Manifest (TV series): Difference between revisions
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* [[wikipedia:Parveen Kaur (Canadian actress)|Parveen Kaur]] as Saanvi Bahl, a doctor and medical researcher at Koch Hospital and passenger on Flight 828. She is later recruited to work for the NSA's Project Eureka task force that is investigating 828. | * [[wikipedia:Parveen Kaur (Canadian actress)|Parveen Kaur]] as Saanvi Bahl, a doctor and medical researcher at Koch Hospital and passenger on Flight 828. She is later recruited to work for the NSA's Project Eureka task force that is investigating 828. | ||
* [[wikipedia:Matt Long|Matt Long]] as Zeke Landon (seasons 2–4; recurring season 1), a hiker who got trapped in a cave during a blizzard and was presumed dead for a year. He returns to life in a situation similar to what happened to Flight 828 passengers. He later marries Michaela and becomes the first person to beat his death date after saving Cal's life. After beating his death date, Zeke develops empathic powers. At the end of the first part of season 4, Zeke sacrifices himself to save Cal by absorbing Cal's returned cancer. Colin Critchley portrays a younger Zeke. | * [[wikipedia:Matt Long|Matt Long]] as Zeke Landon (seasons 2–4; recurring season 1), a hiker who got trapped in a cave during a blizzard and was presumed dead for a year. He returns to life in a situation similar to what happened to Flight 828 passengers. He later marries Michaela and becomes the first person to beat his death date after saving Cal's life. After beating his death date, Zeke develops empathic powers. At the end of the first part of season 4, Zeke sacrifices himself to save Cal by absorbing Cal's returned cancer. Colin Critchley portrays a younger Zeke. | ||
* [[wikipedia:Holly Taylor|Holly Taylor]] as Angelina Meyer (seasons 3–4<ref name="HollyT"/>), a Flight 828 passenger who is held captive by her religiously fanatic parents in Costa Rica after her return. She is later rescued by Michaela and Zeke and taken in by the Stones to live with them. | * [[wikipedia:Holly Taylor|Holly Taylor]] as Angelina Meyer (seasons 3–4<ref name="HollyT">{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/09/manifest-the-americans-holly-taylor-nbc-missing-plane-drama-series-1234582061/|title='Manifest': 'The Americans' Alumna Holly Taylor Joins NBC's Missing Plane Drama Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Denise|last=Petski|date=September 22, 2020|access-date=September 22, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922182632/https://deadline.com/2020/09/manifest-the-americans-holly-taylor-nbc-missing-plane-drama-series-1234582061/|url-status=live}}</ref>), a Flight 828 passenger who is held captive by her religiously fanatic parents in Costa Rica after her return. She is later rescued by Michaela and Zeke and taken in by the Stones to live with them. | ||
* Daryl Edwards as Robert Vance (season 4; recurring seasons 1–3), the director of the NSA who leads the investigation of the re-emergence of Montego Air Flight 828. Despite apparently being killed in season 1 during the raid on a Singularity Project's base, he is revealed to still be alive in season 2. With only a few people aware he is alive, Vance begins working covertly to uncover the mysteries of Flight 828 and his government's sinister objectives. After his survival is revealed to the government in season 3, Vance resumes his old position and heads up a new taskforce known as Project Eureka, examining the rebuilt wreckage of the plane for clues. | * Daryl Edwards as Robert Vance (season 4; recurring seasons 1–3), the director of the NSA who leads the investigation of the re-emergence of Montego Air Flight 828. Despite apparently being killed in season 1 during the raid on a Singularity Project's base, he is revealed to still be alive in season 2. With only a few people aware he is alive, Vance begins working covertly to uncover the mysteries of Flight 828 and his government's sinister objectives. After his survival is revealed to the government in season 3, Vance resumes his old position and heads up a new taskforce known as Project Eureka, examining the rebuilt wreckage of the plane for clues. | ||
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|'''Mystery Surrounding Death Dates''': In "Manifest," the passengers begin to experience "death dates," which are visions of their potential future deaths. These visions create a sense of urgency and heighten the tension around life and death. The characters grapple with the notion of destiny, trying to understand if their futures are predetermined or if they can alter their fates. | |'''Mystery Surrounding Death Dates''': In "Manifest," the passengers begin to experience "death dates," which are visions of their potential future deaths. These visions create a sense of urgency and heighten the tension around life and death. The characters grapple with the notion of destiny, trying to understand if their futures are predetermined or if they can alter their fates. | ||
