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Alerted of the deer's presence, Kevin follows it to a house owned by a family. The deer flees the house and is hit by a car as it exits the house. With the deer wounded, Kevin puts it out of its misery by shooting it. He takes the woman who drove the car to her hotel room, where he has sex with her. Laurie arrives at a clinic, where she runs into Mary, who is waiting for Matt to come out from a scanning session. Matt comes out, revealing that there is nothing wrong with him. Laurie enters the clinic room for an
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weird hiccups and pauses, punctuated with a lot of questions about who these characters are and why their stories are important. Tonight's episode offers a lot of helpful information in that vein. So what was the point of making us wait to see the backstories of these characters, nine weeks after the pilot, instead of making this, or some version of this, into the pilot?"
344:, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.85 million household viewers and gained a 0.9 ratings share among adults aged 18–49, making it the most watched episode of the series. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the writing, character development, performances, emotional tone and revelations.
371:). Patti feels a looming sense of dread and suggests that the world could end. Laurie considers that Patti may be the victim of spousal abuse, advising that she can calm herself by placing all her fears in a bag and leave them at her husband's doorstep. Laurie later goes to pick up a dog, with Gladys (
505:
does not always manage to convince the viewer that the creators know exactly what they're doing. 'The
Garveys At Their Best' is in fact a fantastic episode, on its own. But it leads to one very obvious question: Why on earth didn't we see this three, six, or even nine weeks ago? It's been a season of
336:
The series is set four years after the "Sudden
Departure" – an event which saw 2% of the world's population (approximately 140 million people) disappear and profoundly affected the townspeople. The characters of police chief Kevin Garvey and his family (wife Laurie, son Tom, daughter Jill and father
549:
will leave viewers before departing for the year. With season two already a lock, the show will need to hook us hard to get us to want to come back, and right now, I don't know what big revelations could make that happen. Once again, I feel myself saying that this episode wasn't bad, it just wasn't
394:
Kevin is alerted when a deer attacks in an elementary school. Kevin Sr. wants to order officers to kill the deer, but Kevin suggests it might not be the best. Kevin Sr. gives him the chance to calm the deer and return it to the woods before animal control takes care of it. Kevin is also called when
425:
At the moment of the
Departure, Nora is unable to answer a phone call from Lucy after her daughter spills juice on her phone. As she takes her frustration out on her family they all vanish. Tom and Jill are part of a human circuit at the science fair, and realise that one of Jill's classmates has
337:
Kevin Sr.) are focal points, alongside grieving widow Nora Durst, her brother
Reverend Matt Jamison, and the mysterious cult-like organization the Guilty Remnant (GR), led by Patti Levin. The episode depicts the lives of the characters before the Departure as well as their reactions to the event.
417:
On
October 14, Kevin once again goes jogging. He witnesses a manhole cover exploding without explanation, prompting him to return home. When he tells Laurie about it, she dismisses it as she confronts him about smoking and the fight with Michael, with Kevin expressing unhappiness with his life.
460:
The episode was watched by 1.85 million viewers, earning a 0.9 in the 18-49 rating demographics on the
Nielson ratings scale. This means that 0.9 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. This was a 12% increase from the previous episode, which was watched by 1.64 million
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took a wise leap backward this week. Initially, when I read the title of the episode, 'The
Garveys at Their Best', I assumed it was ironic, as our headlining family is at anything but their best these days. But it was actually meant seriously, in a sort of half-earnest sense."
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reported a 100% approval rating with an average rating of 9.6/10 for the episode, based on 11 reviews. The site's consensus states: "A solid standalone episode in its own right, 'The
Garveys at Their Best' effectively sets the stage for an exciting season finale."
528:
has reiterated that explanations will be in short supply, 'Cairo' and 'The
Garveys at Their Best' have connected a lot of dots. The slow build of the series to this point has picked up speed, nicely setting up what looks to be an engrossing season finale."
403:). Kevin releases Tom and then punches Michael in front of his young kid. He takes him home, where he bonds with Jill. Laurie also tells Jill that she will be unable to attend her science fair for an appointment, although Jill claims she understands.
641:
414:), who still walks. After Kevin delivers a toast, his father tells him that he lacks a greater purpose and needs to stop pretending some aspects of his life. Before sleeping, Kevin reaffirms to Laurie that he is interested in getting a dog.
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disappeared when the light they are powering goes out. The woman Kevin is having an affair with vanishes while they are having sex, and after being distracted by a scream Laurie realises her child no longer appears on the ultrasound scan.
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gave the episode a perfect 5 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "Many a time, I've accused this show of holding back, but this episode was a great big gift wrapped in sadness. This is the episode we've been waiting for." Nick Harley of
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wrote, "'The
Garveys at Their Best' is, principally, a reconsideration of characters we believe we've come to know, and the hour's string of surprises nimbly steers between continuity and change." Michael M. Grynbaum of
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wrote, "Great episode, and another example of how well the show excels when it deviates from whatever formula it's established for itself within these first 9 hours of television." Kyle Ryan of
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wrote, "Sunday's episode, as difficult as it was to watch, also struck me as our best insight yet into the inner lives of characters who have been frustratingly opaque for an entire season."
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In July 2014, the episode's title was revealed as "The Garveys at Their Best" and it was announced that supervising producer Kath Lingenfelter and series creator
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642:"Sunday Cable Ratings: 'True Blood' Wins Night, 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians', 'The Strain', 'The Last Ship', 'The Leftovers' & More"
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had directed it. This was Lingenfelter's third writing credit, Lindelof's eighth writing credit, and Sackheim's first directing credit.
