What a mess this show has become (and we’re only four episodes in). I really really wanted to love 666 Park Avenue. It’s got one of the best casts ever assembled for a television series and a spooky premise in a fascinating backdrop. However, the show just squanders all of its potential with every passing episode. It should be kicking ass by now but instead, it’s just slogging along never really culminating into anything more than passable, disposable TV.
The writers tried their best to build Nona up as a character besides the thief / psychic aspect but it’s just not really working or coming together as much as they’d hoped. The problem is that the show still isn’t establishing the rules of the world its set in. This couldn’t be more evident than in the obituary writer’s dilemma (she’s so forgettable as a character I can’t remember her name). The last episode ended with her creation torturing her and it was quite thrilling. Here, she’s just running around writing more articles and trying to stop Kapinski from killing her boss. It requires way too much suspension of disbelief (even for this show). I only enjoyed one aspect of her subplot – the fact that she ended up getting shot at the Mayor’s house in the episode’s strongest sequence.
I hate to say it, but 666 Park Avenue reminds me of last year’s suck-fest Ringer. Of course it’s not nearly as horrendous but it’s the same case of a show draining the life out of an exceptional premise and a talented star (in this case several) who deserve better. While 666 isn’t bad, it’s quite bland which is really a bigger injustice. However, being the optimist that I am, I won’t give up hope.
Sinister Snippets
– I literally rolled my eyes when Henry conveniently spotted a document on Gavin’s desktop called “Greenpoint” and another with his and his wife’s name.
– How convenient of Henry to forget his USB on Gavin’s desk. Groan.
– If I have to see that suitcase ticking along one more time, I just might strangle myself.
– Oh look it’s the black smoke from Lost. Did it hitch a ride with Terry O’Quinn?
– The episode’s only thrilling moment was undoubtedly Jane screaming out Henry’s name just before the gunshot. I’m a sucker for slow-motion epiphany sequences.
– I want to care about Nona’s catatonic grandmother. I really do.
– So Henry never even read the USB files? How unrealistic, especially since one has his name on it!
– I will admit that the suitcase smoke turning into the mysterious figure is probably the show’s strongest cliffhanger yet.
Conclusion
A terribly disappointing hour from a show brimming with potential.
Nad Rating
C-