THE New Old HARDY BOYS

 Article first published as TV Review: THE HARDY BOYS on Seat42F.

This week, Hulu gave THE HARDY BOYS their sixth(!) television adaptation. This 1980s-set mystery series follows Frank and Joe Hardy as they investigate a family tragedy, with their friends and loved ones sometimes helping. The case is surely spread out over the entire first season, as each episode finds the boys getting just a clue or two to the bigger picture.

I was not expecting to like this show, nor was I eager to watch it. I’ve never read a single book from THE HARDY BOYS series, despite being a big reader, because I just wasn’t interested. I love many CW shows, but I did not care for the recent Nancy Drew reboot, and the two are often lumped together (and have been on television as one in the past). So this seemed like another program I’d suffer through a pilot and type out a review for without ever giving it a second thought.

Instead, THE HARDY BOYS is intriguing and engaging right off the bat, and I immediately went straight into a second episode. I probably would have kept going if I’d had the time, and I do plan to go back to it this week. It’s a slower starter, which makes sense for the tone. But by episode two, it quickly seems to sort itself out with a structure and order that I would expect to continue through the rest of the season.

The boys are a bit further spaced in age than they are usually portrayed. Athletic and brainy Frank (Rohan Campbell, Virgin River) is a teen, while tech whiz Joe (Alexander Elliot) is a bit younger. This provides separate friend groups and different focuses for their investigations. It may seem a bit odd that the locals in the small town the boys move to for the summer are so friendly and immediately sign on. Then again, the family is already known in the area, and there is an impression that not much usually happens around these parts.

Further splintering the story are the scenes, admittedly fewer, that follow their father, Fenton Hardy (James Tupper, Men in Trees), as he investigates the case internationally. Himself a police detective and their mother a journalist, the Hardy boys come by their skills honestly. It’s no wonder they dive into the work when the right motivation prompts them to.

Essentially, by splintering the case out into three distinct plot threads, THE HARDY BOYS gets kind of a Stranger Things structure, with the teen group keeping most of the focus (rather than the younger crowd in that show), and the adults reduced to the smallest chunk. (Though the coming together to share information at times feels a bit forced and expedient.) Admittedly, THE HARDY BOYS is a lot more grounded than that Netflix series, with not even the whiff of anything supernatural happening, though the spy antics are a bit of heightened reality. Still, the comparison is favorable, and is likely to appeal to a broad overlap of audience.

The 1980s setting isn’t strictly necessary, but I would assume it’s done to eliminate the internet and smart phones from the mix. Probably a wise idea, given the investigative style the franchise is known for and wants to recreate. Nothing will be gleaned quickly, and the slower pace fits well in what appears to be a simpler time. I think it works for them.

THE HARDY BOYS is an entertaining watch in the mostly-family-friendly mystery category, and it likely has a place in the current television landscape, as this type of show isn’t all that prevalent. Nostalgia will bring some in, the target demographic likely to be those millennials who grew up with tales of the duo. The ease of viewing will likely also serve potential new fans, as that age group can watch this with their kids.

The first season of THE HARDY BOYS is streaming now on Hulu.

BIG LITTLE LIES Big Fun With Little to Complain About

Article first published as BIG LITTLE LIES Review on Seat42F.

HBO is known for attracting top talent, especially for their limited-run programming. Nowhere is that trend more apparent than in the new miniseries BIG LITTLE LIES, premiering tonight. Written by David E. Kelley (The Practice), directed by Jean-Marc Vallee (Dallas Buyers Club), and boasting an all-star cast, this seven-part story is the less-cheesy version of a primetime soap. It takes place in an affluent neighborhood, and focuses on the mothers of first graders. And oh yes, there’s a mysterious murder.

BIG LITTLE LIES doesn’t tell you who’s dead and who did the killing right away. Its hook is based on suspense. We know something bad happened slightly in the future, but we don’t know why or to who or even who did it. The whole thing is told on an earlier timeline, which makes viewers pay more attention to every interaction between characters, seeing if they can figure out the twists before they are revealed.

