Revenge 3.11 Review: Who Am I?

This is a friendly reminder for all those that have yet to watch Sunday night’s episode of Revenge, entitled ‘Homecoming’, to kindly turn away from their screen before proceeding ahead. For this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

There were some definite ups and downs regarding this week’s post-Christmas premiere episode. Things picked up almost immediately where they’d left off in the December finale. Daniel – to which I’d guessed right before watching the last episode – shot Emily after learning she’d poached his family and faked the pregnancy and after blood loss and some head trauma in the water, she had – of all things – amnesia. In my opinion, while it was a cliché TV trope, I thought that this would be able to bring a refreshing on this series, that has had a stronger third season compared to it’s second, but nowhere near as good as its first. Sadly, it seems that Emily may have gained her memories back by the end of the episode, and I was hoping she would at least have amnesia for a couple episodes.

One thing I do have to say is how completely naïve Charlotte seemed to be when Emily said that her father was David Clarke. Sure, it is somewhat reasonable to believe her damaged memories were spewing out such things because Charlotte was the one in the room, but when she approaches Jack with the confusing information his reaction is so completely obvious to me. He turns away just to keep the look from confirming the information with Charlotte, but she’s still somehow able to believe what he says. It was so obvious on his face for a good few seconds, and I was disappointed that Charlotte wouldn’t catch on and just feign believing what Jack was saying to be true. But then, I suppose the truth is often too difficult to handle. I guess the writers just didn’t want another person in the loop at this point, but I am disappointed with the way they handled that tidbit.

Possibly my favourite part about this episode was Emily VanCamp’s stellar performance. While I do believe her voice over on the episodes can come out dry and tedious, and her performance has been off and on this season giving me the feeling she was often phoning it in, this week’s episode made it seem like she honestly has the acting chops. That performance with Daniel when she can’t remember who she is or where she is was simply beautiful and something I would very much like to see more of. If I were still doing Best Performances of the Week, even without watching all the other performances this week, Ms. VanCamp would most certainly be in the running.

Something I have to say I’ve hated this season is how terribly they’ve been writing Daniel. His character just seems like he’s had character development come completely out of nowhere. Honestly the trajectory he’s had, merely since the character of Sarah has reemerged, seems utterly ridiculous. Yes his character seemed to naturally love Sarah, but then the way he’d react around Emily made absolutely no sense as to why they would get married at all – even with the belief that there was a baby involved. Last season Emily and Daniel seemed to be back in love and set on the path towards this wedding, but all season I’ve felt none of that chemistry that they used to have. Seriously, have these two actors broken up? I know they’d been dating last year, but if they’d broken up since then there’d be an actually feasible reason for their lack of chemistry, even with the introduction of Sarah.

On that note, does anyone sincerely believe that Sarah would try and kill herself? I mean we only got to know her over the course of a handle of episodes, but she appeared to be the most genuine of people and even with the loss of Daniel it would not seem honest in any form for her to try such a feat. Yes, she’d loved him, but, to quote a bad cliché, there are more fish in the sea. I can’t see any possible reason that she would try something so rash. Now, if this is part of the writers plan, then it is completely within reason, but if she actually did do it, then I am losing faith in the skills of these writers. But then, I’ve found a lot of this season to be a bit drab. Sure, there have been some stellar moments, but as a whole last season was almost better.

All in all, there were a lot of good parts to this episode. It did not disappoint me as much as I thought it might, from the grand scheme of the delectable previews, but it wasn’t as fantastic as it could’ve been. This series can still count me as a viewer, but I really hope they fix what they’ve done to Daniel, because his character doesn’t seem like he could’ve gotten to this point in any fashion. He’s dark in a way that isn’t fun to watch – if that makes sense – and this is coming from someone who enjoys dark and damaged characters more than other characters. He’s treading Ashley territory, that’s how much I’m beginning to not like him. The only time he is good, at all, is when he’s around Sarah, and he needs to be able to interact with other characters to be able to keep going on this show.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

No memorable lines.

Okay, so check back soon for reviews of Teen Wolf and Almost Human.

Revenge 3.09 Review: On the Precipice

For any of those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Revenge, titled ‘Surrender’, now would be the time to go and do that. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! Proceed at your own discretion.