}} | }} | ||
The themes of death and resurrection in "Manifest" add layers of mystery, emotional depth, and spiritual exploration to the storyline. They raise philosophical questions about life, death, fate, and the nature of human existence. | The themes of death and resurrection in "Manifest" add layers of mystery, emotional depth, and spiritual exploration to the storyline. They raise philosophical questions about life, death, fate, and the nature of human existence. | ||
==== Peacock symbolism ==== | |||
In season 3 episode 3 "Wingman", while Olive is exploring ancient mythologies by studying pieces of Egyptian artwork that TJ had given her, she stumbles upon some clues and a peacock feather at the same time that Cal has a vision of a peacock. The peacock has various religious and symbolic significances in different cultures and religions. Here are some of its religious associations: | |||
# '''Christianity''': In Christianity, the peacock has been associated with immortality, resurrection, and the glory of God. Its extravagant and vibrant plumage was believed to symbolize the radiant beauty and eternal life found in Christ. Peacock feathers were used as decorative elements in religious art and architecture, particularly during the Byzantine era. | |||
# '''Hinduism''': In Hinduism, the peacock is closely associated with the deity Lord Murugan (also known as Kartikeya or Skanda). Lord Murugan is often depicted riding a peacock and is considered the god of war, victory, and wisdom. The peacock is regarded as a sacred bird and a symbol of beauty, grace, and divine protection. | |||
# '''Buddhism''': In Buddhism, the peacock is regarded as a symbol of purity, wisdom, and enlightenment. It represents openness and acceptance of all experiences and is associated with the concept of breaking free from the cycle of suffering (samsara) and attaining spiritual liberation (nirvana). | |||
# '''Greek Mythology''': In ancient Greek mythology, the peacock was associated with the goddess Hera. It was believed that Hera adorned the tail feathers of the peacock with "eyes" as a symbol of her watchfulness and all-seeing knowledge. The peacock, therefore, became a symbol of protection and divine vision. | |||
# '''Islam''': In Islamic art and culture, the peacock is often depicted as a symbol of beauty, abundance, and spiritual guidance. It is associated with the concept of Paradise and is believed to have resplendent feathers in the heavenly realm. | |||
=== Faith and Salvation === | === Faith and Salvation === | ||
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The themes of faith and salvation in "Manifest" explore the complexities of belief, trust, and the search for meaning in extraordinary circumstances. These themes add depth to the character journeys and highlight the spiritual and existential aspects of the series. | The themes of faith and salvation in "Manifest" explore the complexities of belief, trust, and the search for meaning in extraordinary circumstances. These themes add depth to the character journeys and highlight the spiritual and existential aspects of the series. | ||
==== Noah's Ark ==== | |||
The callings of the passengers of Flight 828 lead to the conclusion that the world will come to and end on a specific date. And they believe that solving the callings to help people will also lead the way to salvation from the death date, from the apocalyptic end of the world scenario. In Season 4 Episode 19, Marko, one of the passenger's who had been in a coma and under testing by the Major, woke up from his coma repeating the word 'ковчег' (''kovcheg'') in Bulgarian, which can have two meanings: either "coffin" or "ark". Marko himself thought that the reference was to a coffin, and drew a picture of a coffin on a piece of paper, but later, seeing a picture of Noah's Ark, realized that this could also be the meaning. The theme of Noah's Ark as a means of salvation from the death date is tied into the storyline: the Major had been experimenting on a fragment of Noah's Ark that was covered in sapphire, and which Saanvi had thrown into a fissure that had opened up at the base of Storm King Mountain. | |||
==== Faith and Science ==== | ==== Faith and Science ==== | ||
