'There's more to learn about David Clarke' promise the cast and crew of Revenge after every single episode of the current fourth season broadcasts. Eight episodes in and I'm wondering if that's a save being used because he's so damn disappointing. An awful decision by writers to bring him back means that after staying loyal for 66 episodes, many are wavering on whether or not to stick with the series going forward.
James Tupper plays David Clarke
Not only were we robbed of the amazing reunion between father and daughter that we all feel entitled to because of Victoria's extremely random electrocution, but we're finding hints of David now being more loyal to the woman who betrayed him than his own flesh and blood who has dedicated her life to clearing his name and taking revenge on those who wronged him.
Whilst Daniel Grayson is a character that's now evolving and warming people's hearts slowly but surely once more, David was the man we'd all rooted for but who has turned out to be absolutely ridiculous in his life choices. He has a story to tell - one that's slowly becoming more intriguing as time goes by, but one that's hindering his emotional connection with his daughter on-screen.
Emily Van Camp is a force to be reckoned with as Emily Thorne/Amanda Clarke - she hits the nail on the head 9 out of 10 times and sticks it right to the viewer with her delivery. It's just a shame that her on-screen father cannot match up to that.
So what are other areas in which David, and more importantly the writers have got it wrong? The fact he can recognise his other daughter Charlotte after seeing her eyes just once as a child; the fact he knows what Daniel looks like after so long away from him; he even recognised his supposed son-in-law Jack; but the fact he doesn't know who Emily truly is until she shows him her tattoo.
It seems he's actually done everything in his power not to think of his daughter - how long did it take for him to even go and visit his grandchild? Does he care for children anymore or his actual family, or is he too caught up in having the perfect life set out for him with Victoria and Charlotte?
Revenge is slowly sinking into unbearable territory, and I hope that a quick change of direction can save it. Is there a fifth season on the horizon? I hope not. It would be nice to tie things up with a total of 88 episodes. Flip that on its side. Infinity x infinity.