Sweet, sweet Revenge now on DVD

It is said that revenge is a dish best served cold. ABC's Revenge proved the opposite by delivering a steamy hot guilty pleasure drama. Beginning with a murder on a beach, much of the season flashed back and built up to the dastardly deed. With twist after twist, viewers were kept guessing as to what they really saw, and as the series eventually caught up and moved past that point, things only got juicier.

The protagonist of Revenge is Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp, Brothers & Sisters), whose real name is Amanda Clarke. She has come to the Hamptons to get even with the people who ruined her father David's (James Tupper, Grey's Anatomy) life and reputation, leading to his death behind bars.

But, despite her plan and some help, her mission isn't as easy as she might expect. The matriarch of Emily's target family, Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe, The Last of the Mohicans), who was also David's lover, is not a dumb woman, nor a push over. Emily has met her match in Victoria. The dynamic of these two leading ladies is really what sells Revenge, neither one ever gaining the upper hand for long, and always with a threat of total destruction hanging over them.

Emily's path isn't clear, not being the only one who plays dangerous games among the wealthy residents. The real Emily Thorne (Margarita Levieva) is a bit mentally unhinged. A lad named Tyler (Ashton Holmes) gets mixed up with the Graysons, and people who are friends one day can quickly turn to enemies given the proper motivation. Not to mention, romantic feelings can spring up where least expected and drive people to act in unpredictable ways.

Is Revenge the best show on television? Certainly not. But that doesn't mean it's not worth watching. On a network known for delivery scandalizing drama like Desperate Housewives, GCB, Grey's Anatomy, and the like, Revenge holds its own, and fits beautifully into the network's existing identity. The stories may not be entirely believable, but fans won't care; because they are so thoroughly engrossed in what's coming next, they won't even notice.

The rest of the outstanding cast, who perfectly execute this hyper-real world, and many of whom are no stranger to the genre, includes Gabriel Mann (The Bourne Identity), Henry Czerny (The Tudors), Ashley Madekwe (Bedlam), Nick Wechsler (Roswell), Joshua Bowman (Holby City), Connor Paolo (Gossip Girl), and Christa B. Allen (Cake).

The only real complaint I have about Revenge is the episode titles. Each installment has a single word moniker, like "Grief," "Doubt," and "Suspicion." But these descriptors don't mean a thing in reference to the episode, as almost every title could apply to every single episode. This makes them meaningless and a bit annoying. Should that adjective or emotion have a special connection to that week's story, a la Wilfred, it would make sense, but they do not.

ABC has recently released a five disc set that includes not only all twenty-two episodes of last season's freshman run, but a slew of bonus features, too. There are deleted scenes, bloopers, and two music videos. Creator Mike Kelley and star VanCamp offer an audio commentary of the "Pilot." Featurettes include: "Nolan Ross Exposed," wherein Nolan (Mann) is grilled about his involvement; "Roadmap to Revenge," which discusses the various connections and plot twists in the series; "Haute Hamptons: Femme Fatale Fashion," which examines how the clothes make the characters; and "At Home in "The Hamptons," which has actress Davenport give a tour of the set.

That's enough to keep any fan busy as they anticipate the season two premiere on September 30th. Revenge The Complete First Season is available now.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my new website, JeromeWetzel.com! Article first published as DVD Review: Revenge: The Complete First Season on Blogcritics.

'Scandal' a timely topic for Revenge

With the plot now caught up to the flash forward shown in the "Pilot," ABC's Revenge begins treading into new territory with "Scandal." Daniel (Joshua Bowman) is the prime suspect in Tyler's (Ashton Holmes) murder, and the Graysons close ranks to defend him. Ashley (Ashley Madekwe) uses the chaos to grab the spotlight, becoming a press darling. Jack (Nick Wechsler) looks to be the most likely patsy to pin the killing on, since he is present on the beach that night. However, only Emily (Emily VanCamp) knows what really happened, and that Takeda (Hiroyuki Sanada) is responsible. 

Revenge had quite a quandary, as the series sets Daniel up to die midway through the first season. As Daniel has become such a popular character, solving this dilemma became a priority, and solve it the writers did! Instead of getting rid of Daniel, Revenge has made him the center of a flashy murder trial, which gives his character even more to do. Brilliant move!

Revenge is a product of its time, and "Scandal" proves that on a number of levels. While many Americans seek a battle with the rich 1%, Revenge is the story of taking down those who can buy their way out of any situation. Daniel's trial is a flashpoint for that sentiment, and even though fans like Daniel, and know he is innocent, it plays wonderfully into the theme. This theme, of course, is also evident in Emily's larger story of ruining the people who destroyed her father (James Tupper). But the murder trial is an extra delicious layer that enhances this.

