What I’m Watching: The Leftovers (Season Premiere)

The Leftovers: Season 3, Episode 1 “The Book of Kevin” (B+)

The first season of this show was simply incredible, and while season two wasn’t quite as terrific, it was also pretty great. I’m sad that this show is ending after just three seasons with only eight episodes for this year, but I’m very much looking forward to seeing where it goes. Starting with rapture preparation in the 1800s was extremely effective, and that signature music kicking in just a few minutes in is enough to remind me of how much I love this show. Skipping ahead three years to relative tranquility was a smart idea, and it only took about half the episode for things to start turning south again. I like the instances of newfound stability with Tommy as a cop, John and Laurie happily together and conning people as a motivational tool, and Matt back to a calmer, more normative preaching with Michael as his loyal apprentice. Under the surface, however, there are some problems, like the return of Michael Gaston’s hunter, who seemed crazy at first and then actually got himself killed trying to gun down Kevin and Tommy. With just fourteen days to go until another potentially world-changing event, Mary is thinking of leaving Jasper for good, and for good reason, since Matt is still obsessive. Not only that, he’s writing a new gospel with Kevin as the immortal heir to Jesus of sorts. I have no idea what to make of the final scene with Carrie Coon in Australia as a woman named Sarah, but I’m definitely ready for the final seven episodes of this show.