A Stark Reality: Why GAME OF THRONES Matters

HBO shop front window (cropped view)

After a decade of hard work, sweat, tears, blood, and friendship – we soon bid adieu to the award-winning drama series, GAME OF THRONES. A show so beloved by fans and critics alike earns its spot among television greatness with sweeping saga storylines, fantasical elements, memorable characters and dialogue, costume masterpieces, and special effects that look more real than not.

I entered the GoT fandom in 2016, after my older sister’s passing. Perhaps watching this particular series with my mother seems an odd choice, but it bonded us – allowed us to escape from our grief for a while and rebuild a foundation on which House Deeny can stand. We binge-watched the first six seasons before the seventh’s premiere, and wait with anticipation together for the final journey into “Westeros”.

My mother and I are not alone in our excitement; a claim validated when I went to the HBO shop on Sixth Avenue ten days before the S8 premiere. The store was busy (as it will likely be for the near future) with fans pondering the agonizing decision of which item NOT to get. (To my delight, there were lots of House Stark merchandise leaving the shelves.)

Praying to the TV Gods (Old and New) that my favorite character survives!

GAME OF THRONES matters to people; I implore you not to discount it as a mere pop-culture phenomenon or decade-long fad as that would be doing a disservice to the cast, crew, and fans. If you doubt GoT’s significance, look at social media stats, fan fiction writings, cosplay photos, or the multitude of well-researched theory videos on YouTube. This fandom cares about not only the actors who’ve shot to stardom (deservedly so), but the finished artwork that is GAME OF THRONES. They know the names of those behind the scenes, respectful and appreciative of the writers’, directors’, and musicians’ dedication and craft.

We’re surrounded by chaos, anger, vitriol, and violence in our day-to-day life; so much so that it can seem daunting to trust that hope, joy, and love will reign supreme. People are fighting every day for what they believe in – to find justice for those persecuted or to put aside long-standing disagreements to battle an even greater threat. GAME OF THRONES entertains, shocks, moves, and awes us, but more importantly, it offers viewers a chance to examine the world around them and their part in it. We can overcome even the most challenging of obstacles, building relationships instead of walls.

The fans will certainly mourn the loss of the show (and most likely many of their beloved characters) come May 20th, but appreciation does not have a finale date. To all the artists (in front of and behind the camera) who were a part of GAME OF THRONES all these years: Your work matters! May this be but one reminder of just how much you all matter. Your watch has ended.  On April 14th, it’s the fans turn!

*No endorsement by any of the aforementioned entities, organizations, or their subsidiaries is implied.*

Anastasia: A Journey to Past, Present, and Future

After Act I of Broadway’s ANASTASIA, my eight-year-old niece clapped so hard that I could feel her excitement in my soul. I turned to her and asked, “Abbey, what do you think so far?”  Her eyes smiled and her mouth followed.  “I love it!” I teared up, my spirit soaring like those of the lost princess’s family.

 I’m known in my immediate family as the Broadway one. I will burst out in song at a moment’s notice, play cast albums in my car until I know all the words, and talk about my favorite shows incessantly. The love I have for musical theatre is so firmly engrained within my soul that I’m certain I brought it with me upon birth.

 When Abbey, my oldest niece, was about two or three, she showed interest in musicals. We’d watch animated fairy tales together – her attention captured and joy reflected across her face. She asked my sister non-stop to rewatch the same movie until she knew all the songs by heart and would put on performances for the family.  Like this early one…

 

The animated film ANASTASIA, the story of the lost Romanov princess, is one of our favorites. I’d play the movie soundtrack for her, and she’d ask me to keep the song Once Upon a December on repeat. I promised to bring Abbey to NYC for her first Broadway show, and when she learned that ANASTASIA was going to be a stage musical, that became the must-see choice. Almost two years later we boarded a train for our journey to the present; one which inspired my niece’s future. IMG_5578 

Though now out of my thirties I still feel joy and anticipatory excitement up until the curtain rises and the overture begins. However, on this day my heart filled with love and happiness every time my niece smiled, sang along, or clapped. She tapped my shoulder during Once Up on a December as the stunning visual effects danced across the stage. “Look, Kelly! Did you see that?” As her eyes beamed, so too did my heart – moved by her experience.

