The Prodigal Son Returns (The Leftovers)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Episode 10
- "Ne me quitte pas"
by Nina Simone - "Nothing Else Matters"
by Apocalyptica - "Sleep Walk"
by Santo & Johnny - "Dream"
by Al Green
| "The Prodigal Son Returns" | |
|---|---|
| The Leftovers episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 Episode 10 |
| Directed by | Mimi Leder |
| Written by | |
| Featured music |
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| Cinematography by | Todd McMullen |
| Editing by |
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| Production code | 4X5710 |
| Original air date | September 7, 2014 |
| Running time | 53 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
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"The Prodigal Son Returns" is the tenth episode and season finale of the first season of the American supernatural drama television series The Leftovers, based on the novel of the same name by Tom Perrotta. The episode was written by series creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta, and directed by Mimi Leder. It was first broadcast on HBO in the United States on September 7, 2014.
The series is set three years after the "Sudden Departure" – an event which saw 2% of the world's population (approximately 140 million people) disappear and profoundly affected the townspeople. The characters of police chief Kevin Garvey and his family (wife Laurie, son Tom, daughter Jill and father Kevin Sr.) are focal points, alongside grieving widow Nora Durst, her brother Reverend Matt Jamison, and the mysterious cult-like organization the Guilty Remnant (GR), led by Patti Levin. In the episode, GR plans their next move with Patti's plan, while Kevin asks Matt for help in the cabin.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.53 million household viewers and gained a 0.7 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the performances (Justin Theroux), writing, themes, directing, character development and closure.
While on the run, Tom (Chris Zylka) stops their car so Christine (Annie Q.) can feed her baby. Christine laments how all her promises proved to be lies and leaves for the restroom. After a few minutes, Tom finds the baby on her own in the restroom, with Christine nowhere to be seen.
On Memorial Day, GR prepares for a new plan involving the replicas. Laurie (Amy Brenneman) does not want Jill (Margaret Qualley) to participate out of fear for the protests, but Jill comes along. During the day, GR places life-like replicas of the departed civilians on their vanishing point. Nora (Carrie Coon) wakes up to discover replicas of her husband and children, making her cry. After Patti (Ann Dowd) committed suicide, Kevin (Justin Theroux) calls Matt (Christopher Eccleston) for help. Matt is willing to help despite the fact that it could incriminate him, aware that Patti's death was on her own. After burying her, Kevin returns to Mapleton. He experiences a dream where he finds himself at a mental institution with Kevin Sr. (Scott Glenn) and Patti. Patti promises to become his "traveling companion" before forcing Kevin to wake up.
Stopping at a diner, Kevin confesses to his infidelity, noting that his relationship with his family feels lost even when they are still here and he still has hopes that they can reunite. Kevin then goes to the restroom, where he discovers Holy Wayne (Paterson Joseph), mortally wounded. Wayne accepts his death and asks Kevin to make a wish, while doubting of his own powers. Kevin silently wishes something and Wayne claims to grant it before dying from his wounds. ATFEC agents storm the diner for Wayne, and Matt vouches for Kevin, claiming that he is an innocent person. Matt and Kevin are allowed to go.
Kevin and Matt stumble upon Mapleton falling into chaos, with civilians attacking GR members and burning down their cul-de-sac. Kevin saves Laurie from being attacked by a man and carries an unconscious Jill out of a burning house. The next day, Tom arrives at Mapleton, finding Laurie. Nora writes a letter to Kevin, deciding to leave town. Kevin and Jill walk back home, taking a dog they find on the street, the same dog previously tied to the Garvey's backyard fence. Nora arrives at the Garvey house to deliver the letter, where she finds Christine's baby on the doorstep. As she cuddles the baby, Kevin and Jill arrive.
Production
Development
In August 2014, the episode's title was revealed as "The Prodigal Son Returns" and it was announced that series creators Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta had written the episode while Mimi Leder had directed it. This was Lindelof's ninth writing credit, Perrotta's third writing credit, and Leder's third directing credit.[1]
