February 9, 2012 - 6:01pm
'Revenge' RECAP: You don't know Jack
BY PROMA KHOSLA AND KAYLA UPADHYAYA
- ABC
ABC’s juicy and thrilling new drama “Revenge” follows the mysterious Emily Thorne and her plot to destroy the lives of the wealthy socialites who framed her father for a crime he didn’t commit. Daily Arts’ Proma Khosla and Kayla Upadhyaya track the progress of Thorne’s vendetta every week and recap the most recent episode.
Kayla: OK, well before we launch into this week’s episode, I suppose we should address the horrible crime I committed in my “Revenge” review. I somehow managed to write so many words without even mentioning our beloved Nolan Ross. I would like to formally apologize for overlooking the ever-sassy Prince Nolan, when we all know that he is one of the most delightful characters on this show. I love everything about him, even his popped collars and Bieber-esque hair.
Proma: Excellent opening statements. As one of those who was outraged by the lack of Nolan in your review, I publicly accept the apology.
Kayla: Phew. Now, onto “Perception.” I liked this episode a lot for a bunch of different reasons. For one, I was just happy the show was back after a random two-week hiatus. But also, this episode showcased just about all of “Revenge” ’s strengths and still managed to throw a few new things into the mix. I really like that every episode has a very definite theme ... although I wish they wouldn’t beat it over the head so much by having that theme be the episode’s title and the central point of Emily’s somewhat redundant voiceovers. This week, I didn’t mind the reiteration of the theme though and Emily’s bit about “it’s not what you look at that matters, but what you see” was definitely the driving force of the episode.
Proma: Agreed, and perception itself is a very central theme to the show, less so than some of the other episode titles. Whether intentionally or not, this theme has a lot to do with Daniel. I really want to know what’s going on inside his head. He obviously misperceives Emily, and in my opinion he isn’t nearly as suspicious as he should be of all her “secret errands” and sudden camaraderie with everyone in the Hamptons. Then there’s the problem of his parents, who he’s never been able to perceive clearly, and who still toy with his loyalties on a daily basis.
Kayla: I agree. I would like to know more about what’s going on in Daniel’s head, but I think the reason we don’t is actually kind of simple — Daniel hasn’t been given huge chunks of narrative because, let’s face it, Josh Bowman is one of the weaker links acting-wise on the show. Even when Daniel has moments of strong emotion, it kind of falls flat. That’s why I’m OK with him being semi-clueless. So far, the only person who is continually suspicious of Emily is Victoria. If anyone’s perceptions are on the right track, it’s hers.
Proma: It’s just so frustrating! Like at the end when Daniel said he’d never believe his mother again — really? I’m pretty sure she’ll find her way back into his good books within a few hours. Poor boy.
Kayla: It doesn’t take much to win Daniel over, which is why it was so easy for Emily to manipulate him in the first place. I mean, we’ve known for a while that he’s somehow a part of her master plan, but I was very surprised to find out that she had been following him before she ever came to the Hamptons! Side note: What was up with VanCamp’s horrible New York accent in those flashbacks? I guess I’ll give her a free pass since she’s Canadian.
Proma: Was that what it was? Good god, Thorne. I didn’t even try to place it. I was just like “ooh, she said ‘ain’t’! She’s not refined!”
Kayla: I also don’t buy that Daniel ever wanted to be a poet. I mean, really? What was he going to write poems about? Fancy clothes and his pretty face?
Proma: First world problems. Champagne.
Kayla: Boat shoes and blazers.
Proma: That sounds like a TLC spin-off. Something to think about, ABC!
Kayla: (Hire us, Hollywood! We have ideas!) But anyways, let’s talk about two characters who are not usually in the spotlight but were pushed to the forefront this week: Charlotte and Jack. The episode was a game changer for both, but let’s start with Jack. He was in full-on crazy/obsessive mode and it was admittedly a bit much in a few scenes. But overall, I’m glad Jack is serving a bit more of a purpose than just being the sad, cute bartender boy. He’s still one of the show’s tragic characters, but he has gotten a bit more interesting.
Proma: Definitely, and I think it sets up what we know he does in next week’s episode. I cannot believe that’s next week, by the way. I could’ve sworn they’d save Fire & Ice for the finale. My theory is that Crazy Amanda broke into Emily’s house and is going to tell Jack the truth (minus her true identity), and then Jack will get all rash and emotional and ... you know.