 During intermission I walked her up to the souvenir kiosk, because I never go to a show without coming back with at least the program. She saw the collectible music box and though we both gravitated to it we looked at items closer to our price range. We returned to our orchestra seats with a glittery tote bag and a beautiful tiara/crown, which Abbey promptly put on and wore until our return train ride.

 The magical experience continued even after the curtain call when Abbey met “Anastasia” (aka Christy Altomare). As we waited with a crowd of other excited theatre-goers at the stage door line, I asked the tired 8-year-old if she wanted to stay.  “I want to see Anastasia,” she shyly replied. IMG_5602 So we waited our turn, getting autographs from other talented cast members, until the moment arrived. Christy smiled brightly and Abbey mirrored the action. They talked about Abbey’s crown/tiara and whether Abbey enjoyed her first Broadway show. The youngster got quiet, and the grown-ups chatted about our shared hometown (Bucks County, PA). Before we waved goodbye, the two Bucks County musical theatre dreamers smiled for a picture – the younger standing next to a young woman who made her Broadway dreams come true.

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“I forgot to tell her something,” Abbey burst out as we journeyed back to Penn Station. “I didn’t tell her that I’m taking musical theatre classes.” The frown pierced my heart and I pulled her in close. “It’s alright, sweet girl. Tell you what, I’ll send her a message on social media. We can write it together.”  Her smile returned as she walked hand in hand with both her mother and I, our arms swinging and our heads filled with music.

 Abbey’s declaration that one day she’ll be on Broadway warms my musical theatre heart, but I hope it fills her spirit with love, passion, and joy. I can’t wait to see what her journey to the future holds!

**ANASTASIA is currently playing at the Broadhurst Theatre. Visit the official website to learn more and purchase tickets.**

 

 

 

 

TIMELESS: Saving History and Inspiring Hope

I watch a ton of television and not all of them are worth blogging about – save a few. Now, I can proudly add NBC’s TIMELESS to that list.

With a touch of sci-fi rooted in historical fiction, TIMELESS follows a dedicated team (a historian, a pilot, and a soldier) determined to protect the present by saving history. Season one allowed us to delve into the wants, needs, hopes, and fears of it’s heroic trio:  Lucy Preston (Abigail Spencer), Rufus Carlin (Malcolm Barrett), and Wyatt Logan (Matt Lanter). We came to understand them, cheer for them, “ship” them, and care enough to take the weekly journey with them.

After the hard-core fan base brought the show back from the TV cancellation bunker, season two honored what made the show so beloved while deepening it’s importance as a must-watch drama series. The creators and writing team didn’t play it safe by any means. They raised the bar each week, challenging their viewers to see history, and those who played an important role in it, as complex yet identifiable throughout time. They seamlessly interwove current struggles with those of who came before. For though our circumstances were drastically different, our hopes and fears weren’t so: love, acceptance, free will, freedom, friendship, and fighting for a cause you believe in.

 

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March for Science, Washington, D.C. – April 2017

 

I’ve reiterated numerous times on my genealogy blog how history was my least favorite subject. My older sister was the history buff, traveling to interesting locales and continuously learning about important points in our country’s foundation. If she were still alive, Jen would definitely have been a weekly viewer. (Wherever she is in time and space now, I hope she’s visiting all those historic places she researched so ferociously.)

Featuring a talented and diverse acting ensemble, TIMELESS makes history accessible to all; for what makes us different strengthens us. The flawed, relatable characters (including Jiya, Mason, Agent Christopher, and even Flynn) are a community, a team, a group of people who care for and love one another – race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation but a part of the whole.

I learn, reflect, and am moved after watching TIMELESS for two seasons. I implore the TV-powers-that-be to see as much worth in this impactful series as we do!

 

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with TIMELESS, NBC, its employees, subsidiaries, or associates is intended or implied.*

Actors are Real People

Despite what the fine print on your TV ads might say, actors are real people. Truly, they are! Unfortunately, I am continuously amazed that a percentage of the population treat celebrities as though they are not.

Actors (whether on screen or stage) have hopes and dreams, family and friends, ups and downs, and yes, even political opinions about the country and world in which they live. I’ve heard it stated on more than one occasion that “celebrities” shouldn’t complain about all the media attention or lack of privacy because it comes with the profession. That’s preposterous, ridiculous, and a load of…[bleep].

