Photo Courtesy Of HBO
We have a very simple mission statement that describes our goals at “Not Just Another TV Site,” we have set out to follow shows that meet our parameters defining “Quality Television” and to share our opinions with like-minded readers. Our staff’s composed of people who refuse to accept shows that cater to the Lowest Common Denominator, we have witnessed some of the best that the medium has broadcast and we search for shows that live up to those magical moments.
As we considered the shows that we would cover in the Summer of 2014, one show that deeply intrigued me was the new HBO Original Series “The Leftovers,” project of novelist Tom Perrotta and Damon Lindelof, one of the show-runners of the classic ABC series “Lost.” I have a weakness for science-fiction/fantasy movies and TV shows and the premise of this new series seemed tailor-made for me. The show takes place in what appears as the not too distant future, three years after a cataclysmic event changed lives across the planet. On October 14, two percent or the globe’s population simply disappeared and are now called the Departed. In the ensuing three years scientists and religious leaders are no closer to discovering the reason behind the Departure, leaving all remaining behind with unresolved feelings and questions.
Although the show had an impressive pedigree combining the series creators with the network that has more Emmy nominations in the last 14-years than any other broadcast or cable outlet, I completed the first episode of the series feeling let-down and dissatisfied. We have watched the pilot episodes of other series that looked promising and after watching the show we have scratched them off our list. Although the HBO series, could have shared that fate, however I held out hope that the show would win me over.
Those hopes dimmed as the second episode aired, leaving questions from the pilot unresolved while adding a new slew of questions for its viewers. Episode three, made me believe the series had found its footing, as it stuck to the story of one character, the Reverend Matt Jamison and the plot was laid out in a more linear and less confusing manner than the first two shows. I walked away from that episode believing that my sticking with the show had paid off and it was on the right track.
Unfortunately, the series reverted to the form of the first two episodes in their fourth broadcast, entitled “B.J And The A.C.” and we have made an editorial decision to stop recapping the show. “The Leftovers,” has become a chore to watch as the characters all seem to lack any redeeming qualities, or feel relatable in any manner. There’s not one character on the show that I feel any affinity for and the plot’s lack of answers for the questions it keeps throwing out to the audience, have finally pushed this viewer away from the series.
This writer recaps two other shows on Sunday nights, “Ray Donovan” and “Halt And Catch Fire,” and neither show contains a hero, both revolve around deeply flawed protagonists. However, although both Donovan and Joe MacMillan from “Halt And Catch Fire,” are relatable and we can comprehend what motivates them even when they behave in a self-destructive manner. The HBO series seems to want each of the characters to react in the worst possible manner in every situation and along with the mountain of unanswered questions made me hit my breaking point as the latest episode drew to a close.
Perhaps the fault lies with this writer as I have some dear friends that have raved about this series from the first episode, but the only emotion it evokes in me is dissatisfaction. Feeling the way I do about “The Leftovers,” I would be doing our readers a disservice by carrying on with the recaps. For those who enjoy the series, I hope you remain pleased with the story-arc and perhaps a reader will convince me down the line to give the show another shot.
