Lens (The Leftovers)
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Episode 6
- "State of the Art (A.E.I.O.U.)"
by Jim James - "Goin' to New Orleans"
by Little Sammy Davis - "Peace on Earth"
by The Coleman Family - "Great Big Things"
by Barbara and the Browns - "Stay"
by Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko - "I Am a Rock"
by Simon & Garfunkel
| "Lens" | |
|---|---|
| The Leftovers episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 6 |
| Directed by | Craig Zobel |
| Written by | |
| Featured music |
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| Cinematography by | Michael Grady |
| Editing by | Michael Ruscio |
| Production code | 4X6056 |
| Original air date | November 8, 2015 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Lens" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American supernatural drama television series The Leftovers, based on the novel of the same name by Tom Perrotta. It is the sixteenth overall episode of the series and was written by series creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, and directed by Craig Zobel. It was first broadcast on HBO in the United States on November 8, 2015.
In the episode, Nora is introduced to a scientific theory where she is deemed a "lens", which could link her to the departure of her family. Meanwhile, the Murphys organize a fundraiser for the missing girls, although Erika loses her temper.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.636 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the performances, writing, character development, emotional tone and pacing. The scene where Nora and Erika have a conversation at the end of the episode received universal acclaim and was deemed the highlight of the episode.
A scientist named Joaquin Cuarto (Diego Wallraff) arrives at Miracle. He visits Nora (Carrie Coon) to question her about her role in her husband's and children's disappearance, as well as the fact that Evie and her friends disappeared on the night she arrived at Miracle. Nora refuses to answer his questions and demands that he leave the property. That night, she throws a rock at the Murphy house's window, breaking it.
The next day, George Brevity (Joel Murray), a man who works for the DSD, visits Nora. They agree to meeting at a restaurant. George explains that a new theory has been suggested by the DSD, called "Lenses." A "lens" is deemed as someone who lost a certain number of people when the Departure happened by being in close proximity, and could be considered a point of origin if it were to happen again. Later, Nora is called by another scientist, claiming that she could be a lens that was chosen by Azrael, disturbing her. Erika (Regina King) brings Lily back to Nora, who was left on the hood of their car. Nora notices Kevin (Justin Theroux) speaking by himself, unaware that he is seeing Patti (Ann Dowd).
Noticing a boy leaving a pie on her door, Erika confronts him. She visits the sender of the pie, Virgil (Steven Williams), her father, telling him she is not interested in reconciling with him. She also confronts Michael (Jovan Adepo) for constantly visiting him, but Michael reaffirms that Virgil deserves to be forgiven. While Nora visits Matt (Christopher Eccleston) at the refugee camp, he expresses disapproval that she intends to take Mary (Janel Moloney) to the Murphys' fundraiser for Evie, given that John (Kevin Carroll) doubted their story of her pregnancy. Nora is also called by Laurie (Amy Brenneman), who has lost track of Tom, asking her to give him an apology on her behalf if she sees him.
During the fundraiser, Erika confronts a man for planning to slaughter a goat during the presentation. The man killed a goat on October 14 and avoided charges because the town believed he saved them during the Departure. She calls them out, telling them that Miracle is not special and that the girls, in fact, departed. Nora decides to visit her at home, where she invites her to answer some questions from the DSD interview.
While answering, Erika opens up about her family. She confesses that she was planning on leaving John. She also explains how her grandmother indicated to her that she could make a wish by keeping a sparrow on a box buried in the ground, wait three days, and make a wish if the sparrow was alive. Erika states she did it, opening a box with a live sparrow, and wishing that her kids were all right without her. As Evie disappeared the next day, Erika blames herself for her disappearance. Nora states it is not her fault, although she is conflicted when Erika makes her remember that she lashed out at her family right before they departed. Nora returns home, where Kevin finally confesses that he is seeing Patti in his mind, explaining why he talks to himself. Suddenly, a rock smashes through their window. As Nora looks outside, Erika makes eye contact before walking away.
Production
Development
In October 2015, the episode's title was revealed as "Lens" and it was announced that series creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta had written the episode while Craig Zobel had directed it. This was Lindelof's fifteenth writing credit, Perrotta's fifth writing credit, and Zobel's first directing credit.[1]
