TV Review | ‘Revenge’ returns with dramatic mid−season episode

Now in its second season, “Revenge” is just as chock full of tension and romance as it has always been. Emily (Emily VanCamp) continues to avenge the wrongful conviction of her father by defaming the guilty and finding new and inventive ways to reveal the truth. In one of the latest episodes, she targets a high−standing judge and his wife and, as usual, succeeds almost effortlessly. Emily’s character in “Revenge” has always been an audience favorite, and nothing has changed in that respect since the beginning of this matchless ABC series.

It is always exciting to see what new paths Emily will take, and what barriers she is willing to break in order to reach her ultimate goal of revenge. Recently, she has been retracing her steps and using her allure over a certain ex−fiance — Daniel Grayson — to get close to the information she really wants. The episode ends with a promising development in their relationship which raises a question that has been posed several times in the series: Will Emily’s emotions inevitably impede her plot for revenge, or will she learn to emotionally detach herself?

For much of this season, Emily’s romantic relationship with British beau Aiden (Barry Sloane) has slowly but surely become more serious. Her plan to use Daniel as a pawn, however, creates an unusual love triangle, suggesting that Emily might have more personal problems to deal with than she expected.

Nolan’s former lover Marco has also returned to the scene, and seems unlikely to leave any time soon. He has also unsuccessfully attempted to rekindle his relationship with Nolan a number of times. However, it is clear, however, that Nolan had some very strong feelings for his ex−CFO as well as his current, female one. “Revenge” explores several different aspects of the human psyche through its characters, Nolan’s sexuality being one that repeatedly rears its head.

In addition to this season’s ever−present romance, “Revenge” has also brought with it intrigue and danger. Daniel’s newfound power in Grayson Global has put him in a vulnerable position when it comes to the major villain, Americon Initiative. However, his character has definitely developed since the first season, which suggests that he will perhaps be able to handle the terrorist group in a less destructive way than his parents did.

Regardless, Americon Initiative continues to lurk in the shadows, claiming connections with Aiden that will inevitably lead to something unpleasant. As well as luring Daniel into deeper and more dangerous territories, this terrorist group will most likely be inflicting much more pain and terror on the lives of many of the characters on the show.

Ironically, the only characters who seem to be safe from the Initiative, the Porters, are dealing with their own pair of terrorists: the Ryan Brothers. In the beginning of the second season, Kenny and Nate’s feelings regarding Jack’s involvement in their father’s death were left unresolved. Would the brothers come to peace with Jack, or would they attempt to avenge their father’s death? It is evident, however, that they have chosen the latter. Still, Kenny’s concern for the Porters is something that needs to be closely watched for the rest of the season, as it may come to the Porters’ benefit and his vile brother’s downfall.

This season’s winter return of “Revenge” was not as intriguing and tension−wrought as most of the previous episodes in the series. However, it has built a very strong foundation for the rest of the season. Viewers can definitely expect much more conflict and much more character development in this season. “Revenge” continues to be one of the most captivating and original shows on television today, and its return after a long four−week break was well received.