This television series, based on the novel of the same name authored by Gabriella Pierce, is a supernatural drama set in New York City on the famed Park Avenue.
If have read the book, I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. The novel is wonderful tale taking you into the dark side of upper class society, with a mix of magic, greed, and romance.
Perhaps if I read the book I would not be so disappointed with the television adaptation.
I am a supernatural fan, and normally I give this genre of shows a wider berth than others. Supernatural themed shows need a little more time to establish their foundation, and I do take this into account. However, I am struggling to give 666 my attention. The writing is mediocre. The characters are one dimensional. The suspense is predictable and overall, so far, it is a bore.
This to me is a sour disappointment given my affection for the novel which wound tighter and with every page. I will not go into the substantial plot differences between the two, but rather, look at the show as a single idea. What have we got? A young couple (Rachel Taylor and Dave Annable) arrive in New York and take over the management of an historic hotel. Jane Van Been is an architect without a job, and her boyfriend Henry Martin is a young political player.
The hotel owners, played by Vanessa Williams and Terry O’Quinn are sinister and transparent from the beginning, leaving no wonder of what is going on in the hotel. In the first episode we know who the villain is and what the hotel contains. The only sliver of intrigue is a mosaic in the basement, and Jane’s indiscernible connection to the hotel and its ghostly residents.
If I were to revamp the show I would go back to the beginning and take another look at the book. Step away from the episodic box and move into a more liquid venue. Give the audience more of a reason to come back every week. Delve into the rich history, the legends and the parallel of the past and modern times. The story is relooked is a wonderful platform for an amazing drama, unfortunately, the first few episodes have extinguished the hope of this. I fear it is too late to start anew.
I have gotten through three episodes and I will try to get through a fourth, however I find myself easily distracted during the program which is never a good sign. So far, I am not impressed.
Live, Love, Learn…everyday.
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