HOLLYWOOD—It’s a rule that I have taught myself over and over again: if the title of a television show describes precisely what the series is about, there’s no need to waste your time. Well, I’ll have to eat those words, as ABC’s “Revenge” is the guilty pleasure that keeps on giving. Seeing the promos on first glance just looked too cheesy for me, but I gave the series a chance. It turns out it’s the most satisfying drama in ages. 

"Revenge" stars Madeline Stowe as the devilish Victoria Grayson. There’s a reason she garnered that Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress: Stowe makes playing bad look so good. Is she vindictive? Yes. Is she heartless? Yes. Is she gorgeous? Yes. She’s the complete package, but every villain must have an adversary. That adversary is found in the terrific Emily VanCamp who portrays Emily Thorne, a woman whose father was killed at the hands of the Graysons and her life ruined. VanCamp plays the role of innocence with such inspiring deception.

The series opens with an excellent is-he-or-isn’t-he-dead moment that involves Victoria’s playboy son Daniel (Joshua Bowman), who has been shot multiple times. The fact that the series opens with so much action right away is gutsy, but it ultimately pays off. The viewer eagerly awaits the outcome as we’re told what leads up to this epic event. Staying on top of the social ladder in the Hamptons isn’t easy when Victoria is the queen bee; just ask her best friend Lydia (Amber Valletta), who slept with her husband. Not only did she embarrass her former best friend, she made sure to exile her from the inner circle. If that wasn’t enough, she was also responsible for putting her into a coma. 

Betrayal appears to be a common theme in this delicious drama where every character has a secret or two. That secret is used for their liking whether it’s for monetary gain or social gain. Emily finds herself in one tangled web after another, but manages to stay one step ahead; the revelation that Emily Thorne is actually Amanda Clarke jolted audiences.  With so many lies being told, it’s only a matter of time before the truth is unveiled.

Emily VanCamp as Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke on ABC's "Revenge."

Is it a bad thing that I’m patiently waiting for the moment that Victoria learns the truth about Emily? The look on Mrs. Grayson’s face will be priceless, but Victoria is an excellent actress; she’s continuing to flaunt the charade that her marriage is in turmoil to her kids and friends. Another interesting aspect about the series is that everyone appears to be under surveillance. You never quite know who is watching who.

One moment Victoria finds herself honing in on Emily’s secret, but surprise, someone is out to expose Victoria’s dark secrets. Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer is a tagline that resonates well with all the characters on the show.

“Revenge” is the drama that has everything any guilty pleasure should embody: fascinating characters, unexpected twists, murder and betrayal.  With a villain like Victoria and a protagonist like Emily, it’s the classic tale of good vs. evil and audiences love it.  “Revenge” airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

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