The fact that the show is a miniseries, rather than an ongoing program, is also a benefit in drawing in eyeballs. The stakes are higher when the audience knows that nobody is coming back for a second season. That means we can’t just dismiss a star or main player from being the criminal or victim out of hand. There is no motivation to keep anyone’s hands clean, and that makes it all the more compelling.

Reese Witherspoon’s (Walk the Line, Wild) Madison Martha Mackenzie seems the most central role. In a marriage she values with a steady man, Ed (Adam Scott, Parks and Recreation), she still can’t get over her ex, Nathan (James Tupper, Revenge), nor does she care much for his new wife, Bonnie (Zoë Kravitz, Max Max: Fury Road). In the meantime, she’s dealing with a rebellious teenager, hanging out with her two best friends, and battling another mother for dominancy at school.

Madison’s pals are Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman, Moulin Rouge!, Lion) and Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley, Divergent, The Secret Life of the American Teenager). Jane is new in town, and is slow to give up information about herself. Celeste has been around for awhile, and quit her law career to stay home and raise a family for her younger husband, Peter (Alexander Skarsgård).

None of the three seem all that happy, especially when they come into contact with the mother on the other side of their war, Renata Klein (Laura Dern, Enlightened, The Founder). Each deal with their own issues, and while they seem relatively sweet, it’s also easy to see how any of them could either be pushed to murder, or be murdered by someone else.

On paper, the plot seems a lot like ABC’s Revenge, which I gave up on midway through. Comparing BIG LITTLE LIES to Revenge is the best way I can think of to illustrate the extreme examples in the genre of what works and what doesn’t. Revenge may have been fun, but it never rose to Desperate Housewives levels of quality, a like-minded show I’d put in the middle of the rankings. This one is at the top, giving us the juiciness audiences want, while still making a quality series by nearly any measure.

I like BIG LITTLE LIES. It’s wonderfully acted, beautifully shot, and has a terrific style and tone. It deals with material that would be very easy to make cartoonish, and yet keeps it from being so. Even the child actors, though less talented than their adult peers, are well selected, adding to the drama, rather than distracting from it. After watching two hours, I am fully invested in seeing this through to the end.

BIG LITTLE LIES premieres tonight at 9/8c on HBO.

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.

Revenge is my "Destiny"

Grade: 86%

ABC left REVENGE fans a heck of a cliffhanger last spring – the death of Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe) in a horrific plane crash. As the season two opener, “Destiny,” begins, lights play over a wreck in the ocean. It looks bad, and based upon what viewers are hearing, survivors are unlikely.

But this isn’t Victoria’s accident. This is Jack’s (Nick Wechsler) boat, three months into the future. Is it smart to replay the same formula that worked for season one, where we saw Daniel (Joshua Bowman) apparently shot, and then, months later, found out that it wasn’t he who was dead? Well, it does provide continuity for viewers, keeping the tone of the show the same. But it could also grow stale pretty quickly after a few seasons. The tease technique is great, but one has to be careful not to overuse it.

It would be folly to try to guess who the lifeless arm belongs to that the camera glimpses in the wreckage. With plenty of story left to happen before the sinking, there will be guesses galore, and enough twists to keep the mystery interesting. One thing is relatively certain thought: it is extremely unlike that Jack is the one that is dead. And many fans would be thrilled if it turns out to be Amanda (Margarita Levieva).

Speaking of death, losing Victoria cuts the soul out of REVENGE. She is a fantastic villain, and the first half of “Destiny” feels empty without her. It looks like a few others might want to fill the vacuum she left, but they aren’t nearly as compelling, and would feel hollow in Victoria’s place. REVENGE needs Victoria just as much as it needs its lead, Emily (Emily VanCamp). They are really the only two characters who aren’t expendable.

Which is why Victoria’s survival is not a surprise. The press screener stops before that point of the episode, probably because the network is trying very hard for the fake out. In 2012, when this sort of thing has been done over and over before, surprise isn’t going to happen for many cynical viewers. Perhaps realizing this, REVENGE does not make the Victoria reveal the end of the episode, but rather, it is done in the middle to further the story along.

