‘Manifest’ Cast on That Major Death & Cal Shocker in the Season 3 Finale (VIDEO)
[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the Manifest Season 3 finale “Mayday Part 2.”]
Manifest delivers one shock after another for the Stone family in the final moments of the two-part Season 3 finale. First, 828er Angelina (Holly Taylor) stabs Grace (Athena Karkanis) and kidnaps baby Eden. Then Cal (Jack Messina) returns after disappearing, only now he’s the same age he would’ve been (and played by Ty Doran) if he hadn’t been one of those on that flight who had been gone for five and a half years.
After that, TV Insider had to get answers and turned to creator Jeff Rake, Josh Dallas (who plays Ben Stone), and Karkanis. Watch the video above as they discuss that death, what’s next, and why Cal aged, then read on for more scoop if the series is renewed for a fourth season.
If you were shocked by what happened to Grace, you weren’t the only ones. The rest of the cast was as well, and that’s due to Karkanis. “When Athena and I talked about it, we said to each other, ‘Should we tell the other actors?'” Rake recalls. He left it up to Karkanis, who said, “No, absolutely. We have to keep it to ourselves and let them be shocked when they turn the page.”
Ben still has to find out about Grace’s death; at the end of the finale, he only suspects something has happened due to a Calling. It’s “the most fundamental, life-altering, devastating thing that could happen to [Ben],” the creator says. “A Season 4 of Manifest for Ben is absolutely centered around processing, digesting, coming to emotional terms with such an unspeakable loss, and then trying to find a way to seek vengeance, to kind of justify the act in terms of finding some meaning out of it.
“Why did this happen? Why would the Callings allow something so terrible and devastating to happen? And of course, it’s tied into so much other complicated stuff. The baby was taken. Cal came back all growing up. … So you can imagine Ben in Season 4 seeking vengeance for his wife, seeking meaning for the inexplicable, and it becomes the absolute driving force for his character not only in Season 4 but in the back half of the series.”
Peter Kramer/Warner Brothers/NBC
Speaking of the inexplicable, there’s the matter of where Cal was after he disappeared near the end of Season 3 before returning, having aged. “It’s for Ben and the others to figure out where he’s been, why he was there, what happened there,” Rake says. The sacrifice he made in giving up those years is one “he’s made for everyone in the world,” not just his family and the other passengers.
But one person who didn’t really need an explanation was his mother. If you thought Grace didn’t look as shocked as she should have been by the new Cal, that was by design. “A mother knows her child,” Karkanis says. “Also it would have been wrong to play that moment as, ‘Oh my God, Cal, look at you, you’re so tall now!'”
“I don’t know that I’ve ever worked with a more intuitive actor. Athena just knows where the heart and soul of a scene lies,” Rake adds, pointing to her performance in that scene, the last one they shot for the season, and remembering looking at the director and saying, “What Athena is giving us right now is exactly what this moment wants to be.”
Peter Kramer/NBC
That was also true of the family’s reunion in the pilot when Ben and Cal returned after 828 disappeared for five and a half years. “That moment was so important because it made the audience realize that we can love these characters through her because of her love running towards us and her emotions that were coming out towards those characters,” Dallas says. “It made the audience just lock in and realize the significance of them being in a way and how important those characters were to her character.”
Rake agrees, adding, “Athena basically broke her arm and still managed to give that unbelievably powerful performance. She, in that moment, and in so many moments, perfectly captured the power and the pain of every mother, every wife, every woman, and her ability to channel that emotional state again and again and again is why the audience is so deeply in love with Grace as a character and with Athena as an actress. And it’s why I’m sure people are tearing their hair out all over the world right now having seen what happened to Grace in that Season 3 finale. And for that, I’m sorry, folks.”
What the creator wants to make sure fans know is that they “did not make this decision [to kill off Grace] lightly,” he says. “There’s nothing flip about this. There’s nothing manipulative about this. There’s nothing spiteful about this. This was part of our story, and her significance in Manifest remains as strong as ever. Her character lives on through Cal, through Olive, through baby Eden, and of course through Ben as he tries to carry on without her.” And yes, the door is open to possibly see her again.
