The Return of Revenge – Have you been watching?

• By Andy Love
• STAYING IN TV
• 107 days ago
• 48

Season Two of Revenge is already in full swing on E4. For those of you who have yet to see the show (seriously, have you been living under a rock?) let the DS team get you up to speed.

From the creator of One Tree Hill and The OC Mike Kelley comes the new primetime soap opera Revenge, a show generating high viewing figures in the 18-49 year old demographic.

David Clarke (James Tupper) was a man working with The Greysons, an important, influential and rich family living close by. He lived with his daughter Amanda (Emily VanCamp) – our protagonist, and through her eyes we witness all the events that brought her to her decision to action revenge. Intrigued? Then keep reading.

Mr Clarke was having an affair worth Victoria Greyson, played by the amazing Madeleine Stowe, a ruthless woman who will do anything to protect her own interests. David is eventually framed for a crime that he did not commit – funding a terrorist group responsible who set off an explosion on a commercial flight.

Young Amanda Clarke witnessed it all, and was subsequently thrown into a juvenile hall to fend for her own life and safety, learning to defend herself and promising to seek revenge against those who framed her father. That is when Amanda Clarke starts using the alias Emily Thorn and begins the hunt for the rich and powerful who framed her father and dish out the justice they deserve. Through every chapter we see Emily go after a different person – close friends, family and even work associates – putting them through some sort of scandal or danger, ruining their lives in very creative ways.

With the help of friends such as the tech savvy Nolan Ross (Gabriel Mann), Amanda Clarke aka Emily Thorn is provided with the latest technology (untraceable smart-phones, spy cameras – James Bond would be jealous) to exact her revenge throughout the show. This show offers all the drama of a soap opera (and at times some slightly over the top acting) but that is what makes it entertaining; the show has you riveted to your seat with some amazing plot twists. The diverse cast also include two British actors, Ashley Madekwe (Secret Diary of a Call Girl) and Joshua Bowman (13 hrs, Prowl)

Interestingly, the strength of the show lies in the female characters. While most men will be seen as emotional and frail, women in this show are cold, analytical – qualities that you’d expect in your typical male action hero. These are women trying to beat each other at their own game of scandal, gossip and ruin. The show uses quite a lot of “nonviolent” approaches to finish disputes and agreements, being creative with its game of intrigue.

The characters and story are almost portrayed as a chess match. The men here are mostly pawns for the will and the objectives of the female cast. It is another great innovative show, and it seems quite surprising that they have managed to pull a second season. DS believes this is another show not to be missed – just make sure you grab the popcorn. Emily Thorn’s plans can be quite addictive and you will want to see what she is up to next.