Creators:
André Nemec
Scott Rosenberg
Josh Applebaum
Cast:
Bryan Greenberg ………. Nick Garrett
Laura Prepon ………. Hannah Daniels
Tom Berenger ………. Bob “The Commander” Garrett
Warren Christie ………. Ray “Big Cat” Cataldo
Brad William Henke ………. Owen Rowan
Evan Jones ………. Ikey
Jay Paulson ………. Physical Phil
Slade Pearce ………. Sam Daniels
Geoff Stults ………. Eddie Latekka
Odette Yustman ………. Aubrey
Rebecca Field ………. Janet “The Planet” Meadows
Lindy Booth ………. Pizza Girl
The Show
These days airing a new TV show after an extremely popular show on the same network can work in one of two ways. The new show can either pick up enough viewers from the more popular show and is able to survive through its first season as a result, or it doesn’t hang on to the audience at all and is given the axe without a second thought. This new trend seems to fast-track new shows into a second season or down the drain totally. Without a doubt, one of ABC’s most popular shows the last few years has been Grey’s Anatomy. Last year alone, a handful of new shows were given a “try-out” in the post-Grey’s Anatomy timeslot. One such show was October Road. Which side of the fence would this new show ultimately fall?
October Road is a drama series that follows the return of Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg) to his hometown of Knights Ridge, Massachusetts, a decade after leaving it to go find himself while backpacking through Europe. Nick left behind his girlfriend Hannah (Laura Prepon), best friend Eddie (Geoff Stults), and his family. The brief trip ended up lasting for 10 years. Garrett is now a famous author and screenwriter living in New York City, but is stuck in writer’s block for his next story. His agent books him to do a one-day writing seminar in Knights Ridge, Massachusetts. Nick is excited about coming home, but realizes the feeling isn’t completely mutual and wonders if anyone can really ever go home again.
The cast of October Road is a good mix of newcomers, TV show veterans, and movie stars. At the top is Bryan Greenberg of One Tree Hill fame and Laura Prepon of That 70’s Show fame. As the leading “couple” they certainly have chemistry on screen together. Tom Berenger, a veteran of many movies including Platoon, Major League, and Training Day, fills the role of Bryan’s dad quite well. In fact, the entire cast seems like a big happy family together and that’s exactly what you want for a show like this one. The one cast member that might actually steal the show is in fact the one with probably the least experience. Twelve-year-old Slade Pearce, who plays the son of Hannah and possibly Bryan, is quite impressive in his most visible role to date. He is acting well beyond his years here.
With an outstanding cast on board, it all comes down to the plot to really make or break this show. The reason why this show works ultimately is the fact that you can relate to the characters on this series. Anyone that has lived in the same small town for years, then moves away for a few years, and returns is bound to encounter some surprises. Anyone that has done what Bryan has done in one way or another can relate to how he feels when he realizes that while some things stay the same back at home, other things get completely turned upside down. The writers of this show brilliantly create a “small town feel” for this television show as well.
The likability and familiarity of the characters on October Road are what made this show work in a very brief first season. It did get a boost from having premiered after Grey’s Anatomy, but it also held up its part of the deal and held on to the majority of Grey’s audience. The question now is whether this show can hold up on their own in a new timeslot. October Road no doubt developed a strong following in its debut and those fans will be eager to find out if you can really every go home again? This first season is nothing more than a teaser for the drama to come in the upcoming new season.
Episodes:
Disc One:
Episode 1 – Pilot
10 years after leaving his hometown, Nick Garrett returns to Knights Ridge, to teach a one-day course at Dufresne College, which he believes is a great way to find out what changes since he was gone. After hurting the ones he loved by writing a book, a best-selling novel, and discovering their secrets, Nick will have to find a way to confront past demons and move on with his life.
Episode 2 – The Pros and Cons of Upsetting the Applecart
Nick decides to stay in Knights Ridge and tries to convince dean Leslie Etwood to give him a job at the local college, but things keep getting in his way. In a way to get back at Nick for leaving years ago, Eddie pursues Aubrey. Ikey isn’t pleased to see Alison and Owen on an annual date. Hannah is mad at Nick after realizing The Commander came in the Veterinary Care with a silly excuse, only to find out if Sam is Nick’s son or not.
Episode 3 – Tomorrow’s So Far Away
Nick helps Sam get a girl he likes by using a technique from his novel. Ikey continues the affair with Owen’s wife. Physical Phil finds gets a crush on a pizza delivery girl. While on a date, Janet realizes Eddie is too embarrassed to be seen with her in public.
Episode 4 – Secrets and Guy
Hannah and Janet send Sam on a secret mission that leads to a tragic conclusion; Ronnie and Nick find out The Commander’s secret; Ikey and Eddie are angry when they find out Big Cat has been stealing their clients; and Physical Phil plans a date with the pizza girl.
Disc Two:
Episode 5 – Forever Until Now
Nick and Hannah bond while waiting for the outcome of Sam’s surgery. Eddie tries to deal with the consequences of standing Janet up at their date. Ikey and Alison come to an agreement about their secret relationship. Physical Phil has to find a way to get even with the drunken frat guys that bothered Pizza Girl.
Episode 6 – Best Friend Windows
Nick is torn between Hannah and Aubrey, as Aubrey asks him to choose between the two of them. However, an unexpected visitor occupies Nick. Eddie makes a weird response to a “welcome surprise” by his friends. Physical Phil decides to make a huge change in his life. Ray tells Owen about Alison and Ikey’s secret relationship.
The Video:
The video is given in widescreen color with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1. It is enhanced for 16X9 TVs. Transfer is good with minimal distortion. There are no issues here and the quality is a little better than its original broadcast version. Excellent use of autumn colors give this show an unexpected unique look.
The Audio:
The audio included is available in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround sound. It’s pretty standard quality for a TV show. The dialogue comes out crisp and clear. Music is used heavily on the show. In fact, the whole “playing imaginary instruments” band can get quite annoying at times, but overall there is a nice mixture of genres on the soundtrack for this series.
The Extras:
“October Road: The Journey Begins” Featurette –
This is the “behind-the-scenes” featurette. It lasts 10 minutes long and the cast and crew talk about how the show got started, casting, storylines, etc. There is a lot of background information given about the series here. This is really the one special feature to check out for sure.
“Season Two Preview” Featurette –
This is a two and a half minute promo from the cast and crew as they talk about what’s going to happen in the second season of October Road. Nothing shocking is revealed here. It’s pretty much common sense stuff, but it’s still nice to hear a little bit of where this show is going.
Bloopers –
This is a collection of mistakes while filming the first season. It last only a few seconds over one minute. It’s not really worth your time at all as it’s too short and not that funny to go out of your way to watch this.
Deleted Scenes –
There are six scenes cut from the first season and each one is around one minute long. Pretty much all of them are “filler” and bring nothing interesting to the overall storyline. The last one with Bryan’s father is actually funny, though, but that’s the only one worth checking out really.
This DVD set is not that expensive, so if you haven’t seen this show yet you might as well check it out. ABC has created some top new dramas lately and this looks to be another one. Give it a chance, whether that means renting it or buying it. For those who did see the first season, I would recommend this set ONLY for those looking for the actual episodes. The special features are lacking a bit, but there are some here worth checking out. For the most part, though, you are paying for the episodes.