“There could be a spooky haunting!” Karkanis suggests.
Conversation67 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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I hope there is a season 4. Maybe Grace is not dead and she can be saved. Angelina has to be tracked down and baby Eden returned to her family. This show is too good to end now.
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There HAS to be a Season 4!!
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People are asking why Cal was helping Angelina, why didn't he see... My initial reaction to the ending here was that he knew this was going to happen. I may be totally off, but with the way he was acting the last few episodes and especially that calling and "this is the way it has to be", maybe Grace's death is one of those things that has to happen for the 'lifeboat' to survive and Cal somehow knew that? I just feel there's more going on there, Cal realized something.
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Please do NOT cancel Manifest. There are so many people who are in love with the show. Please. Am heartsick about Grace💔
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Agreed. Cannot believe they are ending the show
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Hope the new Cal can do justice to the character... that kid was really good
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Why didn’t Cal realize Angelina was dangerous. He kept defending her and she killed his mother! He should have had a calling.
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Maybe Cal really did realize Angelina was dangerous, but knew he had to let her kill Grace in order to save everyone else.
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My thoughts have been that this was to show his childhood innocence and remind us that he did still need his parents' protection and that they weren't wrong to still not want to let him venture off on his own yet. I think that was also necessary in order to show just how dangerous Angelina is that she would play off of a child's trust and use that to manipulate him into being even more loyal to her. And then lastly, the worst is that it was ultimately only through that connection that it had become possible for her to ever get back in. I hated that he told her about the key from the moment he said it but maybe there truly is some good reason they will give to compensate for the torture they have inflicted upon us.
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So much happened in the finale . I cried! I love Athenas character ! I will miss seeing her ! I am so excited for season 4 ! I hope it gets renewed
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I think I want to see more and hope there is a 4th season. So much to unravel
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It was shocking, but Cal likely said goodbye to his mother because he knew what was going to happen.
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Please bring the show back for season 4! It wouldn’t be fair to leave everyone hanging, especially the way season 3 ended so dramatically. Season 3 was so short to begin with. Bring the show and Grace back! We all want that!
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I am so sick to my stomach. I never in a million years would think they would kill off Grace. We are all devastated. Omg. Wait until Ben finds out. The best show on TV. They have to find that nutjob who killed our Grace & kidnapped her baby. The world must be hysterical over this. I thought Vance would die, never, sweet, Mom. Grace RIP
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I didn't realize how big a part of the show she really was, the family will be devastated! I don't think i care to watch if there is a season 4!
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:O season 4 NOW. SOON?
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To everyone saying that you're not gonna watch, you're as delusional as Angelina. No one's gonna force you to watch, but don't call yourself fans of this show if you're not gonna watch it because a character died. That's how shows work. In the video, Athena literally said she's happy to sacrifice her role for the story. I'm shocked too, but jumping ship (or should I say lifeboat) now is crazy imho.
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She's the rock of the family, they'll be devestated without her! Not sure i want to watch that!
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I want more and more seasons of Manifest
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If you really saw the last episode carefully, actually angelina didn’t killed grace, it was Adrian guys!!! He was filled with blood and guilt. They were focusing angelina bathing the baby, she didn’t have any blood in her, so meanwhile she was there, adrian killed her. It was very shocking for me, seeing grace dead why??!!! But I guess as other say, it had to happen and cal knows that. Can’t wait for season 4
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I am waiting for Season 4. Please release it as early as possible
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We need season 4! Please NBC!
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I’m so beyond upset and I can’t stop balling my eyes out. I’d ask the same question why did Cal protect her that whole time. I guess the writers have a different direction for these characters we have yet to understand. I just don’t understand why it had to be done this way.
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Save Manifest
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Please renew this show!!!! Too much left unsaid here. Season 4! Season 4!!
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The producers simply can't leave the story "hanging" in mid-air like this and disappoint the audience in such a terrible manner. PLEASE have a new season and complete the story. It's a terrific show, a great plot, and has terrific actors doing a wonderful job. Why would any one want to cancel it?
