The original post: /r/television by /u/shredwig on 2024-08-07 15:25:00.
I watched “The Leftovers” last year when one of my favorite TV Podcasts (Chatz) covered it, and despite all the praise from them and others I must confess I really did not enjoy it very much, largely because of the characters.
Are we supposed to understand why Kevin likes to (among other things) suffocate himself with a plastic bag?
Are we supposed to sympathize with Laurie being arguably the most selfish, condescending, and hypocritical character on the show?
Are we supposed to forgive Nora for how consistently pessimistic and negative she is?
Are we supposed to enjoy spending time with Kevin Garvey Sr.’s abrasive, vulgar, stubborn old ass?
And are we supposed to grasp even 1% of why anyone would choose to join up with the GR?
And so on. I also didn’t like how much time was spent building up mysteries that they had no intention of solving (the “is Kevin Jesus?” one being the worst), but the main question I have is this: as someone who has never really experienced personal tragedy, do I just lack the frame of reference to “get” the story they’re trying to tell?