There’s been much talk as of late regarding “fans” and their sense of entitlement towards celebrities. The idea that fame constitutes ownership on any level is unfathomable. These are men, women, and children who are following their artistic passion. Their profession of choice enables them to make their dreams a reality – to act, sing, dance (all three) and share their art with the public. That’s beautiful and worthy of admiration. However, that does not invite a break in boundaries or lack of privacy by the adoring public. We have NO right to expect and/or demand that an artist (regardless of medium or level of fame) owes us their time, attention, or signature.

I completely understand the excitement of seeing your favorite actor, actress, or musician in person and the once in a lifetime opportunity of getting a selfie to show friends and family. I get that – I truly do. (If I ever met Lea Salonga in person I’d probably lose all ability at putting words together cohesively.)  But to intrude upon their personal space or assume that they have a right to acknowledge my presence because I may will it so…well, no – never would I ever.

Real People image

I like to think of celebrity sightings as a glass-half-full moment. If my favorite TV star or musical lead willingly makes time to sign autographs and take selfies, then that’s a happy surprise. Beside, there’s always conventions!!!!

 

If they choose instead to wait at the theatre between shows or are exhausted, in a rush, enjoying peace and quiet, or waiting at the airport then who am I to expect or assume that my needs supersede theirs? They owe me nothing – it is quite the opposite. If they’ve been brave enough to embrace their talent and succeed because of it, I owe them my respect and admiration.  I will continue about my day and, if moved enough, write a letter or blog post sharing my appreciation.

Perhaps the next time you’re frustrated, angry, or annoyed that an actor passed you by without acknowledgement, you might consider that…

Actors are real people!

 

*Recent allegations regarding illegal and unethical behavior by some in positions of power in Hollywood must be voiced and heard in order to enact change. I applaud the brave individuals speaking out against a culture poisoned by those who believe fame gives them a sense of entitlement. If you commit a crime, you should be held accountable by law – regardless of your chosen profession.* 

 

A GAME OF THRONES Newbie

Winter came late for me as it was only last year when I journeyed into the TV series so many adored. After binge-watching the first six seasons of Game of Thrones with my mother I watched each Season 7 episode with excitement and anticipation.

I’d say I’m sorry it took me so long, but the circumstances which led to last year’s binge-viewing made us appreciate the drama series all the more. House Deeny lost its eldest daughter in June of 2016 and sadness filled the space we called home. My parents mourned for their first born, and the “Little Women” – esque sisters grieved for their fierce, independent, outspoken big sister.

 

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Picture of my sister was taken at a Scottish cemetery

 

A few weeks after my sister’s passing, my mother began her research into an Irish family vacation the following summer. When I mentioned that the Deeny ancestors came from Northern Ireland (Rathmullan in County  Donegal and Dungiven in County Derry to be specific), she focused on that area for her tourism research. It was then that GoT entered our world.

“There’s a Game of Thrones tour,” she told me. “Have you watched that show?”

“I haven’t, but so many people tell me I’d love it.”

We were hooked after the first episode and made it a weekly (or bi-weekly) viewing date. I don’t know that I could’ve watched a show that’s graphic in many ways with my mother under normal circumstances. However, we had to move forward into a new normal. Watching “our show” each week became a bonding opportunity for us. For an hour we could immerse ourselves into the drama and intrigue of a fictional world and the characters who inhabited it.

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We cheered for our favorites (Arya, Jon, Sam, and Tyrion) and I often wondered if my mom grieved when Catelyn Stark did. Like the fictional matriarch of House Stark, my mother is a passionate defender of her daughters – compassionate, wise, outspoken, and full of love. Just as Sansa and Arya embody the qualities of their mother in different ways, so too do the Deeny sisters.

This brilliant piece of fictional television deserves all the award recognition it’s received over the years, and I look forward to seeing the talent (on-screen and off) be recognized again for their stunning work in season 7. Game of Thrones is one such show that blends all artistic pieces into one seamless work of art. From the score; to the complex and twist-turning writing; and the raw, flawless acting GoT‘s praise warrants even more.

