I "Fear" REVENGE May Disappoint

Article first published as I "Fear" REVENGE May Disappoint on TheTVKing.

Many fans of ABC's Revenge were hoping for a season premiere that picked up right where last spring's finale left off, given the crucial point at which it ends. Tonight's first episode of the third season, though, entitled "Fear," begins months later, leaving viewers to jump back in headfirst and catch up you go.

"Fear" begins, as the other two seasons of Revenge have, with a flash forward to a tragedy. This time, we see Emily (Emily VanCamp) in a wedding dress, shot, falling into the water. Given that Emily is the main character, it is unlikely that her death will be coming anytime this season. So, it's not only a weird tease, but also not a particularly scary one. Also, one has to wonder if the shooting is Emily's plan to fake her death and escape marriage to Daniel, something she clearly has no desire to go through with, despite setting a date.

Just because Emily won't die doesn't mean she can't be hurt. Emily and Victoria (Madeleine Stowe) continue their dance, smiling and pretending to play nice, while secretly plotting one another's take down. This is definitely the driving force of the show, and the scenes the two ladies share, are always a high point of any installment. Emily seems to have the upper hand for now, engaged to Daniel (Joshua Bowman) and forcing the whole Grayson clan back together for a beginning-of-summer party.

Looks can be deceiving, and even if Emily is in the lead, she may not maintain it. She has Nolan (Gabriel Mann) on her side again, now that he's out of jail, but he refuses to use his technical skills, relying on old-fashioned methods instead. And Jack (Nick Wechsler) now knows who Emily is, but instead of teaming up with her, blames Emily for his brother's and love's deaths, considering them collateral damage in Emily's fight. So she's not in her strongest stance.

Jack's position, something highly speculated about during the hiatus, is likely to be the point of contention most fans have trouble accepting. He's a good guy and we want to see Emily, the protagonist of Revenge on the right side, too. Instead, by having Jack paint Emily in a negative light, the show risks turning viewers against its main character unless Jack can be won over, too, or Emily abandons her task, which would kill the premise of the series.

Expectation that Revenge can write itself out of this corner is not wholly optimistic, as the story has made some stretches before, but I think it'll work out OK. I applaud them for giving Jack this very authentic reaction, and Emily's equally believable confusion and sorrow at it. This is well-handled character development, and the more of this was can get from the show, the better.

The Graysons are not exactly in top fighting form, either. Conrad (Henry Czerny) is told by a doctor he has Huntington's disease, a fatal, degenerative illness, like Thirteen had in House. This is all a plot by Emily, he's not actually sick, but it throws the family into disarray. Let's hope for Emily's sake it keeps them as such, rather than uniting them against her.

There are some allies to the Graysons, too, some intentional, some not. Ashley (Ashley Madekwe) makes a move against Emily, but is knocked down by Emily, discrediting Ashley and having Victoria send her packing. And Aiden (Barry Sloane) is offering his services to Victoria. So the tables could turn quickly.

Victoria is distracted from the feud by the arrival of her son, Patrick (Justin Hartley, Smallville). She genuinely enjoys his company, which keeps her away from the fighting. But then he decides to return to the city, setting her off. Is she really this petty? If her children don't wish to stay under her roof full-time and obey her every wish, she goes off on them? It isn't quite in keeping with the character, unless Victoria just feels so betrayed and abandoned by everyone else that Patrick is her last life raft, and even his leaving temporarily is enough to shatter her fragile psyche.

The unintended result of Victoria's obsession with Patrick is that her daughter, Charlotte (Christa B. Allen), feels rejected, and goes on the offensive against Patrick. Charlotte has been tame and a side-lines player through much of the show's run. If Patrick's presence spurs her to take a more active role in the machinations of the show, this means a new player has entered the fold, and that can throw all the old rules out the window.

I actually like "Fear" because of the calculated way it unfolds, giving us a piece at a time of the story-already-in-progress, and moving the players around the chessboard in not-always predictable ways. Perhaps this reset, ditching the mistakes of last year, will get it back on track.

Revenge airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

REVENGE Hides the "Truth"

Article first published as REVENGE Hides the "Truth" on TheTVKing.

ABC's Revenge brings its second season to an explosive close this week in the two-hour long "Truth." The Initiative strikes, killing an important character. The results of the election are in, a hidden identity is revealed, a choice in loyalties must be made, and the secret behind who the Initiative is is now known. Basically, as one would expect from this soapy drama, a lot comes out, and many changes are made.

The Initiative is the shady organization responsible for what happened to David Clarke (James Tupper), the basis for Emily's (Emily VanCamp) mission of revenge. As such, figuring out who they are and what they are trying to do is a primary focus of her life. At first, she sets her sights solely on the Graysons. But this year, that has expanded somewhat as she has learned more about the Initiative.

Won't Emily be surprised when she learns Conrad Grayson (Henry Czerny) and a few of his friends are the Initiative? Victoria (Madeleine Stowe) doesn't even know this until Conrad reveals it in "Truth." It makes total sense, given his involvement in the proceedings, using the shadowy Initiative as a convenient scape goat. It also solidifies Conrad at the villain of the show, now that we know just how much Conrad has control of the situation, and he'll have even power to carry out his schemes from the governor's office.

I don't think that will mean Victoria will switch sides, though. Despite a couple of heartfelt moments for her in this season finale, including one where she truly does seem to understand Jack's (Nick Wechsler) pain and feel bad for him, she isn't altruistic. We've seen, in the flashbacks, how Victoria is complicit in a lot of the bad things that happen, and she is not above some manipulation herself. She may not be the Big Bad, but she isn't joining Team Emily anytime soon, either, more interested in her own status than helping others.

