The final episode of Manifest delivers a definitive, albeit polarizing, answer to the central mystery: the passengers of Flight 828 were resurrected after their collective death and were on a trial by God (or a higher power) to prove their worthiness of a second chance at life. Only those who lived lives dedicated to acts of selfless good and followed the Callings ultimately survived the Judgment Day volcanic event and were transported back to 2013, before Flight 828 ever took off, allowing them to choose different paths. The others, consumed by their selfish deeds, were dusted.
The Truth Behind the Callings
The series finale, a two-part conclusion entitled “Come Fly Away” and “Original Sin,” culminates in a tense showdown with Angelina Meyer, now wielding the destructive Omega Sapphire, and a desperate race against time as the Death Date looms. But beyond the immediate threat, the episode’s core revolves around the nature of the Callings and their ultimate purpose.
The passengers discover that the Callings aren’t simply messages or hints; they are tests. They are opportunities to choose between self-service and selflessness. The divine consciousness observing them, as implied by the driftwood inscription of the ancient Egyptian deity Ma’at (a symbol of balance and justice), seeks to restore balance to the world through the passengers’ actions. Those who prioritize the Callings and dedicate themselves to helping others demonstrate their worthiness.
Angelina, consumed by her desire for power and control, fails this test spectacularly. Her actions lead to widespread destruction and ultimately her own demise, proving that selfishness and a disregard for others’ well-being disqualify one from a second chance.
The Volcanic Judgment: Survival and “Dusting”
The volcanic event, predicted throughout the series, serves as the Judgment Day. As the volcano erupts, the passengers of Flight 828, now linked to each other through the shared consciousness of the divine, are put to the ultimate test.
Passengers on board the restored 828 at the time of the eruption are judged. Those who consistently demonstrated altruism, empathy, and a commitment to following the Callings, such as the Stone family (Ben, Michaela, and Olive), Saanvi, and Eagan (who had a significant redemptive arc), are spared. They are transported back to May 7, 2013, the day before Flight 828 originally took off. This allows them to rewrite their destinies and make different choices, armed with the knowledge of what awaits them.
Conversely, those who repeatedly succumbed to their darker impulses and prioritized personal gain over helping others, like Angelina and a handful of other passengers, are tragically “dusted” – vaporized into nothingness. This serves as a stark reminder that actions have consequences, and moral choices matter.
A Second Chance: Rewriting Destiny
The return to 2013 offers a profound second chance. The Stone family, particularly Ben and Grace, have the opportunity to raise Eden without the trauma of the missing years. Michaela can potentially choose Jared instead of Zeke, although the episode hints at a destined connection with Jared’s co-worker, Eagan. Saanvi can repair her relationship with Alex and focus on her scientific endeavors without the weight of the Callings.
This ending presents a complex philosophical question: Does free will truly exist if their lives are being subtly influenced, albeit indirectly, by the knowledge gained during their five-and-a-half-year absence? The finale suggests that the passengers retain the ability to choose their own paths, but with a heightened awareness of the consequences of their actions. They carry the lessons learned, and hopefully, apply them to create better futures for themselves and the world around them.
The ending isn’t universally loved. Some viewers found the “divine intervention” aspect too simplistic or a cop-out, preferring a more scientific explanation for the mysteries. However, the show’s creators have consistently emphasized the importance of faith and belief in something bigger than oneself, making the divine judgment a fitting, albeit controversial, conclusion to the Manifest saga.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Manifest Finale
H3 Was Angelina truly the villain of the story?
While Angelina certainly committed heinous acts, including the murder of Grace Stone, her path to villainy was paved with trauma and manipulation. She was deeply vulnerable and easily swayed by her belief in the Omega Sapphire and its supposed power. While her actions were undeniably evil, understanding her background provides context, though it doesn’t excuse her choices. The finale reinforces that she ultimately chose to embrace darkness, solidifying her role as the antagonist.
H3 What happened to Zeke?
