The Leftovers: Season 1 (2014)

Kevin Garvey, the chief of police in Mapleton, struggles with the aftermath of the Sudden Departure, which has left his family fractured. His wife, Laurie, has joined a cult called the Guilty Remnant, which promotes silence and mourning for those who disappeared. Their daughter, Jill, is rebellious and emotionally distant, grappling with her own grief and anger. Their son, Tom, is trying to find his place in a chaotic world, often feeling lost and disconnected from his family.

Nora Durst is a woman who lost her entire family during the Sudden Departure. She copes with her grief through a mix of anger, denial, and dark humor. She works for a company that specializes in helping people deal with the aftermath of the Departure, but she struggles with her own unresolved pain. Nora's emotional state is often depicted through her interactions with others, her attempts to find closure, and her desire to connect with those who understand her loss.

The Guilty Remnant is a cult that emerges in the wake of the Sudden Departure, advocating for remembrance and mourning of those who vanished. They wear white clothing and smoke cigarettes, embodying a stark contrast to the rest of the community, which is trying to move on. Their presence in Mapleton creates tension, as they provoke the townspeople and challenge their attempts to forget the past. The group's leader, Patti, becomes a significant antagonist, particularly in her interactions with Kevin Garvey.

Matt Jamison is a former priest who grapples with his faith in the wake of the Sudden Departure. He believes that the event is a sign of the end times and feels a deep sense of responsibility to spread the word of God. Despite his convictions, he faces skepticism from others, including his sister, Mary, who is in a catatonic state after the Departure. Matt's internal struggle is highlighted by his efforts to maintain hope and purpose while confronting the harsh realities of his life and the loss of his community.

The dog that Kevin Garvey encounters serves as a symbol of the chaos and unpredictability of life after the Sudden Departure. Initially, Kevin is reluctant to take the dog in, reflecting his own struggles with responsibility and connection. However, as the series progresses, the dog becomes a source of comfort and companionship for Kevin, representing his desire for normalcy and emotional support in a world that feels increasingly fragmented. The dog's fate also mirrors Kevin's own journey, highlighting themes of loss and the search for meaning.