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It’s that time of year again: time to pick up your favorite TV shows on Blu-ray and DVD and binge-watch them in preparation for the beginning of the new season. If you happen to watch ABC’s dishy drama Revenge, re-watching the last season isn’t something you do solely out of excitement; it’s something you do out of necessity—because each episode is so full of backstabbing and betrayal that you’ll need a refresher before this twisted tale of retribution in the Hamptons continues.
After getting a bit side-tracked in the second season, wronged little rich girl Emily Thorne (Emily VanCamp) gets back to the business of plotting revenge against the Graysons (and all of their numerous allies) in season three. This season, she continues on her path to the ultimate vengeance: marrying Daniel Grayson (Joshua Bowman), the heir to the Grayson throne, and tearing the family apart from the inside. But when her elaborate plan doesn’t go as expected, she’s forced to make some adjustments.
Meanwhile, as Emily continues on her quest, down-to-earth bar owner Jack (Nick Wechsler) begins dating Daniel’s glamorous new business partner, Margaux LeMarchal (Karine Vanasse). Sparks fly between Nolan (Gabriel Mann) and Patrick (Justin Hartley), the long-lost son of Emily’s arch nemesis, Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe). And even Victoria herself reunites with an old love—Margaux’s father, Pascal (Olivier Martinez)—as her marriage to Conrad (Henry Czerny) comes to an end (again). And as the body count rises, Emily continues to uncover clues that could prove—without a doubt—that Conrad framed her father.
The third season of Revenge definitely kicks up the guilty pleasure factor. It seems as though there are more secrets, more lies, and more hidden agendas than ever before. Even the more likable, unassuming characters become devious and cunning as Emily gives in to her sinister side and Daniel becomes downright sleazy. Nolan, on the other hand, is more flamboyant than ever—which, unfortunately, turns him from lovable sidekick to overplayed stereotype.
It’s definitely a relief to see Emily back to her old ways, returning her attention to the family that framed her beloved father. And although she seems to go a little too far from time to time, you can’t help but root for her—because, even in their most sincere moments, the Graysons are just so mustache-twirlingly evil that you’ll want to see them get their just deserts. And Emily’s plans are often so clever—and so intricately detailed—that it’s just plain fun to try to follow along.
As is often the case with such a layered series, some of the storylines work better than others—and some of the characters make more sense than others. Fortunately, though, there’s so much going on here that it’s easy to overlook the missteps. And when yet the final episode comes to its big, crazy shocker of a conclusion, you’ll be left eagerly awaiting the start of yet another wonderfully devious season.
DVD Review:
The five-disc DVD release of the third season of Revenge includes many of the usual special features. There are 14 deleted scenes, a blooper reel that’s loaded with laughter and silly faces, and an interesting and informative audio commentary for the season finale.
If you’re looking for something a little more in-depth, however, there’s just one option: Table for Five at the Stowaway. In this entertaining extra, Henry Czerny (Conrad), Nick Wechsler (Jack), Gabriel Mann (Nolan), Barry Sloane (Aiden), and [a surprisingly very British] Joshua Bowman (Daniel) gather around a table at the fictional watering hole to talk about the show, their characters, their on-set antics, and saying goodbye to beloved cast mates. It’s a relaxed, easy-going conversation that will make you wish that you could be a part of the cast (but, if you were, you’d definitely keep your trailer door locked at all times).
Though the extras aren’t exactly in great supply, they’re still worth a look. They’ll only add to your excitement for the beginning of season four.