Zeke’s sacrifice in season three, where he used his empathic abilities to absorb Cal’s cancer, remains canon even with the time jump. However, in the new timeline, Zeke and Michaela have never met. The show implies that they will find each other again, possibly through Jared’s police work. The writers have suggested that their connection is destined, regardless of the timeline.
H3 Why were some passengers spared and others dusted?
The survival or “dusting” was determined by the overall moral trajectory of each passenger. Those who consistently prioritized helping others and followed the Callings, demonstrating selfless acts and empathy, were deemed worthy of a second chance. Those who embraced selfishness, violence, and disregard for human life were not. It was a judgment of character, not of perfection.
H3 Does the ending negate everything that happened during the show?
No, the ending doesn’t negate the events of the show. The experiences, relationships, and sacrifices made during the five-and-a-half-year absence profoundly shaped the passengers. The return to 2013 gives them the opportunity to apply the lessons they learned and create better futures, making their journey ultimately meaningful.
H3 What was the significance of the driftwood inscription of Ma’at?
The driftwood inscription of Ma’at, the ancient Egyptian goddess of truth, justice, and cosmic order, signifies that the passengers were being judged according to principles of balance and righteousness. Ma’at’s feather was used in the afterlife to weigh the hearts of the deceased. If the heart was lighter than the feather, the soul was deemed worthy; if heavier, the soul was destroyed. This parallels the passengers’ trial and the eventual judgment of their worthiness.
H3 What will happen to Eden in the new timeline?
In the reset timeline, Eden will be raised by Ben and Grace without the trauma of the disappearance. While she won’t possess the same intuitive connection to the Callings, she will grow up in a loving and stable environment, free from the dangers and uncertainties that defined her earlier years. This allows her a normal and happy childhood.
H3 What does the ending say about free will vs. destiny?
The ending presents a complex interplay between free will and destiny. While the passengers were given a second chance, armed with the knowledge of the future, they still have the agency to choose their own paths. The show suggests that certain connections, like that between Michaela and Zeke, are destined, but the choices they make along the way ultimately determine their fate.
H3 Will there be a Manifest sequel or spin-off?
As of now, there are no concrete plans for a Manifest sequel or spin-off. However, the show’s dedicated fanbase and the open-ended nature of the conclusion leave the door open for future stories within the Manifest universe. The possibility remains, but nothing is currently in development.
H3 Why did Cal age up and then de-age?
Cal’s aging and de-aging was directly tied to his connection to the Sapphire and his role as the “Dragon” – a mythical figure responsible for protecting the divine consciousness. When Cal touched the tailfin of Flight 828, he connected with the divine energy, causing him to age. When he merged with the Callings and the Sapphire’s energy was redirected, he returned to his original age, signifying the restoration of balance.
H3 What was the point of the Major’s storyline?
The Major’s storyline, while seemingly disconnected at times, served to illustrate the potential dangers of trying to control or weaponize the Callings. Her attempts to understand and exploit the passengers’ abilities ultimately led to disastrous consequences, highlighting the importance of respecting the divine and the inherent unpredictability of the Callings.
H3 How does the finale address the loose ends from previous seasons?
The finale attempts to tie up many of the loose ends from previous seasons, though some remain ambiguous. The return to 2013 allows for the resolution of certain storylines, such as Ben and Grace’s relationship and Saanvi’s chance to be with Alex. However, the focus primarily lies on the core mystery of the Callings and the ultimate judgment, leaving some secondary storylines unresolved. The ending prioritizes the thematic message over meticulously addressing every plot thread.
H3 What is the ultimate message of Manifest?
The ultimate message of Manifest is one of hope, redemption, and the power of human connection. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, selflessness, and the belief in something greater than oneself. The finale suggests that even when faced with extraordinary circumstances, individuals have the capacity to choose good over evil and create a better world for themselves and others. The series argues that our choices matter, and that a life dedicated to helping others is a life well-lived. The second chance offered to the surviving passengers underscores the possibility of redemption and the transformative power of learning from our mistakes.