‘The Leftovers’ Star Carrie Coon on Nora’s Relationship with Jill, Future with Kevin

The Leftovers delivered another intensely emotional episode last night now that the resident of Miracle are dealing with a Departure-like disappearance.

One of the characters most emotionally-invested in a successful future in the new town is Nora (Carrie Coon), so when Kevin (Justin Theroux) seemingly disappeared along with the three girls, it’s no wonder she had a breakdown.

Carrie Coon spoke with TV Line about her emotional time last night, including what’s ahead for she and Kevin’s relationship now that there are secrets and what she loves about Nora’s relationship with Jill.

On what’s ahead for Kevin and Nora’s relationship with Kevin

“Coming to Miracle was an effort for them to be safe. And in order for Nora to start over, she’s going to need to feel that stability. And, clearly, Kevin is not capable of providing that stability. And that’s going to cause some tension. Also, Kevin and Nora’s relationship started from this very honest place, where they say, “This is everything about me — can you handle it?” And we reiterate that in this season’s second episode. And Kevin’s really not being honest with her right now about what’s going on with him. So, in some ways, he has violated the code on which their relationship is founded. And that’s destabilizing. And, inevitably, there’s going to be friction because the promise is not being kept.”

On Nora’s relationship with Jill

“Jill proves that she has wisdom beyond her years in that scene when she says to Nora, “Well, wherever you go, there you are.” I think it was really smart of Damon and the writers to give that line to Jill, because she is dignified and thoughtful in that moment, and more than just a teenager in a television show. And Margaret [Quealley] brings this disarming quirkiness to [the role]. It’s important for Nora to have boundaries in terms of her authority, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t have mutual respect. And I love that the writers chose to not create friction between them. The more obvious choice would be to have the stepmom and the stepdaughter not getting along. And the choice of them respecting each other and choosing this life together, tenuously but with a kind of generosity, is actually much more real and interesting. And I’m grateful for it.”

What did you think of the latest episode of The Leftovers?

Photo Credit: HBO