These elements do not come across as fresh and original. But REVENGE isn’t trying to break new ground. It’s trying to be the best soapy drama it possible can be, a guilty pleasure treat for the masses who like watching rich people backstabbing each other and quests for justice. REVENGE knows what it is, and delivers well enough on that promise to stay worth watching.

Now that we know Victoria is alive, the next question is why she stays in hiding, and what she is planning. She has help from the White Haired Man (James Morrison, 24), which explains why she didn’t die on the plane, since the WHM is the one who blew it up. Is Victoria a pawn of his, or a willing partner? If she is a pawn, how soon before she double crosses him?

The White Haired Man is an interesting character because it seems like he is brought into the series just to save the Graysons from going down. After all, for the plot to move along, Emily must make some headway on getting revenge for what happened to her father (James Tupper). If the Graysons were the ones behind everything, she would be frustratingly stalled for the entire run of the series, since Victoria cannot be taken out of the show without killing it. The White Haired Man is likely only the first of the shadowy puppet masters behind the scenes that Emily will face.

Emily herself is really struggling with this mission, having failed in the first battle. She has to flee to Japan for further training from Takeda (unfortunately recast, as Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa doesn’t look much like the original actor, Hiroyuki Sanada). But her head still isn’t in the game, having learned that her mother (Jennifer Jason Leigh, Weeds) was also screwed over by the Graysons, and is still alive. This clouds Emily’s judgment, and she sets off, unready to engage again.

Poor Emily. Her emotions are frequently her downfall, and it’s why, after a productive start, she keeps failing to reach her goals. We don’t want to see her grow cold, which is what is needed to get her revenge, as then she would become an unlikable character. So instead, we have to watch her fail. There just isn’t a way to win for the girl who has had such a rough life. Not that she’s going to stop trying. This builds an internal journey on top of her mission that makes her more sympathetic to fans.

Adding to Emily’s woe is that her love, Jack, is trying to move on with Amanda, who claims to be pregnant with his child. One has to assume that she’s lying because, if not, then Jack is going to be stuck with a woman he doesn’t love. It would be far neater if she is telling the truth, though, and he has to break free from her anyway. As Levieva has not been made a series regular, Jack should be able to succeed, sooner rather than later.

Will that mean a happy ending for Emily? Probably not. As much as she might be tempted to settle down with Jack, she is too tortured to let go of what happened to her parents. Even if she were to be with him, she would still be haunted by events, and would still seek retribution, which is not a recipe from which to make a good relationship. So perhaps it’s better that Emily can’t be with Jack, so she won’t hurt him.

Of course, there seems to be a lingering spark between Emily and Daniel, even though Daniel has moved on with Ashley (Ashley Madekwe). Ashley has her hooks into him for the status and the money, and won’t let go easily. But Daniel isn’t in love with her, and even though Emily broke his heart, he would still take her back, maybe even change for her. Love is his weakness, and it might also be the path to his own redemption. Emily might consider a reconciliation if Daniel decides he’s not his father’s son, after all.

All in all, a fitting return, if slightly disappointing in its predictability. REVENGE airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.

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 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.

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

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

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.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter

Grey's Anatomy: PTSD

***For my full review of last season's finale, click here.

     Last year's two-hour Grey's Anatomy finale, "Sanctuary" and "Death and All His Friends", was earth shattering. A gunman came into the hospital and shot a number of people, even killing a few semi-important characters. Several of the main characters were shot, and others were left extremely traumatized. Now, two episodes have aired in the seventh season ("With You I'm Born Again" and "Shock to the System"), and the events of last year have barely begun to wear off.

     Christina Yang (Sandra Oh) is the most damaged. She is the last member of the surgical staff, at least of the main characters, to be not be cleared for surgery. In fact, when she was put in an operating room this week, against the recommendation of the new counselor, Dr. Andrew Perkins (James Tupper, Mercy, Men in Trees), she collapsed on the floor and couldn't get up again. To try to cope with what happened, she impulsively accepted Owen's (Kevin McKidd) marriage proposal, and now the two are wed. It's probably a good thing that she's got him, as he already dealt with PTSD from his tenure in Iraq and knows what to do.

