Revenge, Season 2, Episode 6: “Illusion”
Written by Michael Foley
Directed by Bobby Roth
Airs Sundays at 9 pm (ET) on ABC
Nothing on Revenge is ever tied up with a nice, neat little bow. So why would Victoria and Conrad’s seemly and less than romantic second marriage be any different?
When Kara (Jennifer Jason Leigh) says of the Graysons, “They’ll get what’s coming. People like that always do”, it doesn’t really sound like a simple observation; rather, a promise.
Charlotte (Christa B. Allen) is becoming quite the voice of reason for the characters’ actions. She still has her rather unimportant drama but at least she’s not downing pills and complaining about Declan (Conor Paolo).
Aidan (Barry Sloane) is slowly but surely becoming a favorite new character of mine, even though I know he still has a healthy dose of secrets. I like him but I don’t trust him for one second. But after all, isn’t that what Revenge does so well? Create characters that we love but barely trust.
I was initially skeptical of Daniel’s investigation into his families company, but it’s turning into a really interesting storyline that should have some major consequences for everyone involved.
I’m still a little shaky on the whole storyline involving Jack and his new business partner, Kenny Ryan, though. For the time being the story seems utterly unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but again this is Revenge, which means there’s probably a whole lot more going on than what we see. This storyline seems to be the weakest on a show full of stellar ones, but like most things on this show, it always has potential.
Viewers have always known that Nolan (Gabriel Mann) is capable of much more than being Emily’s (Emily Van Camp) little helper. His and Emily’s relationship is pushing him towards his own passion for revenge. He might even be better at it then Emily. Either that or I’m just craving some really awesome Nolan action from my favorite character.
Much of this season has been setting up the big explosion. But the great thing about Revenge is that it even makes the set up thrilling. Emily’s plan to take down Mason is wonderfully constructed and makes for some fascinating twists and turns, especially when her plan backfires.
There are a lot of great moments in this episode, particularly the moment when we see Victoria’s (Madeline Stowe) smile of pure and honest joy as she realizes she’s close to a way out of her marriage to Conrad (Henry Czemy).
“It’s almost like you’ve known each other forever” Ashley’s simple line to Aidan seems like something you should just toss aside, but I’m certain that Ashley isn’t a backstabber; there’s something more there.
I was left with a couple of big questions this week: What exactly does Conrad owe the Initiative? And when exactly are we going to see that lovely wedding gun again?
Tressa Eckermann