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I'm so sad I wanted Grace to live my heart is broken 💔 😞 it won't be the same without her ...
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Ya'll cannot cancel this show I've been in love since the beginning and I gotta know what happens next. I love all the characters!!
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So proud of all my fellow Canadians on this wonderful show..
I love this show, please renew season 4.. we need answers….
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Are you kidding me. Killing of Grace Get that crazy bible bitch, who kidnapped Graces baby and burn her while she's still alive. My family watched this episode and are literally I'll from this. When is the next season.
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I'm stunned. Why Athena? She's my favorite. I'm not sure how I feel about tuning in next season.
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Ok hold up. She's great, but saying that you're not gonna watch this amazing show because one actress/character isn't in it anymore is taking it pretty far. If you're just an Athena fan, then I guess it makes sense, but if you're a fan of Manifest, idk how you could possibly say that if it's renewed (which I pray to the TV gods it is), you won't watch.
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Right. Makes no sense as a manifest fan. If just an Athena fan, there's other things they can watch. Though I will say, at least this person only threatened to not watch. A comment right above this one is talking about a class action lawsuit because they didn't find out what happened to 828 in season 3 like NBC advertised we would. Lmao 🤣🤣🤣
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I’m shocked right now. It’s a lot to take in. But the show has some explaining to do. So many loose ends that fans would not be happy ending like this. Grace being killed rocked the boat but I could see it but cal and the plain and him disappearing needs to be explained as well and most important to me. Captain dayli. What the…. My face was just confused. He came back out of no where. I really want to know the story plot here and what the director for this show is thinking. How will having the captain back help. It could be a lot of potential but I’m just mostly in a spiral confused right now lol. It’s a good shoss was it just needs explaining.
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#savemanifest
We need more!! Don’t sink the lifeboat!!
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Just SHOCKED
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I literally just cried at this last episode I am heartbroken but I know there has to be an edgy twist because cal said I’ll see you soon mom.
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i absolutly hate angelina she is my least favroite carecter also the show seems to be getting more and more reliuos (sorry for the bad spelling)
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In case you hadn't noticed it has been based on religion from the very first episode. Flight 828... Romans 8:28 (called according to His purpose).... it has always been based on religion.
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Noooo, I want grace back! That’s it 😭😭😭😭
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I absolutely love this show. I want to see jared and mekala back together. Cal at his normal age and baby Eden home. I hope grace survives but its unlikely by the looks of it. I think zik will end up with Sarah if Jared gets bak with Makala. Oh i want it back again and soon...
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This was a bad move, what happened to waiting beyond the death date to finally live our life? So That was all BS? What about Cal's guilt? He insisted that the calling needed that crazy girl in the house, to what? kill his mother? so every rebel 828ers are right? the callings are evil?. It is just that so far it has been deciphered by the good guys, leading to positive outcome?. This was shit move. I hope they find a way to bring back Grace. This Is Just WRONG WRITING. I Hope They FIX It. And the reasoning - Cal KNEW his mom's gonna die AND he let it happen coz the calling wanted it? I mean has no one been watching Ben Stone & Cal Stone? They are NOT the kind who will LET something so awful to just happen. Ask yourself would you? Are you that blind or just an evil psychopath? Do you think that is what Cal is? No, hence that is why he said "It is NOT OVER YET".
REALLY DISSAPOINTED.
And why the writers are so desperate to put Saanvi and Ben together, I thought we were over this nonsense?
Mikaela and Zeke are good for each other.
Put Jared & Saanvi together or Zeke or Saanvi. Coz Jared & Mikaela have a history nd all. I Mean at least in the other scenario it might be a better pair, Saanvi has problem expressing herself & bottling up but to Zeke she will not have to express herself as he is an empath pro max now
I REALLY HOPE THEY FIX IT. OR The fact is that Even if this show manages to get a 4th season (which it should) it will not get a 5th.
CALL IT AN "AUDIENCE'S CALLING".
