'll look at the stag's standing in mythology, then the appearances themselves, their context, and finally, what that means for our interpretation of the stag in season 1 of 'The Leftovers'.

Love, Mom

Written By: RealAnge

Dearly Departed,

   Although I was not alone in my loss that day, I was the only one that knew you. I need you to know life did not continue on without you. Together we've been gone since that moment in time. I have tried to find you everywhere and anywhere. What more appropriate place to try and find you as I too, am departing....

Season 2: A Good Place to Start

Written by: Russell McVicker

Have you heard great things about season 1 of The Leftovers, but have not yet seen season 1? Are you trying to convince your friends, age appropriate family members, or co-workers to start watching? Then come along and I'll give you several reasons to join us 'Lefties', and ways to convince others to begin this incredible journey from not the beginning, but from episode 1 of Season 2. That's right, Season 2.

The Virgin Diaries: Episode 1

Written by: Ashley Crawley

Hi, my name is Ashley and I’m a virgin… of The Leftovers, that is. I’m guilty of intense TV fandom, but somehow missed getting sucked down this wonderfully complicated rabbit hole when it first debuted last year. To be totally honest - I have zero clue what this show is even about, but this image for season one tells me it’s likely not about a two-day-old casserole.

As a diehard Lost fan, I’m ashamed to be late to a Damon Lindelof offering. Then again, it’s Damon Lindelof – so I imagine I’ll be just as confused as if I’d started on time. To be clear – that’s a compliment. This also boasts Peter Berg, who I’m forever indebted to for giving the world Coach and Tammy Taylor and Friday Night Lights.

Season two is kicking off and I like a good challenge. And thanks to the magic of HBO GO, I have committed myself to catching up from the very beginning. Who’s with me?

The Perfect Guide to Being a Leftovers' Fan

Written by: Missy Ortiz

Have you ever wanted to be the world's greatest fan of your favorite TV series? There are numbers of people out there guys, huge quantities of The Leftovers' Fans. Last year, there were several "Lefties" showing their spirit and representing Season One on "Departure Day" (October 14), and Halloween. People from all over the world were sending in their photos and tweeting left and right about their pride! 

We've all seen or heard about Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings' fanatics and how they get outrageously creative with hosting marathon parties and dressing up for their events. This can be done with The Leftovers, only on more subtle terms, so to speak. Here are a few recommendations to be on this side of the fence with us, in other words, here's the perfect guide to being a true, committed Leftovers fan.