Ashley is also a character that speaks to people. In the age of Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, and others who become famous for seemingly nothing, she is a product of a generation that would like to be in that position. Ashley may have career goals, but that is superseded by the desire for fame and fortune. Sensing an opportunity, Ashley leaks photos of Daniel to the press, than steps up as spokesperson for the family, showing public grace in a crisis.

Nolan (Gabriel Mann) is the only one who figures out what Ashley is up to, and calls her on it. However, as seems to be typical of the characters in Revenge, it's better to hold something over someone than to expose them outright. Thus, it looks as if Nolan will let Ashley get away with her stunt, for now. That is, until there is something that she can do for him in return for keeping her secret. Can't wait to find out what favor Nolan will call in!

Jack and Declan (Connor Paolo) undergo a role reversal in "Scandal." So far in the show, Jack has been Declan's protector and caretaker. Jack is an older brother, not a father, so this role isn't complete, but there's an obvious bend to their relationship. Now, with Jack's freedom in danger, Declan steps up to protect his brother. How might he go about this? Will Jack really be framed for a crime that he didn't commit?

Emily is the center of Revenge, but the events of "Scandal" prove that she is not in control of everything. For instance, she would never frame Jack for anything, since she actually cares about him. She didn't intend to get Daniel into such trouble, either. Yes, she uses him as a pawn, but many viewers like to think that Emily has shown signs of actual affection for Daniel, despite who his parents are. It's hard to tell the extent of messiness this brings at this early juncture, but surely the whole trial thing has thrown Emily's machinations into disarray.

Why has Emily strayed off of her path? The murder is something that she can't control, but Tyler would never have been on the beach trying to expose her lies to Daniel had Emily not grown careless. She is very lucky that Takeda is there to finish off Tyler, and knock Daniel unconscious before he hears something that Emily doesn't want Daniel to hear. Takeda has been Emily's mentor, and now he acts as her savior.

Yet, Emily and Takeda's relationship is far from stable or certain. Why is Takeda employing Nolan separately to keep an eye on Emily? Is this about protecting her, or does Takeda have ulterior motives? Why would he possibly care so much for Emily that he is willing to kill a man, as well as make Amanda (Margarita Levieva) disappear? Takeda has been a fringe character, and suddenly, he is being thrust to the forefront of the story in "Scandal." This is a cool move, but at this time, Takeda is far more an enigma than a predictable player in the larger game.

Now that some secrets are exposed, Emily and Charlotte (Christa B. Allen) know that they are sisters. Well, Charlotte actually thinks Amanda is her sister, since Emily is the real Amanda. What implications might this have? Can Emily still bring down Charlotte's parents, knowing that she will hurt an innocent relation? Not to mention, Victoria (Madeleine Stowe) is soiling Charlotte's opinion of their father, and Emily can't speak up about it without telling Charlotte the truth. How painful it must be to listen to Charlotte complain about the "lousy" man who gave her life! This is a juicy subplot that has to figure into the main story, but, like other elements, it's not clear how it will yet.

Revenge has done a superb job setting up a complex story with an intertwining web of characters. Sixteen episodes in, as of "Scandal," the series is just getting started. There isn't even time left in the first season to tie up all the major arcs, and new ones keep getting added in! As long as the quality of the acting and writing, which has been excellent so far, stays consistent, Revenge has many happy years ahead of it.


Watch Revenge Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

MORE: If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter. Please click here to catch up with streaming episodes of Revenge. Article first published as TV Review: Revenge - "Scandal" on Blogcritics.

Revenge is under "Duress"

     In "Duress," the return of ABC's Revenge, Nolan (Gabriel Mann) and Emily (Emily VanCamp) make a disturbing discovery about Tyler (Ashton Holmes). Learning he is mentally unstable, they call his brother in to treat him. But it's too late, as Tyler stabs Nolan, and holds a gun and Emily and the others at Daniel's (Joshua Bowman) birthday celebration. In the meantime, Victoria (Madeleine Stowe) encounters some unexpected bumps in the road to her divorce from Conrad (Henry Czerny) as they fight over custody of Charlotte (Christa B. Allen).

     ABC needs to stop spoiling things. Not only is Tyler's gun wielding scene shown in the opening of "Duress," but it is also revealed in the preview that aired after the fall finale. Plus, several juicy tidbits that should be left as surprises are shown in next week's look ahead, including why Daniel might propose so soon to Emily. It actually hurts the series. Rather than sparking interest, it gives things away. And please, why have Tyler point the gun at Emily so much? Everyone knows she's going to live. It would be far more interesting if he points it at, say, Amanda (Margarita Levieva, How to Make It in America), who wasn't shown in the future events of the "Pilot."

