I thought it was funny that the episode opened with a random island in the Pacific getting nuked. Maybe we just watched the actual ending to LOST?

But why was the guy at the very beginning naked? He didn't need to be completely naked to launch a missile. Am I missing something?

I take back my earlier post. Finally watched this week's episode and loved it. Super weird, but super revealing. Wasn't about plot at all, but rather something more important - the emotional journey/realization/tipping point of a major character. When they're able to nail stuff like that, in such a manner, it feels like far more is accomplished than just story.

Wow. That was an amazing read. I've followed Seitz on Twitter for years and somehow missed this. Thanks for sharing.

I keep getting distracted by the size of Matt's ears in every scene he is in.

pinkdog said:

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But why was the guy at the very beginning naked? He didn't need to be completely naked to launch a missile. Am I missing something?

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I think he needed to be naked to fully be able to stretch and use two keys to launch the nuke.

If he had clothes on it could be too restrictive for him to get it done.

Yep

Well thank you for explaining. Had he been dressed, I would have thought him completely sane. I just kept wondering about the vaporizer machine. Like maybe you have to strip down in order for it get you to your departed loved ones. Let's see if that comes in the next few episodes.

Would any of yall straight folks tackle a naked guy carrying nuclear keys?

Is tackle code for sex?

Wherever I May Roam

Officer Koala Fart

or deputy. whatever.

Matt's actions tonight completely cheapen his episode from last week, and I already wasn't a fan of it.

The season is just inconsistent. It has all the elements to drag you in but feels like it's missing so many details that the last two seasons were so good at. Just feels rushed and hurried.

So did Matt hitch a ride with Nora?

Bunk Moreland said:

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The season is just inconsistent. It has all the elements to drag you in but feels like it's missing so many details that the last two seasons were so good at. Just feels rushed and hurried.

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yep.

I disagree completely.

First, I thought that was a fantastic send-off/set up for the final two episodes. Just the perfect tone and right amount of "goodbyes."

Also, Matt hardly had an "actions" in this episode, so I don't understand what was cheap about them? He clearly is a changed man at the end of the ferry episode, and I didn't get the impression at all that he's "joining" Nora. It felt like he had instead decided to be with her to send her off, which I thought was touching / a big step for him.

And what about this season feels rushed? If anything, it feels like they've dragged out a very simple/straightforward plot (get to Australia to stop the end of the world). I can't image there being any more detail or plot elements that need to be fleshed out in that regard that we haven't already been given.

Man, overall, I thought tonight was a super powerful episode, and I'm invested more than ever in the end. I was honestly surprised to come here and see negative reactions tonight.

while still good, and better than many things on TV, this season is just too inconsistent, and has gone out of the way with too many side story elements (see the Kevin Snr and Matt episodes).

Great that you enjoy them. Some of us do not.

This season is too inconsistent and is not living up- to the extremely high bar of last season.

Which is a shame as they knew they were ending it, doing so in 8 episodes, and they are not nailing it.

Yep too many side stories including tonight with Lori.

And has Kevin ever admitted where he was when the departure happened? I know he was banging some random girl but does anyone else know that?

But without those side elements (especially Kevin Sr.'s) we would have no idea what's going on with the whole Australia thing. To me, that episode was essential. Granted, Matt's episode was mostly just character filler (albeit great filler), but overall, given the story Lindelof has chosen to tell this season, I wouldn't change a thing. If anything, I would have lost an episode, but that's about it.

Can't believe the crowd in Nora's story booed instead of hissed

This season is interesting and I still look forward to this show more than any other, but count me in the camp that misses Season 2.

TCTTS said:

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But without those side elements (especially Kevin Sr.'s) we would have no idea what's going on with the whole Australia thing. To me, that episode was essential. Granted, Matt's episode was mostly just character filler (albeit great filler), but overall, given the story Lindelof has chosen to tell this season, I wouldn't change a thing. If anything, I would have lost an episode, but that's about it.

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They could have easily written around Kevin Snr and you would not even miss him.

But enough back and forth. Glad you enjoy it. Wish I could enjoy it more.

Two more episodes and then we can evaluate the whole.

Now off to watch Twin Peaks.

Edit: I typed that as Twink Peaks, which is likely a much different show.

Yeah. I don't know. Just don't feel it this season. I've championed the show from its start but it lacks something this year imo.

I understand Matt changed after the last episode and his crusade wasn't driving him like it used to, but that payoff with him (to this point) was just so weak imo.

The thing we do agree on is that it has sort of cleaned the plate and set the stage for a potentially great final couple episodes. And I hope they can save the season(for me).

It's not bad by any means, I just don't have near the emotional connection to it that I did in s1 or s2

More Apocalyptica.

I thought tonight was a great episode.

As awesome as Carrie Coon has been all season (and continued to be tonight) Amy Brenneman was top notch as well.

the side story crap is filler. taking away from the main story that is lurching back/forth and skipping around.

For a season with 8 episodes, they have spent 2 whole episodes focusing on tertiary plots. It seems like the main arc didnt have enough momentum or longevity. Hell they reduced the seasons from 10 episodes to 8 probably because of the lack of content for the main plot. Maybe they are just out of ideas.

One could argue the show isnt about the plot, to be honest while S1E10 was "WTFreally?!?" the true payoff was the response of the characters. That being said, actors are self-important, meaning they want the spotlight and the writing to reflect "their craft". (Its the reason TWD has been sht.) The desire to wrap their characters in a bow is kinda wooden writing imo. Like the scuba...premeditation and a magical phone call in cell tower range on the ocean. C'mon.

I almost bailed when i realized this was a flashblack Laurie episode.

Quote:

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That being said, actors are self-important, meaning they want the spotlight and the writing to reflect "their craft".

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You nailed it. Not a generalization at all.

Especially since the actors call all the shots re: scripts and what not.

dave94 said:

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Especially since the actors call all the shots re: scripts and what not.

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Actors choose to do the work or not. TV is not like film. A lot of actors become self-aware that the series depends on them, even to the point where some actors become EPs. Look at Michael C Hall, Dexter (the series) would not continue unless Hall chose to continue it...in his image.

A show like Leftovers that gimped into its final season, you bet your ass these actors wanted enough spotlight before they signed on.

Do y'all not remember The Leftovers doing single character-centric episodes in the previous seasons? And if you've stuck with this deep, dark show, you really would consider skipping episodes? Maybe it's the completist in me, but I would never miss out on an hour of this show. I wasn't excited about another Matt episode, but I thought it was a strong, interesting wrap to his story.