In (“The Prodigal Son Returns”), a helpful feature to look for is the use of flashbacks and parallel storytelling to reveal character motivation.
The episode’s title “The Prodigal Son Returns” directly references the biblical parable. Watching for who plays the “prodigal” role (the one who leaves and returns) versus the “resentful stay-at-home” helps decode Kevin’s relationship with his father, and also his role as chief trying to hold Mapleton together. The Leftovers - Season 1Eps10