This post contains spoilers, especially concerning MAJOR twists
"Kara" and Jack get a little too close for comfort
After argubaly the worst episode of the season so far, there are high hopes going into this week that the series’ ninth episode is much better. With the real Emily staying in town, despite Emanda’s insistance otherwise, could she become the newest enemy on Emanda’s hit list? And, after a seperation between the two most important women in his life, where does Daniel stand, and is there any reconciliation?
Having discovered that her most valuable ally has turned against her, Emily desperately reaches out to her mentor (guest starring Hiroyuki Sanada as Satoshi) for advice. Victoria’s worst nightmare comes true when she finds herself totally alone both in her life and her home, while the threat of Tyler’s negative influence continues to grow.
While it still had a share of problems, there were plenty of shocking moments to lead us into yet another short hiatus before the new episode in two weeks. Given a slow start, the episode finally felt like the true quality of the series right in the middle, only to be somewhat hit and miss as the ending rolled out. There were plenty of great performances, but the true test stood at seeing how everything mixed together.
I think I’ll start off with the smallest storyline first. I found the Declan and Charlotte storyline to actually be one of the best between the two that we’ve seen so far. What added plenty of intrigue into the whole “different sides of the tracks” relationship is when Vic showed up at Declan’s door, declaring money. Given what we know about the characters’ relationship in the future (stripping on the beach together), we knew it wouldn’t end just yet.
However, it was very interesting to see the two teens con the Grayson matriarch out of $25 grand. Granted, the big reveal that the two were still together was predictable at the very least, but it was still a pretty unique way of showing just how much the two care for each other, and that they have some great chemistry.
As for the main story, let’s get one thing straight: Kara/Emily/Amanda, for the remainder of the review, will be called Emily. While Emily Van Camp’s character will be referred to as Emanda (a cross of Emily and Amanda, her two personas). Got it? Because if Revenge does anything best, especially tonight, it’s take a million aliases and names for these two and mix them all around.
Emily, much to Emanda’s chagrin, is staying in town and mixing it up with Jack. Despite Nolan’s attempts, Jack still takes her out sailing, and the two actually kiss. Throw in even more resistance from Nolan and Emanda, Emily is your typical rebel just wedging herself farther into the cracks. As for the end to her story…more on that a bit later on.
Meanwhile, Tyler posed way more of a threat this week, as we find out the con actually stole one of Nolan’s credit cards. This brings him back to Nolan, who thankfully rejects any of the sleaze ball’s advances. With a conviently placed webcam, Nolan learns that Ty pieced together Lydia’s revealing speech from awhile back that revealed the whole framing of David Clarke.
From cons, fraud, and gettin caught, Nolan was in the thick of it this week
That letter thankfully adds some much needed suspense into the episode. I feel like that’s truly what the episodes have been lacking these past two weeks. Without a major threat to expose Emily, the characters have just been mixing it up and the personal relationships have just been playing out. We need some resistance, some force, some possible upset. And while tonight had that, it definitely felt misused in the last half, weaving in and out of the story.
What brings everyone together is an investor recruitment party that Daniel and Tyler are competing for commision under Conrad. Tyler wins by recruiting Nolan, but possibly at a great cost. In one of tonight’s key shocking moments, Ash walks in and sees Tyler kiss Nolan. No clear indication whether this means the two are over, done planning and schemeing, or just that the slimy little magot will talk his way out of another one.
Speaking of the party, we learn something very crucial: Emanda has yet another trainer. Daniel’s investor Satoshi Takaeda is actually one of the people who “trained” Em. To what capacity is yet unknown, but its revealed via flashback that it took her to Japan, where Satoshi taught her…something. We don’t quite know yet, but we can definitely add him to the list of people who have helped out Emanda, which at this point only includes the juvie warden. But, with Nolan also at the mercy of David, just how deep and wide do these connections go?
Now, on to the biggest shocker of the night. While everyone is at the party, the sailing date between Emily and Jack is still going on. Then, she drops the false bomb on top of Jack’s head: she says that she’s Amanda Clarke. Jack tells Emanda this, and in an interesting twist, you can’t help but feel heartbroken. To see Emily living Emanda’s life if she had fessed up is just shocking. Not to mention what this will do to the Hamptons. We see Emanda introducing her as AC to Daniel, which will obviously bring about a shocking skeleton that will sure be interesting to watch.
With plenty of shockers, it gave the episode some much needed jolts back to life, especially after a very slow beginning. Essentially, the episode had to wave off the lackluster episode from last week, and you can see that as the hour tries to gain some speed. A magnificent middle, and a final act that seems to stumble a bit, but it was definitely a stepping stone to that incredible quality once more.
Overall, “Suspicion” was a solid effort, and while some parts of the episode were much better than others, the shocks, performances, and timid return of suspense is what truly pushes the episode. The “I’m Amanda” shocker is quite a game changer, but the effects aren’t truly felt just yet. Perhaps we need the next episode to truly feel the aftermath, and maybe that’s where the writing is the most intelligent.
4 out of 5 Stars
