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Note: I haven't read the novel.

First of all, I like to say the positives: the production design is beautiful and the cinematography is very impressive. The cast is full of talented actors and actresses. What could go wrong?

Then, it goes downhill from the crammed mess of a screenplay. I was left confused during expository scenes, and I found myself not remembering any of the characters, except for the main protagonist. I feel like the writer and director is so sure that audiences would remember every exposition/information thrown at them in almost like a 3-minute sequence of a bunch of interrogations. And a couple of moments where the writing crew thought it would spice up the action, but instead they really did nothing to the already convoluted story. I guess Hollywood's gotta Hollywood with a mystery by adding unnecessary action scenes.

And when it comes to the climax of the mystery, I already predicted the twist. After the first hour passed, I began to realize how unbelievably convenient these individual characters who are seemingly strangers to each other, are somehow connected to a crime committed by Johnny Depp's character. I had the all-of-the-passengers-murdered-Johnny-Depp theory in mind until the climax, and I was glad that it was true. I think that twist made my spirits lift a bit, but I wasn't feeling the drama that unfolded after that.

So yeah, Murder on the Orient Express is gorgeously made and has a talented cast, but it's boring AF.

Verdict: Skip!

Whoo! This f***ing show! Okay, seriously, I hadn't watched any of Damon Lindelof's shows like Lost when I found out about the Leftovers. I was trying to find quality TV online, and I discovered this piece of art.

Alright, I don't know anything about the Leftovers when I watched the first five episodes in a one-day/two-day/three-day basis (because I got school) and initially I didn't enjoy the show. I found it too serious at its world of the Sudden Departure with several narratives crammed into super busy episodes (it's like it was trying to be Game of Thrones which has multiple narratives in one episode, but instead they failed). The characters aren't likable at all (well except for Matt Jamison), and are often annoying with irritating decisions, even the main protagonist, who is a police chief with anger issues. I was already about to give up on it and moved on to a better show, but I decided to patiently watch the final five episodes, so I did. As it progresses, they are becoming more sympathetic, and that was when I realized this. It's not all about the narratives and the unanswered questions, but it's all about the characters. No matter how frustratingly flawed they were, there's still the part where you can relate to them like the loss of one's family. It's only just the second half of the first season when I finally appreciate the show even when it frustrates me. I finally liked Kevin Garvey, the main protagonist, and many of the supporting cast (I still can't bring myself to like the mayor of Mapleton and any of the teenagers except for Jill). And Nora Durst (played by one of the greatest actresses I have ever known, Carrie Coon) who grew on me in her character-centric episode, has become the character I was rooting for the most.

And that was just the first season, folks. So, if you're planning to watch the Leftovers, please finish the first season. Don't give up or anything. I mean, a lot of IMDb reviews I had read have only covered the first few episodes which I think is the worst. Because after the first season, I was in for an out-of-this-world journey with some of the most realistically human characters on TV through the final two seasons. And that's because of the cast who all gave powerful and Emmy-worthy performances in almost every episode they appeared. I don't have to mention them one by one, because they're just as brilliant as their co-stars. Without them, it wouldn't have been canceled for only one season. But the cast is just a huge part of why this show is one of the greats. It has some of the most beautiful cinematography, incredibly ambitious and excellently written scripts translated with masterful direction by the filmmakers, and the ability to not care about the answers to its questions and turn ambiguity to one of its finest achievements. And the music! Max Richter had created one of the most emotionally impactful scores ever heard, and the music supervisor deserves a large credit for finding songs and musical scores that are perfectly placed in numerous scenes.

And what I also loved about the show is its themes. Grief, loss, being mentally and emotionally broken, abandonment, alone in a world of chaos, family and love. There are probably more than what I just mentioned, but those themes make the Leftovers one of the most relatable shows, and what makes its devoted audience feel the same as its characters. It was such a grand experience until its fantastic end.

But this is what I thought about the show. We all have different tastes. This review may be reliable or unreliable to you. You may love or hate the show. But either way, I respect your opinion.

Until then, I shall say farewell to you.

Overall show rating: 9.63/10.00

EDIT (6/17/2017): OK, I forgot to say this: as much as I love Max Richter's score, the people in the post-production team should've let the scenes unfold without any of it, because sometimes I found it overused and such. They didn't downgrade the show for me, but as I wonder after writing this review, I felt like more than a dozen of the scenes should've worked better if they were without any of the Leftovers theme music. Just an added observation.

And also, Richter's musical piece "AND KNOW THE PLACE FOR THE FIRST TIME" which is used in the final scene of S03E01, is only used once. Why not used it again?

Oh, never mind.

NOTE: THIS IS MY FIRST REVIEW! PARDON FOR ANY INCORRECT GRAMMAR YOU MIGHT DETECT WHEN READING THIS! English ISN'T MY COUNTRY'S MAIN LANGUAGE. YOU MIGHT AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH WHAT I AM SAYING IN THIS REVIEW! EITHER WAY, I APPRECIATE YOUR OPINION.

The Leftovers keep on topping each other up with a brilliant episode after another. But this episode just put itself from its very peak alongside last season's International Assassin...for now.

G'Day Melbourne focuses on Kevin and Nora who have traveled to Australia, where Nora tracks down the LADR which she thought is a fraud, while Kevin tackles a problem of his own.

I don't have to spoil this for you, especially if you're a fan who haven't watched this episode (but if you did, what do you think?). The episode has everything that makes the Leftovers one of the best shows: the engaging storytelling, the perfect music choices (TAKE ON ME!!!), beautiful camera-work, masterful direction! And like always, the performances are just breathtaking. The supporting cast are great, but Theroux and Coon own this episode, especially during one of the last scenes where I was just speechless watching them deliver lines and emote. Just WOW! I will be surprised if they didn't get nominated for an Emmy this time.

My fear for a disappointing series finale has finally disappeared. I'm so excited for the final four episodes. Next week is another Matt episode with Laurie and the Murphys. Which is probably be another astounding hour of television.

Final Score: 11!!!/10