     Meredith Grey (Ellen Pompeo) was also badly enough shaken up that she was next to last to be cleared. Her continued secret of the baby she miscarried on the fatal day was enough to worry Perkins, but she didn't feel she could tell her husband, Derek Shepherd (Patrick Dempsey) yet, as he wasn't handling things well himself. Abruptly quitting his post as chief and returning to surgery, Derek has also become addicted to vary fast, reckless driving, and has landed in jail several times. The latest offense caused him to miss Owen and Christina's wedding. But I think Meredith finally got through to him, and hopefully his rebel days are done.

     Dr. Bailey (Chandra Wilson) fled Seattle to go home and see her mother, but has returned. The trauma has left her a kinder, gentler Bailey. She has not changed completely, but she made sure to tell the staff how she felt about them, which is strange behavior indeed for someone nicknamed "The Nazi". Still, she remained tough enough to force Alex (Justin Chambers) to let her remove the bullet that he left under his skin.

     Speaking of Alex, his coping mechanism was to act brave and unphased. This could be in part because he called out his wife's name, from whom he is separated, instead of his girlfriend's when he lay bleeding. The girlfriend, Lexie (Chyler Leigh) had a breakdown and was locked in the mental ward, but more than two days of sleep there seems to have done her good. She isn't fully recovered, but she's on her way. What's disappointing, though, is that she blew off Mark Sloan (Eric Dane), who is in love with her. I sincerely hope the two of them can get back together, now that they are single again.

     Some of the cast have actually improved their lives since the finale. Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr.) got his job as Chief of Surgery back. Teddy Altman (Kim Raver) is dating Dr. Pickens. Arizona (Jessia Capshaw) moved in with lover, Callie (Sara Ramirez). And Jackson Avery (Jesse Williams, now a full-time cast member) has earned the love and loyalty of Grey's fans everywhere after his heroic deeds. Even April Kepner (Sarah Drew, also now full-time) was surprisingly not annoying, as she seeks to become a member of the group, and ditch her outsider status.

     Whether each character is mostly healed or just beginning to, the doctors at Seattle Grace / Mercy West have a long way to go before they get back to normal. It's nice to see that the show has taken very seriously what happened, and that it's not an easy road to recovery. Some series wouldn't allow the characters time to grieve, but Grey's Anatomy has honed its excellent story-telling over six previous seasons, and really has the characters well-defined. I can't wait to see what happens next. There were medical cases to be handled, but the show is strongest when it focuses more on the core cast, instead of the guest stars. Unless it is testing the guest stars to see whether they'd make great additions. Which, in my opinion, James Tupper, with the different element he brings to the table, and a new specialty, surely would.

     Next Thursday, Derek's sister Amelia (Caterina Scorsone), who has been hanging out on the Grey's spin-off, Private Practice will visit, and Webber will help Alex get over his new-found fear of the elevators (that's where Lexie and Mark found his bloody body). Christina will continue her battle, surely earning Sandra Oh another Emmy nomination, if not a win this time, as the last couple weeks have been among her best: an impressive series performance. Tune into Grey's Anatomy Thursday nights at 9pm on ABC.

Article first published as TV Review: Grey's Anatomy PTSD on Blogcritics.

Have Mercy on Mercy

     I have found NBC's Mercy to be one of the most interesting new shows this year.  Some may dismiss is at yet another medical show, but the characters seem more genuine than most, and the plots have been fun to follow.  Plus, it's a much more serial show than the standard case-of-the-week, so I like it.  And the Jersey charm is oozing from every pore.  Unfortunately, though the season finale, "That Crazy Bitch Was Right", has already aired, the fate of a second season is still up in the air.  Just look at that episode title.  Doesn't that make you want to tune in?

     Last night, Veronica (Taylor Schilling) was trapped in a collapsing building with two boys, one of whom she had to quickly amputate his arm.  But that was just a distraction, evidenced by the fact that that crisis was over halfway through the episode.  What was really important was the two men who have been fighting over her, and which one she would run to when she got out.  And the consequences of that decision.

