Damon Lindelof, the co-creator of The Leftovers, has recently spoken about the show’s rather divisive season 1. Despite its critical acclaim, The Leftovers ended after 3 seasons in 2017, but has since been introduced to many new viewers. HBO’s The Leftovers is an adaptation of co-creator Tom Perrotta’s 2011 novel of the same name, and focuses on a global event that causes 2% of the world’s population to suddenly vanish, as well as the loved ones of those who disappear. While The Leftovers season 1 was well received, one common criticism is that it was rather bleak.
While in attendance at a reunion panel for The Leftovers at ATX TV Festival (via EW), Lindelof commented on The Leftovers season 1 and the show’s global response, stating, “One of the things that made it so special was that it wasn’t for everyone.” He continued with, “So much of the work that we all do and are asked to do is to make it as accessible to as many people as possible.” Lindelof also acknowledges how some of season 1’s subject matter can be “challenging” to watch for certain audiences:
[The Leftovers wasn’t] purposely trying to exclude people … The first season, in many ways, is like, ‘Stop f—ing watching!
Lindelof explained why some scenes are particularly sensitive by referencing the season 1 episode “Gladys,” in which the titular character is violently stoned to death by a group of assailants. He also outlined the parallels between Justin Theroux’s Kevin Garvey witnessing a dog being shot in The Leftovers pilot and the dog face licking scene from Lost (which Lindelof is also the co-creator of).
What This Means For The Leftovers’ New Viewers
The Leftovers Might Not Be For Everyone, But It’s Worth Trying
Eight years after The Leftovers’ ending, it’s worth noting that the show’s hardest-to-watch scenes exist for a reason. Lindelof explained how “it was a show about overcoming suffering,” and this ultimately pushes the themes and narrative of The Leftovers even further.
Lindelof understands that The Leftovers can be a difficult watch for some people, especially season 1. In a way, it’s great that the co-creator can acknowledge why certain parts of his show aren’t as accessible as they could be. It’s important that TV shows can serve as wide an audience as possible, but realistically, there is often some sort of gap in the demographic. However, this doesn’t mean that new viewers shouldn’t check out The Leftovers. If anything, Lindelof’s comments can prepare audiences for what to expect while also avoiding any major spoilers.
The Leftovers’ Co-Creator Acknowledges Season 1 Isn’t For Everyone
Ultimately, Lindelof does something that very few TV showrunners or creators don’t – Acknowledge potential flaws or shortcomings. Lindelof is clearly passionate about his work and understands the story that The Leftovers was trying to tell.
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He also explains that the crew and cast of The Leftovers are purposefully trying to create something that makes audiences think, even if it makes them a little uncomfortable in the process. The Leftovers is considered perfect by some purely because it isn’t perfect, and Lindelof knows this, which makes his comments even more interesting.
Source: EW
This story originally appeared on Screenrant
