A Most Powerful Adversary
Kevin is revived after drinking poison; Virgil kills himself.
"A Most Powerful Adversary" is the seventeenth installment of *The Leftovers* and the eighth in its second season. The episode, which aired on HBO on November 22, 2015, was penned by showrunner Damon Lindelof and co-producer Patrick Somerville, with executive producer Mimi Leder directing.
In the episode, Kevin Garvey’s life is upended by hallucinations of Patti, prompting Nora to flee the house with Lily and Mary. Seeking answers, Kevin turns to Virgil, only to realize they have crossed paths before.
According to Nielsen, the episode drew an estimated 0.610 million households and a 0.3 rating among adults 18–49. Critics praised the episode heavily, with many stunned by its conclusion, which they felt could fundamentally alter the series’ trajectory.
The plot follows Kevin waking up handcuffed to his bed, discovering Nora and Lily gone. Jill finds a note from Nora, who says she took Lily and Mary and left, telling Kevin not to call. Jill angrily departs after reading it, while Patti mocks Kevin for losing his family. Wandering town for a locksmith, Kevin asks Patti what she wants; she claims ignorance. Michael then appears, revealing they have met before and that he knows about Patti’s visits. Michael takes Kevin to Virgil, who explains that Patti is Kevin’s adversary and that he must fight her in the realm of the undead—accessible only through death. Kevin attempts drowning with a cinder block, but the earthquake-drained lake prevents it. Confused, he leaves.
Laurie arrives at Miracle’s entrance, believing Tom is in town, though Kevin says he hasn’t seen him in over a year. Kevin questions what she did to drive Tom away, shaming her into leaving. He asks John to remove the handcuff in exchange for a palm print to compare with evidence from the girls’ car, but the cutters are missing. After Jill confronts him, Kevin visits Laurie at her motel, admitting he sees Patti. Laurie notes Patti doesn’t appear when she’s with him, suggesting he may struggle with reality. He convinces her to stay, despite Jill’s disapproval. Nora calls, revealing the key was under his pillow, hidden by Patti. Kevin makes her promise to return if he stops seeing Patti.
Kevin drives to Virgil’s trailer. Virgil gives him poison, promising to inject epinephrine within five minutes to revive him. Despite Patti’s protests, Kevin drinks the poison and collapses.
- Episode
- Season 2, Episode 8 (overall 17)
- Writers
- Damon Lindelof and Patrick Somerville
- Director
- Mimi Leder
- Network
- HBO
- Original air date
- November 22, 2015
- Viewers (households)
- 0.610 million
- Rating (18-49)
- 0.3
Lore & Background
In the episode, Kevin's hallucinations of Patti disrupt his life, causing Nora to flee her house with Lily and Mary. Kevin seeks Virgil's help, realizing they previously met. Virgil explains that Patti is Kevin's adversary and that the only way to fight her is in the realm of the undead, which he can only enter by dying. Kevin attempts to drown himself but is prevented by the earthquake draining the lake. Later, Virgil gives Kevin a poison, promising to inject him with epinephrine within five minutes to revive him. Kevin drinks the poison and collapses. Virgil then disposes of the epinephrine syringe and kills himself with a revolver. Michael enters the trailer and, amidst shock and sadness, pulls Kevin's body out.
Reader's Guide
The episode received critical acclaim, with a 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 11 reviews. Critics expressed surprise with the ending, feeling that it could change the course of the series. Matt Fowler of IGN gave the episode a perfect 10 out of 10, calling it a 'masterpiece.' Joshua Alston of The A.V. Club gave it a 'B+' and noted that the cliffhanger could either deepen investment or drive viewers away. Alan Sepinwall of HitFix wrote that despite cliffhanger fatigue, he trusted the show. The episode was seen by an estimated 0.610 million household viewers, a slight decrease from the previous episode's 0.636 million. Justin Theroux was not informed in advance of his character's death, as he reads scripts in order. Damon Lindelof described the future of the character ambiguously, stating viewers would see 'Kevin, or parts of Kevin' again.
Did You Know?
- Justin Theroux was not informed in advance of his character's death; he reads scripts in the order they arrive.
- The episode was written by series creator Damon Lindelof and co-producer Patrick Somerville, and directed by executive producer Mimi Leder.
- The episode was first broadcast on HBO on November 15, 2015.
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