Ep 5. No Room at the Inn

In The Leftovers season 2 episode 5 titled "No Room at the Inn," the Garvey family journeys to Miracle, Texas, where they hope to start anew and leave behind the tragedies of their past. However, they soon realize that their past still has a grip on them. Kevin is haunted by hallucinations of both Patti and Evie, adding to the already strange and eerie world they now inhabit.

The episode focuses on the town's celebration of "Departure Day," which is an annual commemoration of the day that zero people departed from the town of Miracle during the Sudden Departure. The town prides itself on being the only place in the world where no one disappeared that day, and people flock to it in hopes of feeling protected. A large portion of the episode takes place during this celebration, which is both cheerful and disconcerting, with people wearing cheerful "I'm Here" shirts and a living tableau of the last supper.

As the Garvey family tries to find a place to stay, they discover that the peaceful town is anything but. The hotels are all full, and they are met with hostility by the town's residents, who are fiercely protective of their town and distrusting of outsiders. This causes tension for the Garveys, who find themselves unwanted and unable to find shelter.

Meanwhile, Nora Durst, played by Carrie Coon, finds herself in a similar situation. She is searching for a place to stay after her hotel reservation is canceled. She comes across a man named Erika Murphy, played by Regina King, who is the wife of John Murphy, the town's chief of police. Erika invites Nora to stay with her in a rundown trailer on the edge of town, but she warns Nora that her stay is temporary. Nora is initially hesitant but ultimately agrees to stay there anyway.

"No Room at the Inn" is an emotionally charged episode that explores the themes of fear, loss, and disillusionment. The episode does an excellent job of conveying the Garveys' sense of displacement and otherness. The crowded, jarring town makes them feel smaller and more insignificant than ever. The overall sense of unease is heightened by the bizarre rituals and customs of the town's inhabitants, making it feel like anything could happen at any moment.

Additionally, the episode furthers Nora Durst's character development. Nora has always been a fascinating character due to her backstory, which involves the loss of her entire family during the Departure. But in this episode, she becomes much more than just a grieving widow. She is determined to start over in Miracle, and she is unafraid to take risks to achieve this goal. Her willingness to stay with Erika in her trailer shows that she is adaptable and resilient despite her past trauma.

Overall, "No Room at the Inn" is a haunting and thought-provoking episode that delves deeper into the show's central themes. By exploring the town of Miracle and its inhabitants, the episode adds layers of intrigue and mystery to the already complex show. Fans of The Leftovers will undoubtedly find this episode to be one of the most engaging parts of the series.