Jack may very well be on the revenge team, though, after the events of "Truth." Bent on getting even with Conrad, whom Jack is convinced killed his wife, Amanda, Jack goes off the grid. When Conrad tries to wipe out Jack permanently, Jack's brother, Declan (Connor Paolo), is caught in the crossfire, and is killed. Now Jack has even more reason to want to take out Conrad.

Emily stops him by admitting to Jack that she is the true Amanda Clarke. It's a hard thing for her to say, but the only thing that would make him pause in his rage. Jack is furious at Emily before for keeping secrets, but in this particular instance, I think the "Truth" will help him understand and forgive her. She knows a more promising path to balancing the scales with Conrad than cold-blooded murder, and Jack should only be too-eager to help he now.

Of course, the Revenge mission will have to make a detour, since Nolan (Gabriel Mann) has been arrested and framed as a terrorist. As much as Jack and Emily want to avenge their loved ones, they also want to take care of those still among them, and Nolan is one of the closest friends they both have. He is also useful in helping them out. So look for Save Nolan to be the priority for at least a time next year, before the main arc can continue.

Other characters still have not chosen a side. Ashley (Ashley Madekwe) has played to both groups from time to time. Season two ends with her helping the heroes, so that is probably the direction she'll go for now, and with Nolan locked up, they probably need her help. I still don't trust her, and think she can be flipped again with ease. But it's good to have one less person to worry about for awhile.

Charlotte (Christa B. Allen) would likely quickly join Emily and Jack if she knew the truth, especially about her dad killing Declan, the father of her unborn baby. I do not know if Charlotte will carry the infant to term, but if she does, she will likely remain ignorantly ensconced within Grayson Manor, protected both from harm and from reality. Eventually, she will learn what has happened, but until she does, she can't be counted on.

Lastly, there's Daniel (Joshua Bowman), who is a good man, used as a pawn by both his parents and Emily. He tries to do the right thing, and I think Emily, Conrad, and Victoria all care for him, but none of them put his welfare ahead of their own desires. Were he to be let in on what's going on, there is no telling where he would land, since neither party has done right by him.

I do think that Emily might actually love Daniel. She enjoys their fake relationship a little too much, and keeps coming back to him. After falling out with Aiden (Barry Sloane), who never really feels right for Emily, her heart isn't torn anymore. She could be with Daniel for real, maybe even eventually telling him who she is and what she's done.

Though, Jack will be the unknown factor here. Now that he knows Emily is his beloved Amanda from childhood, he may want to pick up where they left off, assuming he can see past recent events. It is doubtful he will be as content as Aiden to sit by and watch Emily play house with Daniel, not that Aiden is very understanding. So Jack is the one who could stand in the way of an Emily / Daniel marriage, Emily having long wanted Jack, too.

Revenge is fun because it's a juicy mess, full of ever-shifting allegiances, and constantly pulling new information out of the closet. "Truth" is a fitting finale because it goes big, mixing death, major action, and plot developments with a heartbreaking story. I'm very interested to see what the writers come up with for season three.

Revenge has been renewed by ABC, and will return next fall.

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.

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 delicious guilty pleasure

     In the "Pilot" of ABC's new drama, Revenge, Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp, Brothers & Sisters) rents a summer home in the Hamptons. But Emily's real name is Amanda Clarke, and she's not there to vacation. She is on a mission to get even with the people that ruined her father, David's (James Tupper, Mercy, Grey's Anatomy), life, framing him for serious crimes. Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe, Raines) is the woman David loved, and seems to be Emily's biggest foe. This episode is interspersed with scenes from the past, and from the future at Emily's engagement party to Victoria's son, Daniel (Joshua Bowman, Make It or Break It), who is murdered.

     There is a lot going on in the Revenge "Pilot," so please forgive me if it's hard to keep everything straight after a mere one episode. That's actually to the show's credit, as a large playground has been created, and there is plenty to keep viewers interested. VanCamp capably leads a fairly talented cast, and her character's specific motivations are kept shrouded in mystery. Perhaps there are people she wants to take out, and others that will be spared her wrath. She already has a good start, getting a woman ostrasized from society by the end of the first episode. But this is all still up in the air to viewers.

     "Pilot" opens with a quote about revenge, and there's an apt point to be had. No one can take revenge without it costing them something dear, as well. This is likely why David warns Emily to just forgive the people that ruined him, rather than seek justice. But David also secures a way for Emily to be well off, so she has the means to do what she wants. And who can blame her for her dark actions, given the circumstances? She had no home or parents around to raise her properly for half of her child hood. Who wouldn't be angry?

     The cast includes Gossip Girl's Connor Paolo as a tough-talking jerk and Henry Czerny (The Tudors) as Victoria's cheating husband. Czerny does the same thing he has been so good at in the past, while Paolo's abrupt turn around is still murky on whether it works or not. Only time will tell.

     Revenge is a guilty pleasure series because it's soap opera drama. There will convoluted twists, and many of the characters are larger than life. But the quality of acting is good, and the performers commit fully to their vibrant characters, making the pay off something many people will find worth watching. As such, Revenge actually does a decent job of setting up a cool story.

     That being said, there is still the "ABC-tone" to the show, where danger is glamorized, rather than being threatening. The same element can be seen in plenty of others shows on the network, but it's why Revenge will only ever be a guilty pleasure, rather than a truly dark, disturbing, affecting tale. There is nothing wrong with that, but it does make the series lean a little more towards pulp fiction that high brow.

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

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