The Jaw-Dropping Season 1 Deception that Manifest Skillfully Concealed for Years

Summary

The truth behind the disappearance of Flight 828 is unveiled in the concluding season of Manifest, where it is revealed that God orchestrated the vanishing of the plane. Additionally, the characters face judgment for their actions throughout the course of the past five years.

The initial season intentionally disregards the concept of divine intervention, steering viewers away from the truth and emphasizing alternative explanations such as time travel. However, Manifest strategically introduces significant revelations by incorporating Biblical allusions, moral elements, and symbolic visuals throughout the show. The religious revelation is subtly hinted at alongside the exploration of other potential explanations.

Manifest's final season provided answers to its biggest mysteries, including the truth behind Flight 828's disappearance. The series successfully concealed this truth for years, all thanks to a lie told in season 1. At the core of Manifest is the story of Flight 828, where its passengers reappeared after vanishing for five years. Their return is accompanied by mysterious visions, referred to as "callings," which reveal a connection to a specific date five years into the future – their presumed "Death Date." The passengers believe that failing to prevent this event will lead to the destruction of humanity.

Throughout its four seasons, Manifest has raised multiple questions, notably revolving around why the plane disappeared initially. In the series finale, it is revealed that God was responsible for the disappearance of Flight 828, seemingly choosing the plane and its passengers randomly. The Death Date, as it turns out, is actually the day when the characters board Flight 828 again, where they face judgment for their actions during the past five years. This conclusion carries strong religious implications, contradicting the earlier insistence in season 1 that the central mystery was not tied to divine intervention.

Manifest Season 1 Dismissed The Divine Intervention Theory

The conclusion of God making the plane disappear in Manifest is somewhat predictable. However, in season 1, the series dismisses the theory of Divine Intervention, steering viewers away from this possibility. During the Church of the Returned arc in Manifest season 1, a religious explanation for the disappearance of Flight 828 is portrayed as ridiculous. Ben Stone disregards the idea completely after Adrian starts a church dedicated to the passengers. Adrian is depicted as a misled fanatic, leading viewers to believe that a greater power is not involved in the disappearance of Flight 828.

It is possible that this intentional lie in Manifest season 1 was meant to divert viewers from focusing too much on the show's major revelation. Manifest seasons 1 and 2 offer other explanations that make the disappearance of Flight 828 more plausible. In fact, Manifest season 2 hints at the possibility of time travel, which further discourages pursuit of the Divine Intervention theory embraced by characters like Adrian and Angelina.

How Season 2's Al-Zuras Hint Helped Manifest Hide Its Divine Consciousness Reveal

Manifest drops numerous enigmatic hints regarding the passengers' destinies, but season 2 cleverly conceals the show's divine endgame through its references to the Egyptian explorer Al-Zuras. Similar to the passengers of Flight 828, Al-Zuras and his crew embark on a voyage, vanishing without a trace and reappearing a decade later with no memory of what occurred. Taking place in the 16th century, any opportunity for the Stone family to inquire about Al-Zuras' experiences is lost. Nonetheless, it is plausible that Al-Zuras had knowledge of Manifest season 4's significant twist, as he likely underwent a comparable divine judgment.

Yet, without the insights of the explorer and his fellow sailors, both the characters and viewers are led to believe that Manifest is building toward a revelation involving time travel. The show extensively explores the concept of time, not only concerning the passengers but also in relation to other disappearances like Al-Zuras' and Zeke's. Furthermore, Cal's (Ty Doran) sudden change in age at the conclusion of Manifest season 3 further fuels the speculation of time manipulation. These elements effectively divert the audience's attention away from the genuine explanation for all the unfolding events in Manifest.

Despite Its Misdirects, Manifest Still Properly Set Up Its Biggest Answers

Manifest's early seasons may lead viewers astray, but its biggest revelation is not without justification. The Divine Intervention theory arises for valid reasons, as the show consistently incorporates Biblical references and the callings themselves often touch on morality. The presence of a peacock, a symbol of Jesus' resurrection in Christian mythology, is frequently alluded to as the characters strive to unravel the enigma of Flight 828. Additionally, Michaela's phrase, "All good things," traces its origins back to the Bible.

Without a doubt, Manifest effectively paves the way for its religious twist while also presenting alternative possibilities. Despite the controversial finale, the show diligently handles its primary mystery. Although it may not address every question raised throughout the series, it provides enough clues to resolve the most significant one, and enough misleading clues to ensure a satisfyingly surprising conclusion.