The Leftoverthinkers: Recent Episodes
The Leftoverthinkers
Professional overanalysers Chiara and Sarah lovingly discuss and dissect each episode of the HBO series The Leftovers. Stick around for unnecessary levels of analysis, as they explore narrative structure, character motivation, and the significance of penguins.
All spoiler discussion is reserved for the "Spoiler Zone" at the end of each podcast.
This episode sees parallels emerge between the storylines of Kevin and his stepson Tom, as Kevin deals with the fallout of Kevin Sr escaping into Mapleton, and Tom makes a striking discovery about Wayne's plan. We discuss the potential symbolism of the National Geographic issue, how "everyone is a dog", and whether the fridge might be the true motif of the season. Spoiler Zone begins at 1:41:04.
In this second part of our discussion on the Nora-centric "Guest", we discuss the hotel as a site of transition, liminality and anonymity, the relevance of the questionnaire, and the exploration of Nora's identity and grief. Spoiler zone begins at 54:41.
We return with the first of two episodes on the Nora-centric "Guest" - the longest we have spoken about an episode to date! No spoiler zone in this one as it is reserved for part two.
In this episode we get a closer look into the Guilty Remnant - what is their motivation? What do they want? And of course, the ultimate question of this episode - who stoned Gladys?
We had to rerecord a section of this one, so apologies for that. One part that was missed in the rerecording was Chiara's Motif of the Week, which was Kevin's house alarm. There was a beautifully argued point about Kevin's interactions with the alarm reflecting his desire to protect people and secure the boundaries of his home (both his house and Mapleton), but unfortunately it is forever lost to podcast purgatory.
No Spoiler Zone for this episode!
It's coming up to Christmas in Mapleton, and Kevin is faced with the task of finding and returning the missing Baby Jesus. Tune in for over-analysis of transitions, song lyrics, dolls and doubles.
Spoiler zone begins at 1:26:48
The second of our two-part episode discussing "Two Boats and a Helicopter", exploring burning questions such as: what is Matt 's dream all about? What does the painting of Job symbolize? And most importantly - what's the deal with the pigeons?
Spoiler Zone begins at 50:43.
In this discussion of the Matt-centric episode, we discuss the potential significance of the "Two Boats and a Helicopter" joke, Matt's interpretation of signs, and his search for meaning.
No spoiler zone this week as it is the first of a two-parter.
Moving on to the second episode of the Season One, we discuss penguins, breakfast foods, and (un)answered mysteries as the residents of Mapleton continue with their post-departure lives in "Penguin One, Us Zero".
Apologies for the sound issues in this one!
Spoiler Zone begins at 1:23:27.
The second and final part of our discussion of the pilot episode. Here we discuss the significance of baby shoes, primal dogs, and picture frames, and we select our MVP of the week.
Spoiler Zone begins at 48:46.
In this episode, we overthink the first half of The Leftovers' pilot, where we are introduced to the residents of Mapleton as they attempt to deal with the aftermath of the Departure. Listen for in-depth discussion of Max Richter's stellar soundtrack, the function of "flash independents", and whether or not Kevin is doing his best.