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.

Damon Lindelof has said in many interviews that each season of The Leftovers will be able to stand on its own. His previous award winning, epic TV show LOST, came with tremendous cliff hangers at the end of each season which flowed into the next. The Leftovers seasons however, come to a resolution, and season 1 is a great example of this. You'll just have to take my word for it for now if you haven't seen it. For those who have watched season 1, well... you know. True, some of the characters from season 1 will play a part in season 2, but we all must remember: The Leftovers is a show about how people, relationships, communities, the government, big business, and the world responds to the sudden departure of 2% of it's population. We witnessed a small slice of that story in season 1, and we will get another area of the world, (a very special area), in season 2. One is not dependent on the other. So watch season 2, and enjoy the ride. I'm sure you'll be ready for season 1 after recovering from 2.                                              
                                                                       

                                                                       

Bringing in new viewers- Second, the people that begin watching in season 2 will have plenty of time, opportunities and motivation by the end of season 2 to go back, and experience the thrills, chills, twists and turns, and blasts and bangs of season 1. You get double the seasons for one a 'time' price! And I, for one, would be willing and excited to watch season 1 with them, helping them with understanding what was going on when they needed help, getting the box of tissue ready, etc... Yes, for those convincing others to watch, it's a golden opportunity to bond with the show in a very unique way. Believe me, I've done it with LOST many times.
                                                                 

A Different Perspective-A third reason to go ahead and watch season 2 first is, gaining a different perspective. By starting with season 2, without much knowledge of the events in season 1, you will have a person with unbiased observations to tap into. Perhaps they will be able to see things from a different angle that you never noticed before, which could broaden or deepen your understanding and experience. It's true that, 'Out of the mouth of babes oft times comes gems', pure thoughts which I would love to be an audience to and add to my own experience.
                                                                           

Binge Watching Season One- Reason four will be that it will be a tremendous tease watching season 2 first. You know that season 2 is going to be phenomenal right? Are you aware that Damon no longer has a book to guide him? (Season 1 was roughly based on Tom Perrotta's novel).  Did you know that he made the entire 6 seasons of LOST without a book to guide him through any of it? Well, folks who start viewing season 2 are going to be so moved and shaken that they are going to want to binge watch season 1 before season 2 is completed. Please, urge them to resist the temptation! Binge watching this show the first time is definite overload to the mind and emotions. If it is attempted while watching season 2, this could exacerbate confusion, panic attacks or fugue states or perhaps even psychosis. First time watching through season 1 needs to be spaced, much like we had the advantage. The ability to absorb the information more completely, ask the questions and find the answers, and feel the emotional stirrings that we felt and kept us awake a good portion of the night. So NO! Don't watch season 1 until season 2 is over, and you are clear of the impact it will have on you. If you're persuading friends, family, or co-workers, you may sprinkle in a few teasers, vague references to season 1 events or snippets, but NO spoilers! Perhaps hum the tune of 'The Girl From King Marie', while making the popcorn, or leave the game of 'Trouble' laying in sight. Put a bulls-eye on your forehead and have fun without telling!
                                                             

HBO-A fifth selling point is plain and simple, it's HBO. Quality programming, no commercial interruptions, and without the restraints that Damon had to deal with during LOST. I know he's in producer/director/writers heaven with this show because he doesn't have the network bureaucracy to tie his hands. This is great TV, better than many Hollywood films. It's schedule is flexible so you don't have just Sundays at 9:00 to watch it. HBO will repeat episodes during the week, and the options of HBO GO and HBO NOW means you can watch it anytime, anywhere. Don't have or can't afford HBO, no problem, come on over, we'll have a Leftover get together. It can be a lot more entertaining that way too.
                                   
                                                                             

     Beginning your viewing experience of The Leftovers from the start of season 2 has many positives and no negatives. If you are thinking about starting but feel you may not understand it because you have not watched season 1, fear not. (There are actually folks that still don't completely understand season 1 that watched it). You will fall in love with this show for it's many different attributes. There are numerous friendly people on several websites to help you understand. So come on, jump on board, we're glad to have you. If you are hoping to convince your friends, family, or co-workers to join in, you are now armed with the persuasions to get them to watch. They will not be sorry for joining in this soon to this award winning and historic series. So what are you waiting for... go get 'em before they get behind. We'd like to know so we may use this for each new season. The only thing that can make this show any better, is to be able to share it with another.

     Will you decide to jump on board with us and recruit new viewers? 

Do you want more chat about The Leftovers? Get your fix by listening to The Living Reminders Podcast with detailed show discussion and amazing interviews with cast, crew, writers and directors of The Leftovers on HBO.