While I watched the newest season with dear friends (as my mother preferred the “wait for the DVD” method), we’ve decided that buying S7 in December will be a joint Christmas gift to one another. I’ll have plenty of time to get her caught up before the next and final (noooooo) season, and maybe we’ll still have time to get in that GoT tour in Ireland before S8 E1 airs.

UPDATE: 01/03/18I bought the Season 7 DVD the day it was released and my mother is now all caught up. She waits, as the rest of us do, for what Season 8 will reveal!
**DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by any organization mentioned above or their affiliates, actors, or producers is implied.**

 

 

Award Show Weekend Prep

Award Show Time

Today marks the start of Golden Globes weekend and though I’d much rather be in Hollywood interviewing artists on the red carpet, I’m still excited for the telecast regardless of my location. Granted, I don’t watch any of the nominated TV shows nor have I seen any of the film nominees, but this is the time when I decide which ones interest me enough to spend my time or money.

I originally planned to host a viewing party, as I’ve done in years past. However, this year’s viewing will be a low-key event involving my couch and some themed desserts. As I look ahead to Sunday’s telecast, I included some of my earlier blog entries regarding award shows and why they fascinate me so.

Enjoy!!!!

CHAMPION THE ARTS – “...So while my friends and family may plan for the big play-off party I’ll be waiting with excitement for the upcoming entertainment award show season.

A GOLDEN REQUEST – “I have no desire of ever attending a Super Bowl but I do have a goal of going to each major award show at least once in my lifetime.  And the Golden Globes are the ones I seek to attend next!

REQUEST DENIED – “I arranged to visit my sister and her family in Los Angeles once I found out the date of the Golden Globes.  I figured I’d multi-task; spend time with family and check off “attend the Golden Globes” from my bucket list.

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with the Golden Globes telecast, the HFPA, or their affiliates/sponsors/subsidiaries is implied.*

 

An Entertainment-Filled Weekend

A recent trip from the east to west coast inspired me on both a personal and professional level.  As such, I wrote about my experiences on my Author website and have included the links below for your reading enjoyment!

A RECAP OF STORY EXPO 2015:  http://kellydeeny.com/2015/09/14/a-recap-of-story-expo-2015/

Story Expo

SUNDAY SOULJOURN: ENTERTAINMENT PATH

Sunday SoulJourn: Entertainment Path

Sunday SoulJourn Hollywood


Goodbye REVENGE: A Fitting Series Finale

REVENGE viewers spent the past week speculating as to how this four-year journey would end. Who’d make it out alive? Would Amanda be able to say goodbye to Emily Thorne, the identity that defined her for over a decade? Were happy endings in store for Nolan, Jack, David, and Emily? How would the epic rivalry between Emily and Victoria finally come to a close? Tonight’s final episode of the series answered those questions and more.

I sat, riveted, on the edge of my seat throughout the entire episode.  I laughed, cried, and grinned from ear to ear.  I will miss watching this show but am so grateful for the four years of stories created by the REVENGE team, on-screen and off.

Instead of dissecting the episode, I decided to use this forum as a way to celebrate the show and all those dedicated and talented individuals who brought it to life.

It takes a village to raise a…TV show.  While the cast (I’ll get to them in a moment) become the face of the program, so many artists are involved to make the magic happen: set designers, prop masters, script supervisors, stunt coordinators, production assistants, and more. We would easily pass them in the grocery store and never recognize them, though their work left an indelible impression on our lives.

The journey of these characters has come to its end, but my respect and admiration for the cast only grows. Without their talent, we would never have cared about what happened each week. We wouldn’t have rooted for “Emily/Amanda” and loved to hate “Victoria”. One of the saddest parts about REVENGE ending its run is that I won’t see this talented group of actors portraying the characters that I adore. Each of the gifted artists deserve their own blog post, but let’s focus on the dynamic trio:

