Revenge 1×21 – Grief

Revenge’s spectacular premiere season is almost over and this hour was a pretty effective setup for the hopefully explosive finale.

I’m most intrigued by the fact that Emily’s defenses (and yes I’ve resigned to not use the name Amanda as nobody else does) are starting to break down so close to the finale. Her moment of weakness as she passionately locked lips with Jack was fascinating to watch made all the more compelling as it followed the tragic death of lovable Sammy. Although I absolutely hate it when shows overuse the whole “36 hours earlier” spiel (and it really wasn’t necessary in this hour), Sammy’s death affected much more than I would have ever imagined. It was heartbreaking to see him lifelessly laid out on Emily’s doorstep and Jack’s tearful goodbye to him. In fact, seeing Jack cry over Sammy might be the moment I liked him most. His speech broke my heart as it transitioned to flashes of Emily’s childhood. I’m definitely intrigued to see where the couple’s newly kindled romance will go in the finale and if Emily will finally reveal her true identity to good ol’ Jack.

In other news, I really hope the show doesn’t run with the whole “The Initiative” thing. Not every serialized drama needs a shadowy top-secret organization at the head of a larger conspiracy. While something like that might work on Alias or Lost, I’m perfectly happy with Revenge being a personal vendetta tail against a handful of sinister foes. There’s really no need to complicate things with a larger adversary so let’s hope the writers don’t tinker with the show too much as we move into season two.

Speaking of enemies, the white-haired man is a suitably mysterious foe and I’m undoubtedly intrigued to see what his face-off with Emily in the finale will culminate to. He proved himself to be quite adept as he choked the life out of Nolan in the episode’s cliffhanger so I’m especially excited for next week’s blowout.

Finally, Victoria was in tip-top shape throughout Grief. It was actually my favorite episode of hers in a long, long time as she was utterly brimming with snide one-liners and a gleefully devious demeanor. I can’t express how much I love watching her one-up Conrad time and time again. In addition, her bullying of Lydia was a just joy to behold. More please.

Vengeful Bits

– I literally groaned when “36 hours earlier” came up on my screen.

– Is it wrong that I wanted to punch Lydia across the face when she appeared beside Conrad?

– Loved Emily’s plan of framing the Initiative. So consistently resourceful.

– Badass moment of the season nominee: Victoria picking up a letter opener and viciously ripping the painting open.

– Ashley needs to be thrown off a cliff. Twice.

– Daniel sure is becoming a diva these days.

– Excellent twist with Nolan sending Emily to the wrong house (to be intercepted by righteous Aunt Carol no less).

– Epic Grayson group therapy session. Brilliantly written and superbly acted. I could watch an entire hour of this.

– Did we really we need to have Ashley spying on the kiss? I really hate these soap opera machinations.

– I really didn’t expect Victoria to hand the evidence to Daniel. And now Emily has her sights on the briefcase.

– I was hoping white-haired guy would be at Nolan’s! Awesome ending.

Devious Delights

Victoria: You look good Conrad.
Conrad: And you look like a demonic succubus.

Nolan: This is getting kinkier and creepier by the moment.

Nolan You may be a lot of things: black belt in karate, impeccable dresser, and certified sociopath, but you’re not a killer.

Victoria: We used to be such good friends Lydia, what happened?
Lydia: You held me hostage at Grayson Manor after your attack-dog threw me off the roof of my own apartment.
Victoria: Well you certainly have a knack for landing on your feet now don’t you?

Victoria: (To Lydia) The question is, why would Conrad hold on to something that he knows has little value whatsoever? Other than you of course.

Victoria: And Conrad, I like that you suspect me, predictable as you are. But I need you to know that others have been betraying you as well, even while warming your bed.

Victoria: Bravo Conrad. That display of yours should go miles towards helping Charlotte’s recovery.

Conclusion
An exciting hour that capably arranged the chess pieces for an electrifying finale.

 Nad Rating
B+