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That night, Kevin Sr. is welcomed to his "surprise" party. The party is attended by many police colleagues and friends, including Matt (
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611:"Sunday Cable Ratings: 'Video Music Awards' Tops Night + 'True Blood', 'The Strain', 'The Last Ship' & More"
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364:) is shown to be more free-spirited and innocent. Kevin wants them to prepare for a birthday party that night.
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exactly useful storytelling. Don't bore me with where we've already been, boldly take me somewhere new."
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775:"Review: 'The Leftovers' – 'The Garveys at Their Best': We said our goodbyes on the night before"
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383:) and her children. Her interview proves to be part of the electoral campaign for Lucy (
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gave the episode a 3 star rating out of 5 and wrote, "I have no idea where
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The Most Powerful Man in the World (and His Identical Twin Brother)
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Laurie tends to a recurring patient, who turns out to be Patti (
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469:"The Garveys at Their Best" received critical acclaim. The
300:" is the ninth episode of the first season of the American
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Recap: Season 1, Episode 9, "The Garveys at Their Best""
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gave the episode an "amazing" 9.2 out of 10 and wrote, "
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808:"The Leftovers recap: The Garveys at Their Best"
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16:9th episode of the 1st season of The Leftovers
1324:Television episodes written by Damon Lindelof
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501:gave the episode an "A–" grade and wrote, "
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333:in the United States on August 24, 2014.
787:from the original on September 23, 2021
584:"(#09/109) "The Garveys at Their Best""
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717:from the original on November 12, 2020
948:"'The Leftovers' Recap: Looking Back"
946:Grynbaum, Michael (August 24, 2014).
927:from the original on October 28, 2021
754:from the original on October 24, 2022
609:Kondolojy, Amanda (August 26, 2014).
7:
672:"The Leftovers: Season 1, Episode 9"
1248:It's a Matt, Matt, Matt, Matt World
960:from the original on March 22, 2023
890:from the original on August 9, 2022
857:from the original on August 9, 2022
820:from the original on March 17, 2023
773:Sepinwall, Alan (August 24, 2014).
684:from the original on March 17, 2023
590:from the original on August 6, 2014
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1314:The Leftovers (TV series) episodes
839:Braffet, Kelly (August 25, 2014).
736:Saraiya, Sonia (August 24, 2014).
422:, revealing that she is pregnant.
14:
1309:2014 American television episodes
909:Brennan, Matt (August 25, 2014).
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876:Harley, Nick (August 25, 2014).
703:Fowler, Matt (August 24, 2014).
131:"Only a Fool Would Say That" by
845:Episode We've Been Waiting For"
640:Bibel, Sara (August 19, 2014).
524:wrote, "While the press around
806:Ryan, Kyle (August 25, 2014).
742:: "The Garveys At Their Best""
443:had written the episode while
89:"The Girl from King Marie" by
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329:. It was first broadcast on
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983:"The Garveys at Their Best"
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1072:Two Boats and a Helicopter
230:as Detective Louis Vitello
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1234:Crazy Whitefella Thinking
1181:A Most Powerful Adversary
1114:The Garveys at Their Best
298:The Garveys at Their Best
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180:August 24, 2014
109:"Oh, John the Rabbit" by
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24:The Garveys at Their Best
1121:The Prodigal Son Returns
277:The Prodigal Son Returns
1188:International Assassin
342:Nielsen Media Research
315:novel of the same name
1146:A Matter of Geography
1100:Solace for Tired Feet
410:) and his wife Mary (
408:Christopher Eccleston
401:Scott William Winters
240:Scott William Winters
1065:Penguin One, Us Zero
813:Entertainment Weekly
586:. The Futon Critic.
521:Entertainment Weekly
212:as Kevin Garvey, Sr.
127:The Naked and Famous
1227:Don't Be Ridiculous
621:on December 5, 2015
145:& the All Stars
1167:No Room at the Inn
953:The New York Times
563:The New York Times
325:, and directed by
307:television series
249:Episode chronology
111:Elizabeth Mitchell
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1220:The Book of Kevin
1079:B.J. and the A.C.
646:TV by the Numbers
615:TV by the Numbers
532:Kelly Braffet of
495:Sonia Saraiya of
471:review aggregator
381:Sebastian Arcelus
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201:Guest appearances
177:Original air date
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883:Den of Geek
542:Den of Geek
435:Development
397:Chris Zylka
389:Scott Glenn
377:Carrie Coon
210:Scott Glenn
123:Young Blood
97:Without You
54:Directed by
1303:Categories
1139:Axis Mundi
570:References
430:Production
420:ultrasound
242:as Michael
195:56 minutes
184:2014-08-24
161:Editing by
133:Steely Dan
64:Written by
1255:Certified
964:March 21,
931:March 21,
894:March 21,
861:March 21,
824:March 21,
791:March 21,
758:March 21,
721:March 21,
688:March 21,
656:March 21,
625:March 21,
594:March 21,
451:Reception
218:as Gladys
49:Episode 9
1290:Category
1212:Season 3
1153:Off Ramp
1131:Season 2
1050:Season 1
1042:Episodes
958:Archived
925:Archived
888:Archived
855:Archived
818:Archived
785:Archived
752:Archived
715:Archived
682:Archived
588:Archived
473:website
369:Ann Dowd
260:Previous
41:Episode
850:Vulture
535:Vulture
456:Viewers
352:Kevin (
273: →
258:←
182: (
139:Shotgun
36:episode
1086:Gladys
780:HitFix
515:HitFix
172:4X5709
1107:Cairo
1093:Guest
1058:Pilot
395:Tom (
305:drama
265:Cairo
141:" by
105:Usher
99:" by
1174:Lens
996:IMDb
966:2023
933:2023
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863:2023
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760:2023
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348:Plot
271:Next
103:ft.
994:at
987:HBO
985:at
710:IGN
512:of
484:IGN
331:HBO
317:by
125:by
43:no.
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