Well, that was a much better winter penultimate episode than Once Upon A Time’s. I almost feel bad for Daniel and Sarah, because of Emily’s scheming the two lovebirds obviously cannot be with each other, but then I remember than Daniel knows all about what was done to David Clarke, and I get over it.

While I do feel like Daniel’s acting in the beginning of the episode demonstrated so transparently that he was in love with Sarah and his feelings for Emily were less strong, that turned around about halfway through the episode. Just that confrontation between Daniel and Victoria helped to cement that he had some love-based feelings for Emily. The amount of passion he exhibited were phenomenally well done, so much so that it’s hard to believe that Joshua Bowman is tired of playing this back and forth role – although I do agree his character has been the least consistent throughout this series. Again, these are the emotions that I love to see, anything with passion thrown behind it.

Now, up until the point where Daniel made his decision – and come on, we all knew he would choose Emily – his back and forth with Sarah before she knew, I definitely agreed with the way she told him she would not be the other woman. That was definitely a ‘Go Sarah!’ kind of moment. Also, afterwards, I unequivocally believe that the way Charlotte spoke to her mother was undoubtedly fitting for the situation. I am so glad that Charlotte was able to come to her senses and see that Daniel and Emily needed one another. That moment where she tries to reason with her mother, and tells her she’s done meddling was wonderfully mature – something not adamant in Victoria’s own actions.

A couple other things to note, one being that Lydia looked really good, despite how disappointed I am by the way she came back. I expected a little more than just her getting back into bed with Conrad, but I suppose she isn’t quite done with Emily. The other thing was how beautiful a moment that was between Emily – or really, Amanda Clarke – and Aiden. That was such a beautiful proposal, regardless of the fact that I still kind of wish Emily would be with Jack. But then, with this moment between the two actually engaged couple, I am beginning to see how much they do fit together. But who knows how this series will end up?

All in all, this was a pretty good episode. It had lots of drama, which I love, and had a decent amount of emotion and passion behind the characters. This is most assuredly the Charlotte that I love as a character, and Daniel even managed to have his moments. Hell, even Emily had her time with Aiden near the end that actually made me enjoy her character’s emotional arc for once. Basically, this was a good episode, but certainly not great.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“I’ve had handbags bigger than that room.” – Lydia speaks of the motel room Margaux had put her up in.

“And now he’s marrying that charlatan.” – Victoria remarks, regarding Daniel and Emily’s approaching nuptials.

“Probably. Just not as well.” – Margaux comments, referencing Jack and her phone call.

“What every pretty blonde that comes to the Hamptons wants: revenge.” – Nolan informs Aiden of Lydia’s intentions.

“I don’t know whether to be impressed, or terrified.” – Nolan remarks, concerning Jack.

“I’d be dead if it weren’t for your wife’s momentary lapse of evil.” – Lydia explains to Conrad.

“This family is so predictable. When threatened, each Grayson has their own retreat, like a turtle shell.” – Charlotte remarks.

“I guess I’m going to have to get a new hobby. (Pause) What are your thoughts on spelunking?” – Nolan asks Emily.

All right, folks, that’ll be all for tonight. Check back in tomorrow for more reviews of Almost Human and Sleepy Hollow.

Revenge 3.08 Review: Everyone Has Their Secrets

For all those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of Revenge, entitled ‘Secrecy’, now would be a great time to do that before reading ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Well, that wasn’t that bad of an episode at all. Quite a number of things happened that were deeply intriguing plot twists, as well as character twists. Going in I was worried that Emily wouldn’t figure out a way to split Daniel and Sarah up, being that they are much better suited for one another than Emily and Daniel, but she did end up pulling something out of her hat. We all know she isn’t actually pregnant, but the situation did cleverly fit all the little clues she left behind. I will definitely be interested in what way this ends up going in the long run. We do know Emily ends up being shot, but I’ll be curious to know if this faux pregnancy fits into where she was shot.

Another big character comeback this season, in the way of the formerly thought to be deceased Lydia. Someone just tell me that Victoria knew Lydia was alive. I suppose we won’t know until the next episode, but I certainly hope that she does, otherwise her being alive makes little sense. I am curiousity to see how this character return develops. The previews made it into Lydia seeking revenge, and by how it appeared, it seems she seeks it against Emily. Can someone clarify if she had a reason to do that? I haven’t watched the first season of this series since it aired, and I watch quite a number of series, so I can’t quite recall if Emily did anything to Lydia.

