Revolution Review: The Adventures of Stu Redmond and Franny
Revolution has now aired three episodes with the passing of tonight’s "No Quarter," and a general rule of thumb is if a show can’t hook a viewer within the first few weeks, it loses a great deal of momentum.
But Revolution might need a little longer to real find its stride.
“Quarter” offered up a mostly plot-less, albeit fun, adventure. And while I would hope for things to begin shaping up a little better by now, at least the show is giving information out in dribs and drabs rather than in an all or nothing format.
As Charlie, Miles and Nora begin to vaguely “go save Danny” in some general direction that we’re just supposed to go with, hijinks ensue. These pit stops work on a basic level because they accomplish two goals:
- Fleshing out the characters.
- Ensuring overall arcs aren’t exhausted too quickly.
But they come at a cost: the pace was often boring, as simple as that.
Mark Pellegrino’s officer offered up some humor and some information about Miles: that he was second in command, a founding father to the republic, the militia and the trainer for the men. The Officer did all of this without viewers getting to know his character. I didn't even catch his name. So it's actually a lot of fun when all of the plot points come together on characters for whom we know so little about, and it's something that went well tonight as we followed The Officer through the present and the aftermath of the event when Miles and Monroe stumbled across him.
It's an awesome reveal for The Officer, but without a little more information, it’s still mostly meaningless for now; however, at least the flashbacks did give some weight to why Miles would decided to form, train and build something like the Monroe Militia and the republic - but until Monroe is expanded upon and we learn his history, we’re just left with Miles as character that has straddled both sides of the fence, and no reasons why he did the things he did.
Meanwhile, Aaron and Maggie were at Grace’s house and found she’s not there. Instead of doing what Ben asked of him Aaron, grew distracted by a computer that, for all intents and purpose, won’t turn back one.
Aaron and Maggie are on the right path, and they have the key to turn things back on, but if my key turned things that I wanted back on, I wouldn’t worry about music. I’d run right back to my computer, but the power was fleeting and soon everything turned off again. I wonder if that's because the drive might only works computers, or there's just not enough power in that device.
Other Thoughts:
- I’m not sure why I’m laughing at Stu Redmond and Franny.
- Digging a hole? Really? Only the Adventures of Pete and Pete could pull off a hole-digging episode.
- The priest needs a new job. He’s terrible at being a priest.
- Slightly disappointed Charlie didn’t drop a Hello Kitty bag filled with explosives.
- Explosions! So, just to get this straight, very little plot and plenty of action scenes. This sounds like a Michael Bay movie!
- How long are Miles and Monroe going to walk this road during these flashbacks?
- No Tribute Nate tonight! Automatic point increase!
- No Rachel tonight and Tom was basically a background ornament.
- The power is on and the first thing we do is listen to music? I can think of about a hundred more important things to do. Let’s get it together Aaron.
What do you think? Is Revolution is still worth tuning in for?
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Nick McHatton is a TV Fanatic Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter.
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April 15th, 2013 4:46 PM
I keep wondering why I watch each episode. I don't really like the characters. I don't really like the plot and really I tuned in originally because I thought it might be a different kind of story. I had been wondering what would happen if a CME knocked out the world's power and what would follow and I thought this show would be exploring this question instead...I think most everyone else has described the show better than I could. i think once the spring period season is over I might give up. It's not getting better and I'm mostly board. It's too bad. It could have been an interesting journey...but I don't think the right approach was taken.
November 18th, 2012 11:46 PM
Too much bad acting, especially from Charlie. I wish they would just put someone else
November 12th, 2012 7:33 PM
For the show to live charlie must die. Her childlike Santa's-not-real expression in every scene is just one note and tiresome.
October 16th, 2012 7:37 PM
I've officially bailed.
I can look past the entire plausibility of not being able to get the power back 15 minutes after the blackout but I can't ignore the melodramatic writing/directing which has Charlie on the edge of tears in every scene.
October 9th, 2012 4:01 AM
I've stopped watching. And not because my television has stopped working either.
October 9th, 2012 3:27 AM
Seriously, I want to like this show. I really do, but having read the Dies The Fire series from Stirling (which Revolution blatantly rips a massive plot tool from), Im left wishing that they had of just allowed Stirling to make a series out of his books instead =/
October 9th, 2012 12:11 AM
i love this show and the whole cast, BUT charlie has to be the nastiest actress on the planet. she single-handedly ruins a perfectly good cast and story. PLEASE KILL HER OFF THE SHOW SOMEHOW!! i don't think it'll survive into a season 2 if she stays on board! that, or else change her whole personality. how can the Revolution writes be so retarded that any of them would think the audience wants to see a chick like that??
Rank: New User
October 7th, 2012 8:28 PM
@kingfan Stu Redman was the main character of The Stand, a story about a battle between good and evil, which fits the storyline of this series.
Rank: Recurring Character
October 7th, 2012 5:30 PM
@ps in seattle - The soldier who beat up Danny starred in PAN AM last season as the co-pilot. I actually liked this episode because it showed Danny to be somewhat capable. So far, pretty good.
October 5th, 2012 12:17 PM
So, it's imperative that they move right away. But first, let's argue about it. Then let's decide to fix up the wounded and move. Good. But let's do it thoroughly and tenderly. Don't anybody look like they're in a hurry. Then let's have another argument. Time to sit down and have a little chat? Okay. Everybody ready? Uh oh. Too late.
As someone on another post pointed out, there are three nuclear power plants in the vicinity of Chicago. Without electricity, they would melt down. Chicago and all of its environs would be a nuclear wasteland.
As it is, I'm in it for the adventures of the thumb drives. They're the only interesting characters so far. Maybe because nobody gives them any stupid lines.