  • NICK WECHSLER (Jack Porter) – With a combination of gentlemanly charm and raw emotion, Nick made us care about “Jack”. We felt for the man on the outskirts of the truth, and understood his actions. We wanted him to find out that “Emily” was really “Amanda” and when he finally did, Nick steered his character through the choppy waters of that revelation. His character endured tremendous loss over four seasons, and its due to Nick’s talent that we grieved with him. “Jack” was not only “Amanda’s” safe place…he was ours, too.
  • GABRIEL MANN (Nolan Ross) – It takes tremendous skill to flow in and out of comedy and drama, yet Gabe made it look easy. One moment we’re laughing at one of his quotable one-liners, and the next, we grasp the gravity of the situation in which these characters lived in for four years. It’s fitting that it didn’t take long for “Emily” to trust “Nolan”, because we’d already fallen for him by episode 1×1.
  • EMILY VANCAMP (Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke) – An actress whose work speaks volumes without uttering a world. That’s how I define Emily’s talent. She can say so much through a quiver of the lips, tear-filled eyes, and revenge-focused glare. We wanted “Emily Thorne’s” plan to succeed, because her portrayer maneuvered effortlessly between scarred little girl whose childhood was shattered, and a determined young woman on a mission. We cheered her on when she exuded control and fearlessness. We wept with her when loss hit home. Emily VanCamp’s work throughout the series is not only worthy of viewers’ praise and respect, but of acting awards too.

REVENGE may have set sail for the horizon, but it will live on with its viewers infinity times infinity!

**DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with REVENGE implied.**

Thank You to the REVENGE Cast and Crew

ABC’s primetime drama series, REVENGE, will end its run May 10th when the fourth season finale equates to the series finale. Revengers around the world will miss this beloved show, and I proudly include myself among them.

Goodbye Revenge

For four years, REVENGE was the one show that I could NOT miss watching each week. I looked forward to finding out what would happen next and anticipated episodes full of twists and turns. My fellow REVENGE fans will no doubt find ways to say “Thank You” to the cast and crew through photo collages, video montages, memes, sketches, playlists and more – I decided to use my love of the written word to convey my thanks for an amazing four years of must-watch television!

TO THE CREW:

  • Mike Kelley, you created a TV show that became beloved by fans worldwide. You gave us characters that we rooted for and against, sometimes simultaneously. Thank you for bringing something new to the canvas filled with shows about doctors, lawyers, and cops.
  • Sunil Nayar, thank you for guiding us through the past two seasons, and for starting season 3 with a bang!
  • Maybe it’s due to my long-standing belief that music plays an important role in art, but Fil Eisler’s original music caught my attention time and again. His exquisite work during pivotal moments (i.e. Daniel’s death and Victoria’s final act) accentuated the emotion in the scene and the aftereffect each would have on not only the other characters, but the show overall.
  • Jill O’Hanneson (style guru and costume maven) – you are a genius in your craft. You didn’t just dress the actors; you outfitted the world in which they lived. I frequently caught myself saying, “I love that dress!” and “Where do they come up with Nolan’s outfits; that’s fantastic.” From Emily’s gorgeous wedding dress to Victoria’s fiery red gown, the pieces are embedded in our memory.
  • To all the directors, DP’s, producers, production assistants, hair, makeup, story editors, script supervisors – your work behind the scenes did not go unnoticed. The show could not have been made without you!!!!

TO THE WRITING TEAM:

I’ll admit it – I’d likely have a fangirl moment if I ever had the opportunity to chat with any of the REVENGE writers. I hold them in very high regard. Here’s why: the hard work, dedication, time, energy, creativity, and attention to detail that it must take to write 39-48 minutes of dramatic television each week deserves my respect and appreciation. This writing team consistently left me guessing what would happen next and anticipating the next chapter in the story. They gave us memorable one-liners and plot twists, and created characters that won’t soon be forgotten. I wish you all the best in whatever the future holds. *UPDATE MAY 2016: In the past year, writers from REVENGE moved on to new and established dramas such as LIMITLESS, SUPERGIRL, CASTLE, and HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER. Brava!!*

TO THE ACTING ENSEMBLE:

Dear Emily, Gabriel, Nick, Josh, Madeleine, Henry, Christa, Barry, Karine, Elena, Ashley, Conner, James, Margarita, and the rest of the REVENGE cast – What can I “say” about this tremendous acting ensemble that you’ve not already heard? The greatest compliment I can bestow upon such a talented group of actors is this: you brought to life characters that will live on long after the finale. While you excelled in your craft on an individual level, your talent shined through your on-screen interaction. We loved watching the brother/sister relationship develop between Emily and Nolan throughout the seasons – their goodbye in Season 3 still moves me. Regardless of what romantic pairing the fans “shipped”, each of the men in Emily’s life had issues, complexities, and drama all their own. As you keep moving forward toward the next journey in your career, I wish you continued success – on both a professional and personal level!