I’m really seeing the Jack, Emily, Aiden kind of love triangle more this week. Sure, Jack is with Margaux, but he obviously does still care a great deal for his childhood love. Once the fake death gets cleared, something will have to continue this series, so I doubt Emily’s going anywhere. These two men have a great deal of passion in them when it comes to Emily, so I hope this continues on going forward with the second act of this season because I’d love to see more of it.

The whole addition of the bachelor pad for Grayson men was a bit on the ridiculous side. It doesn’t surprise me that they would have it, but it felt like Conrad was leading up to something more interesting than a place he brought his mistresses. Also, I’m just a tad bit surprised Daniel would think to use it so soon – he’s not even married yet. And hadn’t Sarah said she wouldn’t go any further until Daniel had broken things off with Emily, but suddenly there is a woman settling in for the night as well? I find that a tad bit much.

Overall, I quite enjoy this soap opera of television. I do wish that Emily would be able to show a little bit more of a range of emotion, especially now that she’s faking pregnant, because her character is a little dry for my taste. While I am hopeful that she finds satisfaction in her revenge scheme, I find myself not being quite as intrigued by her character as I am the rest. Someone please tell me, though, that this series ends with people finding out who she is. The big reveal at the end of the series would be great because I think that’s what a lot of people stick around for. Oh, also, I have to say that I loved Emily’s hair during the bridal shower, not the dress, but the hair was gorgeous.

My rating: 7 out of 10.

Best Line:

“I am on the rebound, so, bitch, don’t kill my vibe.” – Nolan explains to Aiden.

All right, I’m off to watch Almost Human now, so check back soon for that review.

Revenge 3.07 Review: Good PR is a Nightmare

For all those that have yet to watch tonight’s episode of Revenge, entitled ‘Resurgence’, then let me suggest that that is what you do now before proceeding ahead. As this is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

I have to say that by the previews, I’m more excited for next week’s episode than I was happy with this one. It’s not that it was a bad episode, it did after all have a take down in the episode, it’s that it felt more like a filler episode than one that fit into the plot altogether.

The relationships in this series are becoming so convoluted. While the objective of this show is Emily’s revenge plan, I actually want Daniel and Sarah to be together. Emily is just too poised that she’s somewhat of a bland character a lot of the time, and she has very little chemistry with Daniel now that they’re getting married. I think she had more chemistry with him the last two seasons than she has this season. Sarah and Daniel are much better suited for each other. And while I do think Emily and Aiden would make a good pair, I just can’t help but still want her to be with Jack, even if their chemistry hasn’t quite been apparent as often as I think it should. He’s off getting acquainted with Margo, who I do think is helping him to get passed his wife’s death, and I do kind of like this pair, Margo’s just too nice that something is kind of off with her.

I am curious, what is this business of the first husband thing? Was that just a ploy to get the take down of the evening, Busy, to cover up something for Emily? Or was she actually married before? I definitely had a ‘what?’ moment right there. Twice. Please let this be explained because it would pain me for it to not be.

Nolan was very good in this week’s episode. I liked being able to see the pain behind his emotion to have not been able to spend the last ten years of his father’s life with him. It makes his character all the richer. There is so much depth to this character that his humour almost makes me sad for him in ways. Also, can I just say how unbelievable it is that Gabriel Mann is forty-one? The man looks like he could still be in his late twenties, especially with this character’s eccentricity. About the only thing that gives him away may be his veiny hands.

All in all, this definitely was a filler episode, and nothing to be quite excited about. I’m finding myself liking Sarah’s personality a lot more than Emily’s. Sure, her father deserves vengeance, but the fact that she is so emotionally stunted makes it hard to relate to her character. More so now than when this series first started. Still, this series isn’t bad; it does bring forth a lot of drama. I’m just really disappointed that Patrick’s no longer in it, his character really brought more normality and life to this series, regardless of the fact he tried to kill Conrad.

My rating: 6.5 out of 10.

