Revenge

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Soapy drama mixes high society and adultery with betrayal.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this soapy drama mixes in some iffy concepts when it comes to getting revenge on people who've wronged you in the past. There's also implied sex (but no nudity) and characters who engage in adultery. Social drinking is typical; one character is a recovering alcoholic who no longer drinks, and some underage characters try to drink alcohol. There are several violent incidents, too, involving guns and a little blood, along with low-level curse words like "ass."

  • There's an ongoing theme of forgiveness vs. revenge, but as evidenced by the title, revenge wins out.
  • A few characters have good -- or at least neutral -- intentions, but the main character is bent on causing serious harm to others who have wronged her, a brand of harm that doesn't have to physical to be vicious.
  • Some sudden moments of violence, including shootings with minimal blood. Characters also harm others in ways that aren't necessarily physical.
  • Kissing and implied sex, but no nudity. Characters engage in extramarital affairs, but with typically negative consequences. One recurring character is a stripper.
  • Infrequent use of terms like "ass."
  • Not applicable.
  • Social drinking, with some underage characters attempting to drink. One character is a recovering alcoholic. References to drug use.

What's the story?

Years after losing her father -– and everything she once held dear -– Emily Thorne (Emily VanKamp) moves into a posh Southampton beach house with plans to wage REVENGE on those responsible for her pain. But nobody seems to remember that she once lived there before, nor suspect that her objectives are anything but innocent. High on her hit list is wealthy socialite Victoria Grayson (Madeline Stowe), who conveniently lives just next door.


Is it any good?

 

In a way, Revenge feels like it's playing on the wrong network, having more in common in terms of feel and superficial characters with teen-oriented primetime soaps like the CW’s Gossip Girl. And maybe that's why, on ABC, it feels like a particularly lightweight contender for serious ratings. Nevertheless, the central story gets its inspiration from a serious work of fiction, Alexandre Dumas' classic novel The Count of Monte Cristo.

 

Of course, those who've read the book will rightly recognize that Emily Thorne is no Monte Cristo -- but Revenge's glammy tone and unapologetic soapiness also make it clear that she isn't really meant to be. So if you're willing to accept the series for what it is, Revenge may yield sufficiently guilty rewards.


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What families can talk about

  • Families can talk about the show's central theme of forgiveness vs. revenge. What are the negative consequences of choosing revenge, as the show's main character has done? Would it be possible for her to move on without causing harm or pain to others who've wronged her in the past?

  • Have you read Alexandre Dumas' classic novel, The Count of Monte Cristo, upon which this show is loosely based (or seen the 2002 film adaptation)? What are the similarities and differences between the two works? How have this show's producers modernized the story?

  • Who's the target audience for this type of drama -- teens or adults? How can you tell? Does it resemble any other TV dramas?


This review was written by Kari Croop
Adult
October 14, 2011
 
caution
well i will admit i am not a parent but i am a christian man who knows just what i like and i love this show but be for warned sexual content varies from week to week as does language and vilonce so be careful with small kids but it is definitily worth the watch on wednsday nights

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Teen, 14 years old
October 20, 2011
 
this show is great!
I am 13 years old and I love the show, its a suspenseful drama that leaves you wanting more every week. The show is called "Revenge" so obviously there is going to be a general theme of revenge which may not be great for all kids. There is a slight amount of violence but nothing that will give anyone over 11 nightmares. This show has some sexual content but never any nudity. Sconce this show is about the "Hamton" life style there will be some social drinking and one of the main characters is a recovering alcoholic, but there is once again nothing major. They barely ever swear in this show but when they do its never worse than the a word. All in all its a great show for 13 year old and up with a little bit of non bloody violence, some sexual content but never anything major, and social drinking. Its a great show and a perfect wednesday night drama.

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Teen, 14 years old
September 23, 2011
 
Some anti-peace messages that may confuse your teens.
Trying to get back at people. And how it becomes a disaster. You think your getting rid of your problems but all you are getting rid of is your dignity. And mixing anger and violence. How those two go hand in hand. This show has some intense violence. There are a few shootings, but most of it is suspense. Some social drinking, but some lines like 'you want to get drunk tonight?' Emily is the girl that everyone likes but does make questionable decisions.

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Teen, 18 years old
September 26, 2011
 
Surprisingly good!
I thought it was very good! It is mysterious, clever, suspenceful, full of drama! There might be some parts you kid doesn't understand fully. There are some issues like violence(in the opening scene of the pilot, they show somebody getting shot. but very little blood. another scene, the main character poisoned a mans soup, but he was okay) As for sexual things, a husband cheats on his wife with her best friend. The whole theme of the show is Forgiveness or Revenge. Obviously, the main character chooses Revenge, contrary to what her father said(forgiveness). It might set a bad example for kids, that if something doesn't go your way, you can seek revenge on the person, but if a kid thinks that way, i feel they're too young/immature to watch the show. I really enjoyed it!

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Parent
November 28, 2011
 
Good For Adults, Bad For Kids
Definetely not for kids. It is more of an adult drama series than a teen show. Involves a lot of sexual contact and alcohol use and abuse. 4/5 for story plot and mystery.

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Teen, 16 years old
May 25, 2012
 
Great Show!
This show is actuallly really good, i love it but its for older kids. It has a bunch of twists and turns, but the whole show is about revenge which wouldn't be a good message for younger kids, but its still a great show.

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This review was written by Kari Croop
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:ABC
Cast:Emily VanCamp, Gabriel Mann, Madeleine Stowe
Genre:Drama

This review was written by Kari Croop
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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