What I’m Watching: The Leftovers

The Leftovers: Season 2, Episode 5 “No Room at the Inn” (B+)

I do wish sometimes, if not all the time, that this show covered more ground in each episode, mainly in terms of featuring more of the ensemble. I can’t deny, however, the power of focusing just on one specific plotline and really drawing it out over the course of an hour. This wasn’t nearly as captivating or awe-inspiring as the first time we saw Matt trapped within a cycle of misery, highlighted by winning it big, getting mugged, and then losing time so that he ended up losing his church to the Guilty Remnant. The news that Mary is pregnant, however, is pretty startling, and Matt’s reaction to it definitely arouses suspicion about his state of mind. Getting attacked and having his wristband stolen on his way back into town was an unfortunate development, and he had a very tough time getting back in. The effort he went through to try to earn his way back, complete with a biblical flogging and a journey through water, were intense, but, as usual, the subtler moments of this show are what ring truest. Pushing back when John came to question him about what was going on was bold, and confronting him in the street to vow to return when his name was cleared was a commendable gesture that surely will not go unrewarded. Taking the place of the tormented man in the stocks was the ultimate noble gesture, and should bring about some of the penance Matt is seeking, especially since it helps him to spare innocents who might actually be worn down by that torture.