     Poor Veronica has been through a lot this season.  After getting home from Iraq, she divorced Mike (Diego Klattenhoff), moved in with her parents, briefly dated war buddy Chris (James Tupper), turned to alcohol as much as her parents do, and was traumatized during an armed robbery in a doughnut shop when the clerk died.  Can you blame her if she's a little nuts?  But Veronica is getting things back together, and has even moved into her own apartment.  So when she ran to Mike, I was very happy for her.  Mike gets her, knows her, loves her, takes care of not just her, but her family as well.  Veronica and Chris always felt a little awkward.  Perhaps what they had in Iraq was real, but it clearly didn't translate so well back in the states.  In fact, should there be a second season, as I hope there is, ditch Chris and make room in the full-time cast for either of Veronica's parents, Dr. Talbot (K.K. Moggie), or Dr. Briggs (James Van Der Beek).  Each was much more interesting.

     Chloe (Michelle Trachtenberg) also got some great plot development, as she decided to go back to school and become a doctor.  Hopefully she will still be featured in the series, staying at the hospital, working between classes, and eventually joining the staff of doctors.  It suits her.  Sonia (Jamie Lee Kirchner) reconciled with her guy.  There are numerous other colorful, rich characters in this show, and I wish I had time to talk about each of them in this article, but I don't.  Just tune in if it airs again.

     My only complaint about the finale was the forced suspense in the final moments.  A bomb went off as Chris landed at the airport, back in the Middle East, and a car appeared to be running down Mike.  Neither one of those scenarios was necessary, and will only serve to anger the audience if the show doesn't return.  Please, NBC, bring it back, and perhaps have Chris die in the explosion, and Mike be perfectly fine.

Merci Mercy

    When NBC announced a new medical drama about nurses called Mercy, eyes, including mine, rolled.  Don't we have enough medical shows?  Not only that, but no less than two others were also premiering this fall.  However, Mercy has somehow set itself above and pack, and proved that there can still be fresh, fun medical shows.  I credit the amazing cast, all of which are wonderful, but I'm going to focus on the Top 5, hard as it was to choose 5.  Mercy airs Wednesdays at 8pm, and just returned to the air this past week.

     Virtual unknown Taylor Schilling stars as Veronica.  She is delightful, pretty, and sympathetically human.  The blond is really trying to make things work with her childhood sweetheart, Mike (Diego Klattenhoff), despite his cheating ways while she was in Iraq.  However, she also cheated on him during her second tour.  She is doing a highly entertaining job balancing all the personal crap with her job.

     Fresh off of the canceled Men in Trees, James Tupper plays the aforementioned lover, Dr. Chris Sands, who followed her home and is now a doctor at the hospital where Veronica works.  (Side note, Diego Klattenhoff was also recurring on Men in Trees near the end).  He gets to talk a lot more on this show, and it doesn't hurt.  Unlike many dramas, it does not seem inevitable that he will end up with Veronica.

     I'd never heard of James LeGros (Ally McBeal), but his performance as Dr. Harris has been the most interesting so far.  He started as a total jerk, and then, after his wife's murder, he became a grief-stricken total jerk obsessed with not letting anyone else die.  He manages to convey a character who doesn't fall into stereotypical growth, but gets to explore strong emotion in a very satisfying way.

     Child star Michelle Trachtenberg (Gossip Girl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is also a nurse at the hospital, young, green, and gullible.  Her character, Chloe, is not just the comic relief, however, as her attempts at love have been well performed as well.  She adds an element to the show that is completely necessary to the series's success.

     Kate Mulgrew, perhaps best remembered as Captain Kathryn Janeway on Star Trek: Voyager, is quickly establishing a new character to remember, Veronica's mother.  She plays the alcoholic matriarch of a "white trash" Irish Jersey family.  She has taken to the role with relish, and always steals the scene when she appears on screen.  Hopefully an upgrade to series regular will soon be forthcoming.