What Will ABC's New Show 'Revenge' Teach Viewers About Forgiveness?

By Gina E. Ryder, Christian Post Contributor Wednesday, September 21, 2011

A new TV show called “Revenge” premieres tonight at 10 p.m. on ABC. It is the network’s first time venturing into uncharted, scandalous territory with this youth-obsessed drama that is marketing itself with the slogan “forgiveness is not an option.”

A modern day take on the classic tale” The Count of Monte Cristo”, “Revenge” is set in the upscale Hamptons where viewers get a taste of high society since the Hamptons are the summer getaway of choice for wealthy New Yorkers.

The show follows Emily Thorne who is new to the area. She's met some of her wealthy neighbors, has made a few new friends and seemingly blends into the town. But something is slightly peculiar about a 20-something female living in an exclusive community in an expensive address all on her own. The truth is that Emily isn't exactly new to the neighborhood.

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In fact, this was once her old neighborhood, until her father was hauled off to prison as a result of a frame-up job by several of his wealthy neighbors. Emily is back 17-years later and she's returned to right some of those wrongs in the best way she knows how – with a vengeance.

But why is forgiveness not an option for Emily played by “Everwood” star Emily Van Camp?

Well, viewers will have to find out. Current online advertisements for the show swirl one-liners such as “revenge is a dish best served cold”, “revenge is cohesiveness” and “revenge is taking justice into your own hands.”

“Revenge” creator Mike Kelly of “Swingtown” explained why he chose the show's theme in the first place.

"Revenge is universal. As primal as the need for love, sex, or the feeding of a searing hunger. Revenge crosses time and culture. It starts unwinnable wars and visits generations of blood feuds on families with unsettled scores. Revenge is as old as humanity. Dark and dramatic and endless, “ said Kelly said in a release.

Media studies experts are always exploring why certain themes and topics arise in mainstream culture. Former journalist Amy Bonebright, media studies lecturer at Liberty University’s School of Communications, spoke with The Christian Post. While Bonebright warns viewers to be careful of what they choose to consume, she predicts that ABC’s marketing of “Revenge” may be mere media enticement.

“We are often fed one storyline in the previews and experience another in the actual show. Maybe the show’s characters will come to discover that being unforgiving is not a means to an end after all.”