     Note: for ease, I am referring to the revenge-driven character as Emily and her juvie cohort as Amanda. Yes, their names are actually the other way around, but it's simpler to use the names the characters usually go by.

     Complaints about spoilers is a sign at how gripping Revenge is. It is quickly becoming ABC's new primetime soap, a staple of the network, and one in need of replacement since Desperate Housewives will make its final bow at the end of the season. Revenge so far has not quite lived up to the early days of that last big hit, possibly partly because of the smaller ensemble. Sometimes it ventures a little near CW territory, with the contrived romances and added drama. However, for the most part, Revenge is succeeding, and creating a story that will be intrigue-worthy for at least a few seasons.

     Tyler's complete breakdown in "Duress" is delightful. Finally getting off of his meds, he becomes the unstable individual he has been trying to hide all along. It also is time for him to leave, as he has been distracting from the main plot of Emily trying to bring down the Graysons, which needs to be gotten back to as the wedding date, glimpsed in the "Pilot," rapidly approaches. He is a good side trip to take up a portion of the season, but now that he's been played out, it's time for him to move on.

     Amanda, on the other hand, will continue to be a thorn in Emily's side, possibly for some time to come. Her presence is the biggest threat to Emily's mission. While Amanda's relationship with Jack (Nick Wechsler) is kind of a low blow, it is mostly a distraction, as Emily is single-minded enough to keep from unfurling over her feelings for Jack. But that doesn't mean Amanda won't slip, most likely in front of Jack, and let on that she's not, in fact, Amanda Clarke. Given that Amanda is already proving herself not the sharpest tool in the box, unlike Emily, and Victoria seems suspicious, it probably won't be a long wait until Amanda blow Emily's cover. But that could just be the beginning of open warfare, not an end to the entire scheme, and thus, an exciting twist to look forward to!

     How much emotion does Emily still have left after everything that has happened to her? She makes an apology to Nolan this week that, while beating around the bush a little, comes off as sincere. At first, Emily doesn't want Nolan's help. Now she's relying on it. Is Emily motivated to repair her friendship with him merely to help her complete her goal, as he has become a valuable asset? Or does she care about the man who refuses to go away, and who has made himself as much an instrument of revenge as any in Emily's arsenal? The series plays Emily close enough to the vest that it's impossible to tell.

     The battle over Charlotte in "Duress" is a curious one. Despite Victoria's private confessions about not wanting Charlotte, she does really seem to care. It's a credit to Stowe that she can capture these layers in a highly manipulative, mostly unlikable character. Yet, the fight for custody over Charlotte does seem genuine, not a tactic. Might Victoria have had a change of heart? Certainly she's not just going after Charlotte because Conrad wants her. It also should make Charlotte feel valued in a way she has not been, which the girl might use to her advantage, as she clearly possesses shades of her mother within. Which makes Charlotte an unpredictable wild card in the series of unfolding events, as Charlotte's wants could easily get in the way of anyone else's plans.

     Watch Revenge, a highly satisfying guilty pleasure drama, Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

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     Please click here to catch up with streaming episodes of Revenge.

Revenge engages in "Duplicity"

     ABC's Revenge continues its mission to get even with "Duplicity." This week, Emily (Emily VanCamp) turns her attention on Dr. Michelle Banks (Amy Landecker, A Serious Man, Dan in Real Life). At a mother / daughter charity benefit, a video plays of confidential taped sessions between Dr. Banks and her patients, including Emily and Victoria (Madeleine Stowe). This ruins the doctor's practice, and she is locked in a shed for awhile which terrorizes her on a personal level. Of course, Emily is behind the whole thing, but by putting herself in the video, does she keep suspicion away?

     The episode title is meaningless, as in other installments. Issues of "Duplicity" occur in every episode, as do "Trust," "Guilt," "Betrayal," "Intrigue," and "Charade" which are all other episode titles. There is no discernible quality in each episode that chooses which of these go with each outing. This makes for a less than satisfying lineup, and gives no clue about what will happen in the upcoming weeks. Plus, there are only a finite number of such words that will fit the show, so someone is going to have to rethink this strategy soon.

     Of the many things expected from Revenge, a procedural element is not one of them. Yet, for four episodes now, Emily has taken down four different people connected to the trial of her father, David (James Tupper). Is this the formula Revenge will be following? If so, certainly they will run out of targets for Emily to go after soon. Yes, David's ordeal is large and complicated, but by two or three seasons down the line, she has to have gone after all of the people who were involved. More likely, the procedural format is a first season gimmick to hook lazy television viewers who want their stories wrapped up in an hour, and the series will grow out of it relatively soon.

