HBO has a perfect mystery series to watch as the wait forFromseason 4 continues. The introduction of the villainous Man in Yellow (Douglas E. Hughes) and the death of Jim Matthews (Eion Bailey) are only two of the many game-changing developments that occur inFromseason 3’s ending. Many mysteries were answered in the season 3 finale, including what was growing inside of Fatima (Pegah Ghafoori) and how Jade Herrera (David Alpay) and Tabitha Matthews (Catalina Sandino Moreno) are connected to Christopher (Thom Payne) and Miranda (Sarah Booth).
More answers also raise more questions, many of which are poised to be explored inFromseason 4. The show’s premise, use of mystery box storytelling, and thematic exploration of faith and redemption have led to comparisons ofwaysFromis similar toLost.The MGM+ horror series has a great deal in common with the hit ABC showthat forever changed television. However,Fromalso has meaningful parallels to one of the all-time great mystery shows that was released on HBO.
If You Like From, The Leftovers Is A Must-Watch
Their Premises Are Thematically Linked
The Leftoversis the perfect show to watch beforeFromseason 4. Based on Tom Perrotta’sThe Leftoversnovel, the HBO series explores the aftermath of the Sudden Departure, which is an incident where 2% of the world’s population suddenly disappears.The Leftoversis more of a mystery drama, whileFromis more of a mystery horror series. At the same time, the shows have similar themes and tones and emphasize the importance of community.
From’s Pilot Episode Subtly Foreshadowed Season 3’s Biggest Tabitha & Jade Twist
From’s first episode features a subtle detail that hinted at the game-changing Tabitha and Jade plot twist revealed in the season 3 finale.
From’s cast of characterspredominantly features those who have gone missing and who are stuck in the Town.The Leftovers' characters are from the 98% who were left behind after the Sudden Departure.BothFromandThe Leftoversfocus on the idea of people grappling with nightmarish and inexplicable horrors, which makes it more important than ever to build community and to find a way to trust in others. There are powerful supernatural forces in play, but these elements never overtake the characters' journeys.
From Season 4 Could Learn A Lot From The Leftovers
There Are More Important Things Than Solving The Mysteries
The Leftovers' endingis not concerned with answering all the show’s questions. It provides an answer to where the 2% went, but there is ambiguity in whether this is the true answer, and regardless, this is not what the finale prioritizes. The finale is most focused on providing an emotionally satisfying conclusion to the characters' arcs, especially where Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux), Nora Durst (Carrie Coon), and their often complex relationship are concerned.
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Fromseason 4 has many mysteriesto explore, and most of them should be solved before the series end. That being said,The Leftoversproves that the characters, their journeys, and their relationships are what matter most. It is important forFromto not lose sight of this and to not become overly fixated on solving every single question and mystery. Some questions can go unanswered or be left ambiguous if doing so benefits the character development and themes. This can be a difficult balance, butThe LeftoversshowsFromhow it can be effectively done.
How The Leftovers And From Differ From Each Other
The Two Shows Have A Different Approach With Their Settings And Whether To Embrace The Unknown
One of the key differences betweenThe LeftoversandFromare their respective settings and how they are used.The Leftovers' primary setting changes in every season to best serve the needs of the characters' arcs. Season 1 takes place in Mapleton, New York, while season 2 moves to Jarden, Texas, a town that is unique because none of its denizens disappeared during the Sudden Departure. Season 3 begins in Jarden, although the majority of the season is in Victoria, Australia, which certain characters believe is tied to a devastating incident that will occur on the Departure’s anniversary.
The Town practically becomes its own character and there is a history and mythology to it that significantly predates the beginning of the show.
From, on the other hand, takes place almost entirely in the mysterious Townand the surrounding forest where the characters are trapped. The Town practically becomes its own character and there is a history and mythology to it that significantly predates the beginning of the show. While there are supernatural elements inThe Leftovers, the supernatural has a more prominent role inFrom. This includesFrom’s monsters, the Man in Yellow, the Boy in White, the voices Sara Myers (Avery Konrad) hears, all of which lean into the supernatural more thanThe Leftoversdoes.
Fromalso introduced time travel in season 3.
Beyond the settings and the supernatural, another fundamental difference betweenThe LeftoversandFromare their stances on the unknown.The Leftovers' charactersare ultimately encouraged to embrace the unknown and to make peace with the fact that they will never be able to fully understand the Sudden Departure and other mysteries they have encountered. Meanwhile,From’s characters are constantly searching for answers, and while the answers often lead to more questions, the show has made it clear they must learn about the Town’s mysteries if they ever want to escape.
The Leftovers And From Are Both Criminally Underrated Shows
They Both Deserve More Recognition
Despite their critical acclaim,The LeftoversandFromare still criminally underrated. SinceLostended, many shows have tried to capture the magic of the ABC series, but most have failed because they are unable to balance the characters, mysteries, and themes as effectively asLostdid.The LeftoversandFromare the only shows that have been able to adequately follow inLost’s footstepswhile still forging their own unique paths. They are able to strike a similarly addictive, emotional, thought-provoking, and rewarding balance in their storytelling, and every single season manages to be stellar.
What Fatima’s Baby Really Is In From Season 3 & Its Purpose Explained
The dark truth about Fatima’s pregnancy is finally revealed in the From season 3 finale as the baby’s identity and purpose become clear.
Streaming on the lesser-known streaming service MGM+, known as Epix when season 1 was released, contributes toFromnot being as well-known as it should be. In each successive season,Fromhas gained more widespread recognition. Rave reviews from the master of horror himself, Stephen King, helped bring more attention to the series, as did general good word of mouth. This will likely continue to be the case in season 4, and in any other potential seasons that follow.
WhileStranger Things,Wednesday, and other shows like themare entertaining, their storytelling, the depth of their characters, and their thematic exploration pales in comparison withThe LeftoversandFrom.
Hit shows likeStranger ThingsandWednesday, both of which have their fair share of supernatural elements, have taken popular culture by storm in the past decade, and broken numerous viewership records for Netflix.WhileStranger Things,Wednesday, and other shows like themare entertaining, their storytelling, the depth of their characters, and their thematic exploration pales in comparison withThe LeftoversandFrom. They are series that are in a class of their own and cannot be beaten for those who enjoy rich character development and compelling mysteries.