Best Lines:

“I’m a Clarke.” – Charlotte states, owning the fact she’s not technically a Grayson.

“No, no, I just meant I can put it in a nicer mug.” – Jack tells Margo, regarding the question of whether the coffee will do for her.

Alright, that’s all for the evening. I’m going to go watch more Buffy the Vampire Slayer and try to make another big snowflake. Otherwise, check back in tomorrow for my reviews of How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Sleepy Hollow, and The Blacklist.

Revenge 3.06 Review: Honesty is More Powerful than Manipulation

For all those that have yet to watch last night’s episode of Revenge, entitled ‘Dissolution’, this is the only point where I will suggest that is what you do before reading ahead. This is not a spoiler free blog. THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS! You’ve been warned.

Despite my enjoyment of the final moments between Emily, Nolan, and Jack, this was not as great an episode as last week’s. Sure, I can understand the creative angle driven to write this episode the way it was written, I was a little disappointed in the way certain things were chosen to go.

For starters, Nolan and Patrick only had two episodes kind of together, and I was actually rooting for them and loved them together, but that’s basically down with now. I feel like Patrick just got here, and now he’s being rushed away, despite the possibilities and normalcy his character brought to the show. Yes, he has a weird relationship with his mother, and yes, he tried to kill Conrad, but that doesn’t mean he needed to be written out for a time. I was really liking his character, and how happy he seemed to be making Nolan, someone who really needed it, so I’m sad that this is the way that was chosen, at least at this early point where it almost feels like they made a mistake in the way they’ve written things and are thus fixing them.

Another thing, the chemistry between Daniel and Sarah is so much more obvious than between Emily and him. They have a sense of passion between them that is impossible for Emily with Daniel. But I know that the wedding is gone through with, so what’s the point in dangling this possibility that would be so much better for him than Emily. Emily’s lack of emotions, and almost lack of personality, sometimes makes it hard for me to root for her revengenda, plus the way her plans always seem to be infiltrated before she can fully act them out. It makes it a little strained.

Charlotte was also getting under my skin this week. She’s trying to “protect” her brother from marrying “the wrong woman” and it just makes her seem too much like her mother. I liked seeing her grow into becoming her own, manipulating woman, but we already have a Victoria, and for the most part I want her to be taken down, so I don’t really want Charlotte to end up that way too. It’s disheartening to see a maturing woman become a miniature, almost identical, person to an existing character that isn’t all that great. Victoria has her place, but I don’t want Charlotte to take over that place when Victoria is eventually taken down.

While I was a little weirded out and confused by the way the dialogue was written between Nolan and Jack in the bar, I was happy that they were able to work things out.  It was difficult to follow, but I got the gist of what was going on, and I’m glad they were able to work towards a place of friendship again, because I absolutely adore their friendship, especially the way it was in the first season. It’s nice to see that working out for the both of them, it really appears as though they need each other.

I’m not sure how I feel about this whole Aiden and Emily thing going on. I was under the impression that he was there only to help her get things done, but now they’re back together. I know she has no liking for Daniel, ever since he learned of the cover up of her father’s wrongful incarceration and did nothing about it, but I still feel like her and Jack would be better suited than Aiden and her. It almost seems like, at this point, she’s manipulating Aiden to keep him in line and helping her, but that she’s not trying to manipulate Jack anymore. I did finally realize why he’s pretending to help Victoria, pushing her in the direction Emily needs her to be in, but that’s still not enough for me to feel like Aiden and her need to be the way they are.

All in all, a solid episode of television, although my own creative vision of this series didn’t quite fall in line with the showrunner’s this week. Alas, I’ll leave it up to him to decide what is best for this series, so long as it keeps me interested, doesn’t outstay its welcome, and doesn’t become completely moronic that it alienates me and its vast audience. For now I will keep mum about it, and will look forward to the day we learn who shoots Emily, or if it really is the staging for Victoria being blamed for Emily Thorne’s death.

My rating: 7.5 out of 10.

Maybe I was too tired with this and Once to catch any pop out lines, but there were none I felt impressive enough to jot down. So this is my final review of the night. Check back tomorrow night for my reviews of How I Met Your Mother, Bones, Sleepy Hollow, and The Blacklist. Otherwise, good night everyone.