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone involved with bringing REVENGE to the small screen for the past four years.  While I don’t presume to “speak” for the entire fandom, I think it’s safe to say that we’ll support all the projects that this REVENGE team pursues in the future. Whether Agent 13 joins her S.H.I.E.L.D counterparts or a Hamptonite conquers the Broadway stage, you better believe the Revengers will assemble!

*DISCLAIMER: My opinions are just that…mine.  No implied endorsement from anyone associated with this show is intended.

REVENGE Recap: “Burn” Episode 4×20

With now only three episodes remaining in this season of REVENGE, my anticipation for the May finale is ablaze with curiosity after last night’s game-changing hour of drama!

**SPOILER ALERT: If you have NOT watched up to episode 4 x 20 of REVENGE, stop reading and go watch!**

Now, let’s get down to the business at hand…Victoria’s hand, that is.

REVENGE "Burn"

FIRESTORM

Have we truly said goodbye to the Queen of the Hamptons?! If our eyes can be believed, than yes.  The end sequence (written by Ted Sullivan, directed by Kenneth Fink, and featuring a hauntingly-beautiful score by Fil Eisler) showed Victoria Grayson taking control of the situation and turning Grayson Manor to rubble with the help of an open flue and a lighter.

Throughout the episode, Victoria appeared to take the brunt of Emily’s Amanda’s plan of revenge. First, she got a not-so-nice greeting in the parking garage when a masked figure attacked the matriarch and searched her purse for some unknown item. Though she claimed that Emily was the culprit, she seemed too fearful to retaliate by handing over the incriminating flash drive to authorities.  Then, Emily adeptly retrieved said flash drive through a plan that involved pickpocketing a FBI agent and impersonating a firefighter.  Victoria’s mental state became unhinged as the minutes progressed until she donned a fiery red dress, sat on her throne, and flicked the lighter. She put the power back in her own hands, quite literally.

Victoria’s decision and motivation could not have been believed without the sheer talent of Madeleine Stowe.  She brought to life a character who was both tormented and strong, brave yet scared, and dedicated to her children.  Thank you for an incredible four years of Victoria Grayson!

GIRL FIGHT

I said this from the beginning of the season, but I’ll say it again: I like Margaux, and I think she’d make an amazing ally for Emily. Two smart, brave, passionate, and determined women fighting for a common cause would be a fierce duo no one should cross. However, I find myself enjoying the Margaux/Louise frenemy dynamic. Neither of these fiery women could agree on how best to protect and support Victoria, which led to loads of snarky comebacks and exchange of power until they finally decided to let their history be just that.

With Mama Grayson’s last act, she put into motion events that will pit Margaux and Louise against Amanda Emily. Ultimately, I still want our beloved heroine to outwit, outmaneuver, and outsmart the new tag team, but I’ll enjoy the ride in the meantime.

TAKING FLIGHT

“Don’t go, Jack!” That’s what kept running through my mind as our protagonist rushed to stop the man she loved (but has yet to tell him so) from leaving the Hamptons.  After Nolan attempted to convince his best guy friend of Emily/Amanda’s feelings, the two said a heartfelt farewell.  *Sidenote: The Nolan/Jack friendship has always been one of my favorites on REVENGE.  Kudos to Nick Wechsler and Gabriel Mann for making us love this bromance.* Nolan then booked it directly to his bff’s house, scolding her for not admitting her feelings sooner and prodding her to take action before it’s too late.

These two wounded characters hurt one another time and again, sometimes intentionally and other times due to misunderstanding and miscommunication. They’re both struggling to figure out who they are and how they fit into each other’s lives as adults. It’s a beautiful love story, based on friendship and developed over time.  As Amanda Clarke faces her past and an uncertain future, she’ll need Jack all the more in the present. I look forward to seeing how it develops in the final 3 episodes of the season.

As season four comes to a close, I anticipate a conclusion that will keep me glued to my seat and leave me momentarily speechless!

*DISCLAIMER: No endorsement by anyone associated with Revenge, its parent company, affiliates, sponsors, or artists implied!*