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The tailfin of the airplane was being studied in a government facility by Saanvi, a scientist from India. When Cal goes up to it and touches it, he disappears. Ben becomes desperate in his search to find Cal again, coming to the conclusion that the tailfin must be thrown back into the ocean. The scientiest however is contrary to this choice, convinced that it would make no sense to throw it into the ocean rather than continue to study it; however she changes her mind when she sees writing in Cal's drawings that is in her own native language, along with the constellation of the dragon which she always gazed upon as a child through her telescope in trying to "see" her deceased mother among the stars of heaven. She had given up on the pursuit of seeing her mother in the heavens, but Cal's drawing became a sign for her: she understood that perhaps faith had a role alongside scientific research, and that she should listen to Ben and Grace. It is thus decided to bring the tailfin back to the ocean, in the specific spot that Ben had located. | The tailfin of the airplane was being studied in a government facility by Saanvi, a scientist from India. When Cal goes up to it and touches it, he disappears. Ben becomes desperate in his search to find Cal again, coming to the conclusion that the tailfin must be thrown back into the ocean. The scientiest however is contrary to this choice, convinced that it would make no sense to throw it into the ocean rather than continue to study it; however she changes her mind when she sees writing in Cal's drawings that is in her own native language, along with the constellation of the dragon which she always gazed upon as a child through her telescope in trying to "see" her deceased mother among the stars of heaven. She had given up on the pursuit of seeing her mother in the heavens, but Cal's drawing became a sign for her: she understood that perhaps faith had a role alongside scientific research, and that she should listen to Ben and Grace. It is thus decided to bring the tailfin back to the ocean, in the specific spot that Ben had located. | ||
=== Battle between Good and Evil === | |||
The series has some underlying apocalyptic themes that contribute to the overall narrative. Here are a few ways in which these themes are present: | |||
# '''Time Displacement''': The central premise of the show involves Flight 828 disappearing and reappearing five and a half years later, resulting in a time displacement for the passengers. This sudden and unexplained event creates a sense of disruption and disorientation akin to an apocalyptic scenario. The passengers find themselves thrust into a world that has moved on without them, leading to personal and societal upheaval. | |||
# '''The Death Dates''': The concept of "death dates" introduced in the series adds an apocalyptic element. The passengers begin receiving visions of their own deaths, which creates a countdown and a sense of impending doom. This apocalyptic ticking clock adds suspense and raises questions about fate, mortality, and the potential end of their lives. | |||
# '''Callings and Divine Intervention''': The callings experienced by the passengers can be seen as a form of divine intervention or supernatural guidance. These callings lead the characters to specific actions or events, often with high stakes and potential apocalyptic consequences. The passengers grapple with the responsibility of their callings and the potential role they play in preventing or mitigating catastrophic events. | |||
# '''Prophecies and Revelation''': The show explores various prophecies, visions, and revelations that hint at a larger, apocalyptic narrative. These elements suggest that the events surrounding Flight 828 are part of a grander plan or a significant turning point in human history. The unfolding of these prophecies adds a sense of urgency and foreboding to the storyline. | |||
While "Manifest" primarily focuses on personal and relational stories, it intertwines these underlying apocalyptic themes to heighten tension, drive the plot, and explore existential questions. The series combines elements of mystery, spirituality, and human drama to create a unique blend of storytelling with apocalyptic undertones. | |||
Furthermore, Cal and Angelina can be considered as the protagonist and the antagonist in the storyline, representing the battle between good and evil respectively. In the book of Revelation, the "Hill of Megiddo" or "Armaggedon" is the place where the final battle between good and evil will take place: | |||
{{bible quote|ref=Apocalypse 16:16|inline=false}} | |||
Cal and Angelina can somewhat be related to the biblical themes of the Christ and the anti-christ: the character of Angelina is somewhat inspired by that of the "false prophets" of which Jesus warns his disciples, especially in the [[wikipedia:Olivet Discourse|Olivet Discourse]]. | |||
{{bible quote|ref=Matthew 7:15-20|inline=false}} | |||
