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?