ABC’s is sticking with the magic and
supernatural that worked for Once Upon a Time last year in its new
drama, 666 PARK AVENUE. Set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the
series follows the residents of the Drake, a building that sits at 999
Park Avenue (the opening reveals the 999 on the wall casting a 666
shadow). It is a mysterious, old thirteen-story tower full of secrets
and a dark power. It can make your dreams come true, if you’re only
willing to give up everything.
As the “Pilot” begins, young, fresh,
bright-eyed couple Henry Martin (Dave Annable, Brothers & Sisters)
and Jane Van Veen (Rachael Taylor, Grey’s Anatomy) arrive in New York
City, and soon land the job of building manager for the Drake. They are
given this opportunity by the owner, Gavin Doran (Terry O’Quinn, Lost),
who sees some potential in them. And also something he wants.
The rest of the hour is a seductive
dance. Gavin and his wife, Olivia (Vanessa Williams, Desperate
Housewives) shower Henry and Jane with gifts and invitations to
status-making events, showing them a world they could live in, if only
they were a little richer. It’s assumedly all part of a game, as Gavin
is determined to take their souls. Will these Midwestern folks be able
to resist the allure of what Gavin is offering?
This is an age-old tale, but just
because the premise is a bit dusty, doesn’t mean that the execution
isn’t fresh. Indeed, by casting four recognizable and very talented
faces to play this out, 666 PARK AVENUE succeeds in making something
creepy and intriguing, sensual enough to draw viewers in, helped along
by the tone and beautiful setting. Yes, it will cost Henry and Jane
dearly if they engage with Gavin, which they surely will continue to do,
but mightn’t it be worth it?
No, it’s not. As we see in the opening,
Gavin is most definitely bad, and normal people wouldn’t stand a chance
against him. It’s unclear whether his power stems from himself or the
building, which he bought decades ago, as the dragon symbol in the
basement and cult-ish history reveal that these arrangements existed
well before Gavin’s time. Unless he’s really, really old.
666 PARK AVENUE balances the fine line
between giving away too much too soon, and stating the series’ purpose.
There is plenty for viewers to wonder about after watching the first
hour, but one may also feel like they know the general rules of the
place. The overall package is delivered with the right level of danger,
and just a handful of glimpses, some a little lingering, at the hidden
majesty of the building. Is Gavin the devil? Does he work for him? Or is
the Drake a seat of evil that whoever sits in it will have to obey?
While the four mentioned above are the
leads of the piece, there are quite a few other people hanging around
the address, and they will likely come into play more as the show goes
on. Tony (Erik Palladino, ER) is the doorman who wishes he could be
building manager, but claims to not hold a grudge against Jane and Henry
for getting the job. Nona (Samantha Logan) likes to swipe small
valuables, and seems to know more of what’s going on that she pretends
to.
And then there’s wannabe playwright
Brian Leonard (Robert Buckley, One Tree Hill), who loves his demanding
wife, Louise (Mercedes Masohn, The Finder), but is tempted by the pretty
young blonde across the street, Alexis Blume (Helena Mattsson,
Nikita). This is clearly going to be an example story for the audience,
showing exactly what will happen to Henry and Jane if they give in to
Gavin and the Drake. Brian is tempted by both professional success,
which remains elusive, and a possible affair, especially after Alexis
becomes Louise’s assistant, teasing Brian constantly. How much Gavin has
set this up isn’t revealed, but it’s likely that Alexis showing up
isn’t a coincidence. Brian seems exactly the type who will take the
short cut and instant pleasure, and so he will make a good cautionary
tale.
There are two others already in Gavin’s
snare in the “Pilot,” and both of their stories play out and end
tragically before the end of the episode. This hints at a possible
procedural element, with new characters each week. But enough of the
installment is given over to the main characters to make me think that
it will be mainly serial, following a couple of stories over the course
of a season or seasons. The latter is preferable, and ripe for this kind
of good vs. evil tale.
The premise is strong, and the “Pilot”
engaging. Viewers should not be disappointed if they choose to visit 666
PARK AVENUE, premiering September 30th.
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