{{bible quote|ref=Mark 13:5–7,21–23|inline=false}} | |||
{{bible quote|ref=Matthew 24:4–5,11,23–26|inline=false}} | |||
In Season 4 Episode 16 "Furball", Angelina succeeds in escaping the Detention Center after having been injected with an "antidote" serum by Ben, and starts to form a small group of "followers". Confronting them about their doubts towards her for some of the grave deeds she has accomplished, she replies with a quote from the Gospel: | |||
{{bible quote|ref=John 8:7|inline=false}} | |||
==== Symbolism of the Sapphire ==== | |||
{{quote|As Manifest revealed in the third season, sapphire has a unique connection to the passengers. When the tailfin was found in the middle of the ocean after Saanvi accidentally killed the Major (Elizabeth Marvel), they brought it back to their secret Eureka lab and discovered it was covered in sapphire. The piece of Noah’s ark they later experimented on, causing potentially catastrophic damage to the Earth, was also covered in sapphire. The body of Kelly Taylor (Julienne Hanzelka Kim), the passenger murdered by her housekeeper shortly after the plane reappeared, had somehow started to show injuries consistent with the plane exploding and was also covered in sapphire. However, it isn’t until the fourth season when Saanvi begins to dig into the Major’s experiments that left multiple passengers with no brain function — who they discover are actually constantly tied to the Callings and divine consciousness now — that she finds the Major used sapphire in her experiments to bring about more Callings. | |||
The Major noted though that the type of sapphire she wanted to use was not available, so everyone began to look into what that meant. Shortly after, they discover records from throughout history mentioning omega sapphires, a more pure version of the gemstone, being tied to divine consciousness. The omega sapphire can bring them unlimited Callings to increase the amount of good they are able to do to offset the horrible actions of other passengers, like Angelina. Unfortunately, once they discover the omega sapphire hidden in the same boiler room where they hid Thomas (Sheldon Best) from the government so many years ago, Eagan steals it and bolts as the building collapses around them. And, before Eagan has a chance to use it, Angelina bashes him over the head and steals it for herself, leading us to the events of the midseason finale. | |||
With the omega sapphire, its extreme power is finally revealed through Angelina’s horrifying and cruel actions. She manages to use it to give Ben a false Calling of his late wife, who pleads with him to bring Eden to her, so Angelina can kidnap her once again. Luckily, she doesn’t succeed, but she later uses this false version of Grace against Cal to try to convince him to stop fighting his cancer. It almost succeeds, but Cal fights back and recalls that his mother never told him to stop fighting during his first cancer battle and would never do so now. | |||
This is when the dragon tattoo that Cal somehow received from another passenger begins to glow, revealing itself to be filled with omega sapphire. So, while Angelina has one, so does Cal, and breaking through Angelina’s false Calling causes the sapphire in her possession to shatter. When Angelina breaks out of the Calling, she sees a shard about to fall into one of the pools of lava she has brought forth with her nefarious actions — just as we saw from Eureka’s experiments on the piece of Noah’s ark. Angelina reaches for it as it falls into the lava, melting the shard into her hand. | |||
Before the finale fades to black, Angelina walks off with the omega sapphire in her hand (literally), as the camera pulls back to reveal fissures filled with lava all over the city. So, while Cal has an omega sapphire that he can do an incredible amount of good with, Angelina has another to spread her false Callings and trick the passengers into doing her evil bidding. With the apocalypse looming over the world, as we learn this season is the true nature of the passengers’ death date, the final episodes are going to be one vicious battle between good and evil with the omega sapphire(s) complicating everything even further.|author=Jay Snow|title=What Is the Mystical Omega Sapphire in 'Manifest' Season 4?|source=https://collider.com/manifest-season-4-omega-sapphire/}} | |||
Sapphires are widely recognized as blue gemstones, which is why they are frequently associated with the celestial realm. This bestowed upon them the moniker "the divine stone" in certain cultures. In India and parts of Southeast Asia, they are considered as one of the nine specific gems symbolizing celestial entities. In this context, yellow sapphires represent Jupiter, while blue sapphires represent Saturn. As a result, the term "sapphire" was said to signify "Beloved by Saturn" and also "azure gem". Conversely, in Judaism and Christianity, sapphires are regarded as gems embodying purity, wisdom, and chastity. | |||
