Revenge’s Nolan Ross is the Best New Character on TV

Raise your hand if you think Nolan Ross is the best new character on TV! The quirky tech-boom billionaire is a cherry on top of the already delicious sundae — ABC’s freshman drama, Revenge.

If You’re Not Watching Revenge, Start!

Status-conscious, new-money Hamptonites entangled in a never-ending game of one-upmanship and deceit? Check. A Romeo and Juliette romance born out of vengence? Check. A Mr. Miyagi sensei revenge master who periodically pops in to train his blond protégé? You better believe it.

Impossibly good-looking actors, soapy plots, and a slowly unraveling mystery make ABC’s new primetime serial, Revenge, must-watch TV. A modern day retelling of Alexandre Dumas’s The Count of Monte Cristo, Revenge follows Amanda Clarke (a.k.a. Emily Thorne) as she skilfully sets down a path to destroy the people, who, 15 years earlier, framed her father for financing a terrorist attack.

Dun. Dun. Dun.

I know, it sounds like the plot to a Z-list movie that’s best suited for channels you probably don’t have, but Revenge is anything but. An adult-sized scoop of campy soap opera ice-cream, it’s a show you enjoy after the kids hit the sack.

So Who Is This Nolan Ross Guy You’re Raving About?

Impeccably portrayed by Mad Men alum, Gabriel Mann, Nolan Ross is the only character who knows Emily’s true identity and desire for revenge. An outsider masquerading as an insider, Nolan attends the right parties and lives in the right neighborhood.

But he secretly resents the people from whom he seeks superficial acceptance – the same people Emily is eager to eviscerate in a blaze of unforgiving glory.

And while Nolan intellectually admires Emily’s calculated, cold-blooded plans, his distaste for violence — and admitted penchant for comfort — leave him cautiously leery. But that doesn’t mean Nolan isn’t willing to lend a technology-hand when Emily comes a’calling for assistance. And when the two conspire, TV magic happens.

Nolan is like a naughty puppy — full of energy and curiosity, but at the core, lovable and vulnerable. His wardrobe is flamboyant-preppy and his demeanor can only be described as socially awkward; he’s terrified of guns, has a handy whale-themed ISB spy-cam — and every time Nolan Ross appears on screen, you fall in love a little more.

Westboro Baptist Warning: Nolan Ross Likes Boys, Too!

If you think a little same-sex loving buys an eternal ticket to sin city, than Nolan Ross may not be your guy. A self-proclaimed Kinsey “3,” Nolan has a yin for both the ladies and gentlemen.

At this point in the series, Nolan has only horizontal mamboed with Tyler — Revenge’s resident “Talented Mr. Ripley.” But given the juicy, PTA-unfriendly story-lines so far, there’s sure to be some bawdy blowouts down the road. And I, for one, can’t wait!

Revenge is Dallas – on speed – and Nolan Ross is the best part of the high. Believe me, on the guilty pleasure planet from which I hail, that’s a top compliment!

Revenge airs Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m. EST/9:00 p.m. Central on ABC.


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