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Apparently it is all for the greater good this is not a fly by season by season writing apparently this was planned out from the beginning it flows I think we're all going to be shocked and devastated when it does come to an end. With peace or sorrow this has been one fantastic series
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Unbelievable, disappointed and !!!!!
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Little Cal's character was heart wrenching. I've never had so much emotion from one character have this affect on me. His performance was unforgettable!! I love that little boy and hope he will continue in Season 4.
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Ty Doran as the older Cal did such a beautiful acting job. It was heartbreaking to see him lose his mother..(maybe?) and made me cry.
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Do not kill off Grace. Big mistake. They should be a family
What about second chances?
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I hope Grace comes back and haunts, Angelina's life through her callings and that Eden is found and brought home safely. As for Angelina, I don't care how much torment she went through before they found her, what she did would hurt the one person she felt she could connect with and that is Cal, so why would she do this when she knows how much it would affect him. Either that or have Grace come back like the others and Angelina dies a well-deserved death or is somehow reformed through Cal.
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I am a hoped too, which has me really considering if I should invest my time watching "La Brea". Do I make the commitment or binge watch after its success a few years later?
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I am excited that season 4 will air on Netflix. I was shocked when Grace was killed at the end of season 3 however if Zeke came back Grace can too. And if I'm being honest I was very ok with Zeke leaving.
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shows been cancelled, no season 4. Netflix didnt even want it, looks like its done which is sad seeing how it ended the way it did. awful ending to a great show.
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We need a season 4 CANT leave us hanging like this.
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Shocking!! Cannot believe it was canceled
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PLEASE have a Season 4!!
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please please PLEASE find a way to have Manifest continue!
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I just read that they cancelled the show, I sure hope not they cancelled mom my favorite comedy and now manifest. they keep renewing mindless shows like singing and dancing
unbelievable !!!
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Please bring Season 4 soon.I have to know.What why happen.I have invested 3 whole days in watching this show.
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Please don’t kill Grace off. She is the anchor in her family.
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I am so mad Grace dies.. I don’t want to watch it anymore!
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Grace is what grounded the family. Now it’s just a bunch of unground fanitical folks running around. Not sure I want to watch anymore. I get enough anxiety in real life. I don’t need 60 minutes of constant anxiety by these characters. It’s just too much.
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I have to agree, i don't really want to watch them grieving her, too sad!
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What the heck!! So unnecessary a ending!! May not watch the next season. Tired of characters dying off.
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Esp Grace, she was the rock of the family! They will be devastated without her!
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Like most fans, I got invested in Manifest intrigued by it's central 'myth-tery' (even though it was reminiscent of The 4400, and owed a debt to Lost).
But I lost that emotional involvement when the show just heaped questions on top of bizarre events on top of just plain weirdness...without explaining or revealing anything really significant.
This season reminded me of the Third Season of Lost, which wandered all over the island, and felt like the Lost writers (pun intended) were treading water, before they pulled it together and presented a powerhouse season Finale that explained some Island Mysteries...which the Manifest season Finale did not.
What 'finale' (not a misspelling) did it for me was the appearance of those ridiculous smoke creatures...compounded by the Callings hinting at Divine Retribution or Atonement (shades of God Friended Me).
And viewers should band together in a class action lawsuit against NBC, for false advertising. Promos throughout this season repeatedly promised that we would "learn what happened to Flight 828"...and we learned NOTHING.
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Seriously... you really want to start a class action lawsuit over a TV show because you didn't understand it? LMAO. Typical freaking cry baby. Maybe you're just not cut out for tv. I've seen comments saying they wouldn't watch anymore because of grace dying, but you... lol you're actually talking about suing the network because of your lack of critical thinking skills. THAT IS WHAT YOU CALL A FRIVOLOUS LAWSUIT!!! YOU are absolutely, absurdly, beyond ridiculous. I feel sorry for your spouse if you're married. Smh lol wow. 😆 YOU are what the 🤡 was made for....
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I will never watch it again...it makes absolutely no sense
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I don't think i want to watch since Grace was killed off, too sad!
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