Ep 8. The Book of Nora

In the final episode of The Leftovers, titled "The Book of Nora," viewers are taken on a journey that brings the series full circle. After seven intense and emotional seasons, fans are finally given closure about the mysterious and unexplained departure of 2% of the world's population.

Following on from the end of the previous episode, "The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Identical Twin Brother)," viewers are reunited with Nora (Carrie Coon) as she continues on her quest to finally uncover the truth about the Departure. After learning about a man who claims to have built a machine that sends people to where the Departed have gone, Nora travels to Australia to meet him.

From the outset, "The Book of Nora" offers a markedly different vibe from the rest of the season. The episode starts slow, yet intense, and sets up the whole show as a study in contrasts. The tension of the first half is masterful as the audience is given ample time to immerse themselves in the characters' feelings and the show's overarching themes.

Unsurprisingly, Australian-based physicist Dr. Kelvin is evasive, guarded, and sceptical about Nora's intentions. He needs to be coaxed and convinced to even speak with her, let alone use his machine. Nora's preparedness to take the risk and enter the machine reveals the level of her conviction to discover what happened to the people who departed.

As she steps into the machine, the show shifts gears, quickly transitioning from its relatively plodding beginning to a breathless, sustained moment of high stakes and considerable anxiety-inducing tension. This entire sequence is one of the most visual and tonally dynamic of the series, with intense intercuts and mood swings that drag the audience through Nora's perspective.

The next few minutes unfold with a beautiful simplicity that strips away everything, even the location, and focuses on the central idea of one woman's anguish over her loss. And through it all, Nora’s emotions command your reaction, whether you believe her or not.

As the show's season-long storyline approaches its climax, "The Book of Nora" presents a couple of surprises that set up a final resolution that is both satisfying and rooted in character. The writing here is masterful, with the emotional stakes getting ramped up with each new revelation.

One of the most engaging aspects of the episode is watching Coon in her element. She embodies Nora, a character who seldom shows vulnerability or asks for help, but who is so deeply emotional and affecting in every moment. It's a perfect role for Coon to conclude with, the culmination of a terrific performance and a career highlight.

Ultimately, Nora's actions lead to a cathartic resolution that will leave viewers satisfied with the series' conclusion. The final moments are so brilliantly executed that it leaves you with the sense that all the pain, mystery, and tragedy have been worth it, and that the show's creative team has been tracking in the heart-wrenching direction the entire time.

All in all, The Book of Nora is a bold and thoughtful end to a remarkable television show. It moves the audience and the show's characters forward, resolving past traumas, and setting into motion a future that feels believable, powerful, and achingly poignant. A lovely end to a remarkable series.