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“Impossible” is taken off the table in Manifest when an aircraft bound for New York inexplicably disappears before re-emerging five-and-a-half years later, giving the 191 souls onboard a second chance at life.
The story focusses on brother-sister duo Detective Michaela Stone and Professor Ben Stone, along with his wife and twin children. They, upon return, soon realise their lives have been transformed in mysterious ways.
The popular Bible verse “All things work together for good” (Romans 8:28) is a reoccurring theme in NBC’s supernatural drama television series, created by Jeff Rake. While awaiting their boarding call in Jamaica, Michaela responds: “I don’t believe that anymore, Mum; how can I?” when discussing a recent marriage proposal from boyfriend Jared.
After being presumed dead, each passenger attempts to resume normality. For the most part, families welcome back their lost loved ones with open arms while many had to find their way back into a society where former partners have moved on and workplaces replaced them with new employees.
Now “back from the dead”, the returned passengers and crew have developed supernatural senses – dubbed “callings” – some hear voices in their head, some experience urges towards certain objects or locations, and others can prophesise the future.
What is the meaning of these newly possessed “superpowers”? Why did the Montego Air Flight 828 re-emerge after many years?
While sceptical of her Christian mother’s allegiance to Romans 8:28, Michaela’s unbelievable tale convinces the Stone family to believe they were all brought back at the hands of a higher being or a greater power.
The returned passengers face moral and ethical dilemmas on their respective journeys as some follow the callings to do good to benefit others. In contrast, some returnees choose to use these abilities for selfish motives, to which they receive their just rewards.
As the callings continue, it becomes apparent that this higher power in control of the callings wants the 191 souls to have a second chance at life to make right their past wrongs.
Reconciliation is a strong theme throughout the series that reminds us that everything in life is connected, and all things come together for the good for the glory of the Lord. Do not wait for death and an unlikely resurrection to be Christ-like; the moral of the story is to do right in life now.
While the storyline is oftentimes farfetched, Manifest makes for intense viewing as a compelling mystery drama.
All three seasons of Manifest are available to stream on 9Now. Rated M for mature audiences, recommended for people aged 15 years and older.