On sex and violence

Notes on HBO's The Leftovers

I never watch TV, but I did watch The Leftovers on a friend’s very high recommendation (she called it, I believe, “the greatest work of art” she had encountered in the past five years, which seems extreme, but she is someone whose judgment I respect). I did not regret it. Here are some notes prompted by it.

What makes grief resemble dread? Is it fear o…