M. Night Shyamalan’s Servant has become one of Apple TV+’s most talked about programs right from its debut, with every new episode adding another layer to the show’s engrossing mysteries.
When Servant first hit Apple TV+’s streaming service, it was the series’ discomforting baby Jericho that seemed to be the main marketing centerpiece and mystery for the series. The circumstances behind the Turner family’s baby and how exactly this doll has come to life are still very much in play, but Servant has engaged in an even more curious mystery surrounding Leanne, the nanny that the Turner family have taken into their home.
Shyamalan’s Servant has been a hard nut to crack. It definitely looks like something supernatural is afoot here, but at the same time, many of the weird events in the series could have a plausible explanation behind it, which makes Servant’s horror come much more from its tone and atmosphere than direct scares. Leanne’s unusual behavior makes her a predictable character and there have been many wild theories surrounding her, like the idea that she’s some kind of bodysnatcher or come back from the dead. Servant’s most recent episode, “Rain,” introduces Leanne’s uncle George (Boris McGiver), and with him, some major details that could provide serious insight towards just what’s going on with Leanne.
Leanne Is A Religious Healer Who Was Used By Her Family
Uncle George tells Dorothy that he thinks that others are more in need of her help, which seems to imply that he wants her to take her supernatural abilities somewhere else. His entire visit may purely be to assess the Turner family and see if they're worthy of Leanne's abilities. Uncle George's letter to Leanne also states, "I found you," which indicates she was trying to remain hidden. Maybe George wanted to use Leanne's healing abilities for himself or for select individuals, but Leanne ran away to gain her independence. The old beauty pageant video that Leanne watches of herself with Dorothy establishes a minor previous connection. Maybe Leanne has always admired Dorothy and when she learns that she’s suffered a tragedy, she became determined to help her and fix her life, even if Leanne’s uncle and aunt had other plans in mind. George naturally disapproves because the Turners aren’t religious: they’re just regular, flawed people. He doesn’t think they deserve her talents.
This theory turns Leanne into the titular “servant” that the show’s title speaks of. “Rain” is a major episode in Servant because it sees Leanne choose the Turners over her own family, but this hardly feels like the end of Uncle George. George doesn’t take her rejection well and he teases that Leanne’s Aunt won’t be so easy to turn down. The full truth behind Uncle George, his peculiar eccentricities, and exactly what kind of hold he has over Leanne may come to light as Servant’s first season continues on Apple TV+.