Tragedy struck when a global disaster caused 140 million of the population to vanish in an inexpiable manner. Now, a group of people living in Mapleton, New York deal with the tragic event and wonder what happened three years ago.
Back home, Nora isn't stalking the mistress at the playground anymore... She saves her brother's voicemail apology. And when the doorbell rings, it's Chief Garvey, who's tracked her down to invite her to dinner. There is hope.
So for those debating whether to stick out the last batch of episodes, know this: "Guest" is a revelation. It is sardonic and playful, bleak but parodic, disturbing and deeply moving.
The most entertaining episode of the season, which is revealing an unfortunate pattern: As soon as the show takes a break from the horror of the Garvey family (the central characters), it gets a LOT better.
The Leftovers gave us another single-perspective episode, focusing on Nora Durst. This episode was less tense than Matt's - no beating of thieves to a pulp, no race-against-the-clock climax - but I still enjoyed it more than the recent ensemble episodes.
Wayne may be the purpose of the episode, but Nora Durst is the focus. Played with alternately icy reserve and fluid fire by Carrie Coon, she's become the most successful embodiment of the series' themes.
