Revenge - Pilot, S01E01

While the dark and twisted nature of this show is what one would expect from the title Revenge, it's too tragic. I couldn't help but feel compassion for all of the characters, and yet did not feel enough for the lead who is trying to wreck havoc on the Hamptons.

The first segment of the show takes us to the end of the summer where we witness the murder of a young man, Daniel (Joshua Bowman). By the end of the episode, there are two possible reasons for the murder which I can deduce - Jack, (Nick Wechsler) who appears to have pulled the trigger, either had a personal motive, likely related to money, or he did it for the lead character who is seeking revenge - Emily...or is her name Amanda (Emily VanCamp). Neither of these seems a good enough reason to kill a guy who seems alright. He certainly has done nothing to deserve death, and even if he was simply a casualty of a vendetta against his mother, I certainly cannot feel sympathy for his killer. Plus, he really appeared dead, and not on death's door, so getting to know him over the next several episodes, we won't get attached since we know he won't be sticking around.

Frankly, if I'm going to watch a show about Revenge, I want it to be delicious. Victoria (Madeleine Stowe)'s vengeance against her best friend over the affair with her husband, now that was delicious. It was cruel and very precise, and she was extremely honest about it. Emily's vendetta against Victoria does not have the same feel. She doesn't have the same righteousness about her when destroying other people's lives. It's sad really.

It's possible this show will be a hit, but I really can't see the appeal. It wasn't clever or interesting enough to really be worthwhile, nor was it devilishly evil enough to be a guilty pleasure. I'd put this show on the eventual casualty list for 2011-2012, even venturing to bet it won't get picked up for the back 9. Am I being to harsh, or was that your impression as well?