Sapphire serves as the birthstone for September and is primarily acknowledged as the stone of sagacity. It is intended to epitomize intellect, education, and the capacity to make prudent and virtuous choices. Even in ancient times, sapphires were perceived in this manner, as Ancient Greeks would wear this stone to attain wisdom. It was occasionally employed in medicinal practices in Ancient Persia, believed to fortify the heart, muscles, and bestow courage. However, others asserted its effectiveness as an antidote for poison, instantly lethal to snakes. During this era, sapphires were utilized for diverse purposes, with the most significant being protection against sorcery and the dispelling of malevolent spirits. It was thought to establish a connection with the universe, safeguarding against negative influences while welcoming benevolent spirits and celestial beings. | |||
Sapphires are mentioned several times in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament, and the mention of sapphires highlights their association with beauty, value, and the splendor of God's creation.. Here are a few references to sapphires: | |||
# {{Bible quote|ref=Exodus 24:10}}: In this passage, during the time of Moses, the Israelites have a divine encounter on Mount Sinai. It describes how they saw God, and under His feet was a pavement of sapphire stone, as clear as the sky itself. | |||
# {{Bible quote|ref=Job 28:6}}: In the book of Job, sapphires are mentioned in the context of mining and the search for precious gems. It describes how humans search for hidden treasures, including sapphires, by digging deep into the earth. | |||
# {{Bible quote|ref=Ezekiel 28:13}}: This verse speaks metaphorically about the king of Tyre, comparing him to a guardian cherub who was in the Garden of Eden. It mentions that the king was adorned with various precious stones, including sapphires, highlighting their beauty and value. | |||
== Plagues and Witnesses == | |||
In Season 4 Episode 13 "Ghost Plane", there is a direct reference to the Book of Revelation chapter 11 regarding the "Two Witnesses": | |||
{{Bible quote|ref=Rev 11:3-14|inline=false}} | |||
Cal has a vision of two olive trees on Flight 828, one in the cockpit where Captain Daly was sitting, and one at seat 23B of a passenger whose name is Fiona. Both Captain Daly and Fiona have returned once again, and are identified by Olive as the "Two Witnesses" of Revelation chapter 11 which also calls them the "two olive trees". Since in the book of Revelation, the two witnesses die before the end times, Angelina believes that she’s the chosen one to bring this about and kill the two witnesses to end the world. In fact, Angelina manipulates Eden by projecting herself as Olive and getting Eden to remove the splinter that allows Fiona to continue breathing, resulting in Fiona's death: Angelina then crosses out one of the two witnesses from the Bible she is holding. At the end of Season 4 Episode 14, Angelina succeeds in procuring Captain Daly's death by projecting herself as his son and tantalizing him, getting him to leave the room in which he is confined and getting him shot by the nearby guards. | |||
Captain Daly is associated with a number of plague outbreaks that are similar to the plagues of Egypt as told in the Exodus account. This is a reference to Revelation 11:6 as quoted above. | |||
In Season 4 Episode 12 "Bug Out", Captain Bill Daly (Frank Deal) had opened his mouth to release a swarm of Rocky Mountain Locusts, which had been extinct since 1902. This is on one hand somewhat of a reference to Stephen King's 1996 novel [[wiki:The Green Mile (novel)|The Green Mile]], in which John Coffey opens his mouth to release a swarm of flies every time he accomplishes a healing. But mainly it is a reference to the eighth plague of Egypt: | |||
{{Bible quote|ref=Ex 10:1–20|inline=false}} | |||
In fact, in Season 4 Episode 13 "Ghost Plane" an outbreak of boils seems to also originate from Captain Daly, a reference to the sixth plague of Egypt: | |||
{{Bible quote|ref= Ex 9:8-12|inline=false}} | |||
In Season 4 Episode 14 "Fata Morgana", the liquid in Captain Daly's intravenous bag turns to blood, and soon after all liquids in the Detention Center turn to blood, a reference to the first plague of Egypt: | |||
{{Bible quote|ref=Ex 7:14–24|inline=false}} | |||
At the end of Season 4 Episode 14 and the start of Season 4 Episode 15 "Throttle", the blood from Captain Daly's gunshot wounds drips into a sewer and flows out into the nearby river, which turns to blood. | |||
== See also == | == See also == | ||