Kayla: I’m surprised the explosive engagement party is already here as well (Also: I am disappointed in Victoria’s choice of theme. It’s the same theme the witches of "The Secret Circle" chose for their high school dance ... YOU CAN DO BETTER, QUEEN V). But yes, I definitely think Fauxmanda will play an important role in the happenings of next week’s episode. I’m a bit surprised — and kind of disappointed — that she’s back so soon. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like Fauxmanda a lot, but I was hoping they would save her for a later, more dramatic re-entry into the story. Plus, wasn’t she supposed to be in France or something?
Proma: No, she never took that flight. I’m just annoyed. Everything she does annoys me. I could’ve used more time off.
Kayla: She’s definitely a wild card, and she gets in the way of Emily’s plans so like I said, I’m surprised they brought her back so soon. Hopefully it will have good payoff next week though. Let’s move on to Charlotte. Like Jack, Charlotte is another one of the show’s tragic characters. She has never done anything wrong, which pretty much guarantees something bad will happen to her because this is soap and that’s how it works. Her arcs are usually the most yawn-worthy, but this week I was all caught up in Charlotte’s story. There were some nice moments, particularly the one between her and her father in the study that Emily oversaw ... leading her to change her mind about revealing Charlotte’s true paternity. EMILY THORNE HAS A HEART.
Proma: DUN DUN DUN. I felt so bad for Charlotte. Like you said, she’s never done anything wrong, and now she (and Declan!) is caught in this messy divorce and 15-year old scandal.
Kayla: It’s all so terrible. I wanted to slap Conrad when he told her. She shouldn’t have found out like that. I was annoyed by how persistent Daniel was being about telling her, too. I mean, she doesn’t know the truth, so she thinks that her bio dad was a treasonous, terrorist-supporting bad guy who is now dead. One important lesson we’ve learned is to NEVER HAVE DINNER WITH THE GRAYSONS. Bad things will always ensue.
Proma: But on the flip side, one is always guaranteed entertainment.
Kayla: This is true. What was Emily wearing to that dinner party? Because it looked like a fish net.
Proma: Not her best effort.
Kayla: And I was pleasantly charmed by Conrad’s father ... who seems to prefer Queen Victoria as a daughter-in-law to his actual son. But his plan to have Daniel take over the company seems a tad far-fetched. That boy is NOT ready for something like that. Plus, he wants to be a “poet.” What did you think of Nolan this week, since I know he’s your fave.
Proma: I missed him! He wasn’t in it as much as normal, as much as I would’ve liked. Though of course I’d like him to just be in every scene and play every character. It’s because he was being reasonable. He thinks Jack (and Declan!) has suffered enough and deserves the truth. Since Nolan is talking sense, he’s not allowed to speak for the rest of the episode.
Kayla: Yes, Nolan acts as our little moral compass for the rigid Emily Thorne. And I love when he stands up to her. He has her back, but he cares more about the feelings of others than she does (i.e. when he actually had to EXPLAIN to her that ruining her secret half sister’s life was probably not the best plan).
Proma: Agreed, and it goes along with the very true statement in your review that VanCamp is good at steely, cold acting. I personally think her Hamptons facade could use work in that respect. Anyone that calculating who isn’t Victoria Grayson is definitely shady.
Kayla: Victoria is to me as Nolan is to you. Let us note the fact that she wore jeans in last night’s episode and the world managed not to end. She had some great subtle moments this week. The longing reach for David Clarke’s face on the computer screen was too melodramatic for my taste, but other than that there was some excellent character work. I think she truly is striving to be a better mother ... her timing just couldn’t have been worse. I’m interested to see where things will go for Victoria now though. She has no more allies. Now that her biggest secret is out, both of her children hate her.
Proma: And given what is about to happen to her family, it’ll be interesting to see how she holds up. She’s clearly not mentally or emotionally stable so this could very well unhinge her.
Kayla: Well, at least we know Madeleine Stowe has the acting chops to tackle a complete breakdown like that.
Proma: Well with all that, it was a packed week for “Revenge.” And the next episode should be even more intense. Needless to say, this show is back with a vengeance.
