ABC’s ‘Revenge’ season 3 finale review: Who died, and the new David Clarke reveal
Sometimes, you can get a pretty strong indication that there are casting changes on a show by who signs up for another pilot. In the case of “Revenge,” there was conversation a little while ago about a certain actor being freed to explore other projects.
So who was that? It’s none other than Barry Sloane, who entered pilot season earlier this spring. The moment that happened, you knew most like that Aiden Mathis was going to be leaving the show. He was killed in the finale Sunday night, ironically at a time when it was looking like Emily was finally going to have an opportunity to be happy. She had just learned that her father had finally been vindicated for his crimes 20 years ago, and her path of revenge and destruction could end.
Of course, this was not the only shocker that emerged through this game-changing hour of TV, as we also learned that somehow, someway, David Clarke is actually still alive. How in the world did this happen? In the end, we don’t like it. It may be shocking, but it was almost too out of a daytime soap opera. They are really going to have to sell themselves extremely hard to make this entire story worthwhile. Him killing Conrad is still a heck of a twist that we didn’t see coming. We thought we’d lose one regular tonight, but two? That was the big shock of the night, even more so than Daniel being framed or Jack in danger.
Also, the closing scene here featured none other than Victoria being institutionalized, while at the same time Emily got a chance to walk away without too much of a problem. So while we didn’t like the David twist, there was so much stuffed in here that we can at least acknowledge them on having a ton of bravery. Grade: B-.
What did you think about “Revenge,” and the surprises that happened during it? Share your thoughts below, and click here to read some more news related to the show (including our hopes for season 4). Also, sign up to grab some further TV updates now courtesy of our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: ABC
wayne1152
May 13, 2014 @ 4:43 am
I guest next we will find out that there was never anybody killed in flight 197, and that it was all made up by David Clarke who is really the “Initiative” pulling all the strings behind the scenes. And oh, also that Emily/Amanda Clarke is really not his daughter but just some child he kidnapped from loving and caring middle class family.
guest
May 13, 2014 @ 9:20 pm
Dumbest. Ideas. Ever.
wayne1152
May 13, 2014 @ 4:27 am
I am really aghast at the season finally. I mean having David Clark appear out of nowhere to kill Conrad Grayson makes utterly no sense! You undermined and ruined the whole show in one full swoop. How utterly disappointing! I thought this show was about retribution and revenge for the just and innocent, but apparently not. Since Conrad got off easily by getting killed off (not much suffering there), and David Clark turns out to be a cold blooded killer (no innocence there). What a shame!!!
guest
May 13, 2014 @ 9:19 pm
Conrad got away with everything under the sun before the last couple of episodes (murder, conspiracy, perjury, terrorism, child abuse to name a few). Had Conrad not died, he would be living the life of riley somewhere. And FYI, Nayar is considering letting Conrad survive the stabbing (dumb as it may be).
I wouldn’t call David’s actions “cold-blooded”, since Conrad robbed David of 20 years of his life. Who wouldn’t be tempted to do the same thing David did if he/she were in his shoes?
If you hate this show so much, why is ceasing to watch it such a hard thing for people like you? Yeah the show has flaws and dumb moments, but it’s far from horrible.
gio1986
May 12, 2014 @ 7:47 am
This is how you do a finale!!!
guest
May 12, 2014 @ 2:39 pm
Amen to that; especially the last two scenes. I loved watching Victoria squeal and scream. People like Victoria (in real life and on TV) seem to have a rule that says “I treat you any way I want, but don’t you dare stand up to me when I bully you” and it pays off so well when they get treated the way they’ve treated others. I only wish it lasted longer and we got to see Victoria sob maniacally (like Azula in the last episode of The Last Airbender), plus having Kara Clarke as a cell mate.
guest
May 12, 2014 @ 4:30 am
I liked this episode and this season; it’s certainly more enjoyable than season 2. How is David Clarke being alive a bad thing? He gave Conrad exactly what he deserved (Team David and proud of it) A part of me always assumed Gordon killing David was a flashback. I guess people will whine if it makes them happy.
I will miss Aiden next season, but at least the anti-Aiden whiners will shut up for a few seconds before becoming Team Aiden whiners (like when Michael Jackson died). I’m hoping Daniel and Charlotte become better characters next season (at least Daniel was downplayed and Gideon has dirt on Daniel).
Can’t wait for next fall.
guest
May 12, 2014 @ 6:34 am
Meant to say fantasy, not flashback. Sorry about that.
Beaugard Stevens
May 12, 2014 @ 4:08 am
That was literally one of the worst episodes I have ever seen in my life.
guest
May 13, 2014 @ 9:21 pm
Then stop watching the show.