The Leftovers: Season 1, Episode 5

The Leftovers

Episode Title: “Gladys.”

Channel: HBO

Director: Mimi Leder

Writers: Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta

Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery

Runtime: 60 min

Rated: TV-MA

Original Air Date: July 27, 2014

The beginning of this episode is brutal. Joe Pesci at the end of Casino brutal. It goes on from there to have what I think is one of the stronger episodes of the season. The audience is starting to see something out of the characters, I don't know if I'd go so far as to call them dimensions yet, but the writing is heading in that direction. I even managed to drudge of some sympathy for the perpetually unlikeable Chief Garvey during the course of the episode.

We see in this episode a broader view of the situation, through a few quick moments the show didn't feel as insular as it had to this point. I know the intention is to show how this one town in dealing with the strange events they've experienced, but up until this point it's been easy to forget that the same situation is playing out across the country, and probably the world, in much the same way, the cast of characters being the only thing that changes.

There are some genuinely touching moments in this episode, which is something that has been lacking throughout most of the series. The insights we're given into the characters aren't the product of sweeping monologues and long exposition, rather they're in the small phrases and situations that occur in the aftermath of a terrible event. The ending contains a well executed emotional bait and switch, something the audience buys into because of the hope that fills Rev. Jamison's eyes. The acting in the entire last ten minutes or so was very good.

Conclusion: This episode finally seems to have broken some of the characters out of the archetypes they had come to represent. It also gives a glimpse into a truly chilling facet of the story that I hope they explore more. The heartless way that those with authority seem to be tackling the 'Guilty Remnant' situation, and apparently others like it, is something that could become a major factor in the plot.

Rating: 6.5/10