     Banks is a more personal attacker of Emily than previous guest stars have been. Victoria actually pays off Banks to institutionalize young Emily / Amanda (Emily Alyn Lind), so that Emily can't spoil the case against David. As such, Banks does something bad to Emily, not just David. Perhaps that explains why Emily steps the game up a notch, kidnapping Banks instead of just humiliating her. Emily doesn't go as far as hurting Banks, but she does want her to suffer more than the previous offenders.

     All of this casts doubt on whether or not Emily is involved with the shooting at the beginning of the series (which is set a few months in the future from the main storyline). Up until now, Emily only engages in personal attacks. But in "Duplicity" Emily does something highly illegal, and causes more than just a little embarrassment or career ruination. However, Emily stops short of physical harm. Will she continue to escalate things, culminating in a murder or attempted murder? Or, will Emily be shown to have limits, and will someone else be responsible for the gunshot?

     As for Victoria, she gets a little more sympathetic as Revenge goes on. Yes, she commits horrible actions, such as getting Emily locked up and stealing a laptop, but she also tries to get David's name cleared because she truly is in love with him. This adds a layer to every one of Victoria's moves. It is probably not enough for Emily to leave the woman alone; Victoria seems to be the ultimate target. It may be enough that Emily could find an ally, rather than an enemy, should she give the older woman a chance. If Emily does, it will be because of extenuating circumstances that force the two together, or Victoria uncovering the plot and blackmailing her way in. Either way, a team up would be delectable!

     Emily's love triangle with Daniel (Joshua Bowman) and Jack (Nick Wechsler) continues. Obviously, Emily is after Daniel for less than authentic reasons. But, Daniel is actually quite a good guy, who deserves a little happiness. Maybe Emily will soften towards him? He may be sympathetic to Emily's machinations and willing to help. However, the reveal that Daniel is responsible for injuring a girl might be enough to harden Emily for falling for him that much. Considering the fact that she will soon be getting engaged and marrying Daniel, as shown in "Pilot," there are a number of questions to be answered before making any conclusions.

     Daniel's roommate, Tyler (Ashton Holmes, Nikita, The Pacific), screws up things between Daniel and Emily in "Duplicity."  It is hard to see what happens as more than a small, and admittedly fun, stumbling block to keep the story going a little longer. It is possible that Victoria even put Tyler up to it to try to break Daniel and Emily up.

     Jack is a much more suitable suitor for our heroine. Or is he? He carries a torch for Emily / Amanda, caring for a childhood dog, and naming his boat after her. He also has an interest in her as an adult, even if he doesn't realize he's falling for the same girl a second time. He decides to keep his father's bar open, in part so he can stick around town and keep open the possibility of being with her. But Jack is a very good man, a family man, and surely he will eventually learn of Emily's revenge tactics. This could kill any chance of them being together. Despite being sympathetic for what happens to David, it is unlikely Jack would condone Emily's behavior. More likely, as with David, Jack would argue to forgive and forget. If Emily did that, there would be no series. But it's probable that Jack can't be with her, long-term anyway, unless she does.

     The really sweet love story unfolding in Revenge involves Daniel's sister, Charlotte (Christa B. Allen), and Jack's brother, Declan (Connor Paolo). Charlotte has a sort-of boyfriend, who is a real jerk, and cheats on her. Declan offers innocent overtures of real romance. Even when the other guy beats Declan up, and Declan gets evidence of the jerk's cheating ways, Declan holds off on giving this information to Charlotte. It would cause her to dump the boy, but it would also hurt her. Declan is far from perfect, and he has the rebellious nature of some youths, but he is not cruel, and will not hurt Charlotte when he doesn't have to. He's playing things smart, which is probably why he will win her in the end.

     Nolan's (Gabriel Mann) part in the situation is still quite murky. Why does he want to be involved in Emily's plot so badly? Yes, he has affection for David. But that would only go so far. Might he be interested in Emily? If so, he isn't showing it. He's offering help, but no real flirtation or overt moves on her. Maybe Nolan has some personal, hidden reason he wants to see the Hamptons elite crowd go down? If so, that would explain why he is willing to throw his money at the problem. What did they do to him?

     The only serious (slight) complaint I have about Revenge thus far is that it seems awfully convenient that Emily is rich, as is Nolan. Might it not have been neater, albeit harder for the writers, if these people were poor, a condition they would more likely be in? I like the fact that David seems to trade his innocence to buy Emily a life, a clever twist, but would it have been one as luxurious as the one she is living? Would any pay out really be that large? Perhaps there is further explanation coming on this front, but for now, it just seems like an easy way to get the story going.


     Watch Revenge Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. ET on ABC.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter.

     Please click here to catch up with streaming episodes of Revenge.

Article first published as TV Review: Revenge - "Duplicity" on Blogcritics.