Revenge (TV Series) Guilt (2011) User Reviews

really taking off now!

[RavenGlamDVDCollector · 9/10 · 21 February 2017]

First off, how could they do that immense spoiler, kicking off the episode by revealing what was going to happen? That was a big mistake. Big. Another thing: This way, Amber Valetta goes off the set way too soon. Okay, I had a feeling Lydia's going to get murdered, saw this coming, but she's one of the most interesting characters. Plot development, for the best of the series, okay...

I've been posting reviews of previous episodes, and you'd gather from them that I do like the show. "Another great episode" I said, along those lines. Mostly I've been aware of the obvious quality, and the potential to really be a hit. It's indeed been great, but, the real, real spark, the zing, the total buzz... Well, what it lacked, it sure is starting to gain. And now, with this episode, the rocket is really launched and soaring off...

I generally watch far older TV series and film, this is one of my few contemporary items, relatively speaking. I sure can see why it is so popular.

Madeleine Stowe is performing at her best, she was born for this part. Emily VanCamp is amazing. I love the little sounds she makes to express herself. Emily Alyn Lind is a little treasure! Personal favorite remains Crista B. Allen, whose Charlotte keeps reminding me of Fallon Carrington. Loved her in the speeding car! Those bright eyes, the dimples! The casting department really outshone themselves!

As for the characters, it's good to see that Victoria Grayson isn't just some one-dimensional witch, but a complex character with a conscience. I repeat that I do have to get used to the main character being inwardly dark, in many scenes hard-edged, but, she is just awesome.

REVENGE is dish well worth watching. Served hot.

egneveЯ vs. Return to Eden, thrilling story, good-hearted and devilish personas, Agent Nolan XXX, Æmily as Picasso's muse

[igoatabase · 20 October 2011]

Emily Thorne and Amanda Clarke, the two sides of an angelic beauty and vengeful daughter. But she's no Two-Face as the first hasn't killed her former self yet, even if I wouldn't mind the show to be darker and disturbing. They just share the same body and soul. In fact Revenge reminds me of a mini-series that marked my younger days, Return to Eden. It first aired in 1983 and its story had a high impact on me. It told the tragic life of Stephanie Harper and her rebirth as Tara Welles. From dangerous crocodiles to a nice plastic surgeon it had all the ingredients to viciously charm its audience. The mini-series was actually so successful that it became a TV series. No one tried to kill Amanda but her father was framed for a murder he didn't commit. However like Stephanie she decided to change her name and use her talents, beauty and intelligence, to ruin the life of the monsters behind her traumatic experience. To sum things up Emily Throne is to Revenge who Tara Welles is to Return to Eden. We'll see if the first knows when it's time to back off before it's too late !

Last time I complained about the repetitiveness of the some patterns applied by the writers. Their work is so brilliant that I knew they wouldn't disappoint us and keep the audience under pressure. Guilt delivered in all departments and was fueled by what makes the show so addictive and interesting. First it was less predictable and blurred the lines that define the characters shape even more. From Nolan's suspicious good intentions to the shocking death of Lydia (Amber Valetta) it had all the elements of a great thriller. Don't worry revealing Conrad's mistress fate is no spoiler as it's actually the very first scene of the episode, like Daniel's death in the pilot. So it almost felt like peeping at the finale, making the story even more captivating and unpredictable. It got even better when Emily continued to lose control over the puppets she's supposed to master. Indeed because she's only an apprentice and could use the experience of someone like Victoria Grayson.

My favorite part about this installment was that it focused more on the Graysons, the wife and the husband. The players on the chessboard kept moving to secure their respective Kings and the return of Lydia was refreshing compared to the recurrent payoffs. However they always managed to serve the main story so they weren't fillers, only signs of the upcoming storm. Moreover should I even mention that Valetta looked ravishing in her elegant black and white evening gown ? Objectively her acting was good and she really made me care for her character because no one deserves to die like that. Of course she was guilty but killing someone isn't the solution, it's just wrong. Beside Lydia the story was also a lot about Daniel's friend. Do you hate him ? I do ! From his devilish smile to how he manipulated them I was curious how he would prevent his plan to backfire. Its outcome made me hate him even more ! The Graysons and Emily have definitely found a new player to at least snatch a few of their pawns.

The sweetest and cutest couple in The Hamptons was also back. Indeed even if Declan and Charlotte's roles have been anecdotic so far their short scenes are always welcome. Moreover I already anticipate how much their probable involvement will influence Emily and others. It's specially true for Nolan because his acts demonstrate that his skills have limits. It's one thing to hack someone's computer, it's really something else to jump in a pool full of tiger sharks. Don't expect him to go all James Bond on you but the upcoming episode should be pivotal for him. It also applies to Emily because she could also regret of trusting Nolan for example and of course hurting innocents. Indeed her controversial goal is a motivation for the moment but her project could quickly become a nightmare if she isn't careful enough. Picasso said something about destruction being a form of creation but once her painting is done Emily could left a broken Amanda behind her, if it's not already the case. It's probably my wild imagination that drives my words but the metaphora was inspired by the creative split screen featuring little Amanda and the vengeful young woman she has become. During this short sequence it seemed the last was trying to reach for the first, defying the rules of time and space in the process, in order to reassure her. Planes crash and people die but you can fall sleep now because I will eternally be by your side.

Note : This review was first posted on Kritikenstein, my weblog.