"October Road" is a new ABC drama about a man trying to reclaim his past and, in the process, reclaim himself. The man's name is Nicholas Garrett, or at least it was before he became a famous writer. Now he goes by Nicholson because his editor thought it sounded important and "would sell more books."
Nick spends his nights at glitzy clubs in the city, surrounded by people who admire him for his literary genius. Yet, he believes they don't like him for who he really is, and his suspicion is correct. But then again, Nick has not always lived in the city.
The pilot opens with a heartwarming scene that took place 10 years ago on the morning Nick left town for what was supposed to be a six-week adventure. He promised everyone - his best friend Eddy, his girlfriend Hannah and his family - it would be just a short trip to have a little fun. The thing is, Nick never came back.
Years later, when his editor calls him up with an offer to lecture at a college near his old hometown, he accepts, hoping that a return to his roots will clear his writer's block and let him get on with his life. This is where the conflict starts.
If this whole scenario sounds a little boring to you, that's because it is. The premise would probably work great for a relaxing novel, meant to be read in the sunlight on lazy August afternoons. But as a serial television program, there is not enough substance to keep you anticipating what will happen next.
What's more, the writers of the show know the plot is lacking, and the first five minutes are so jam-packed with new characters trying to make an impression on viewers that the contrivances of everything make it impossible to become immersed in the experience. When the only idea for a catchy opening involves a standard sex scene, that should be a red flag that the show is missing the key to drawing viewers: a hook.
Even the central theme tying it all together - reconnecting with old friends believed to be lost forever - feels tired. The show's life lessons are elementary at best, and the most profound statement you'll hear in the first episode comes from a character named (I kid you not) "Physical Phil": "The quest for the holy grail is the holy grail itself," he says. "The journey is the destination."
If you have ever spent five minutes thinking about the direction of your life, then "October Road" has nothing to offer you. To be honest, the show doesn't seem to have much of an audience at all. It's not funny enough to be mainstream, but its childish approach to mature themes will bore usual drama-viewers.
Just check out this gem of dialogue when one of Nick's old acquaintances (who is 30 years old, by the way) addresses the negative aspects of his famous book: "I don't know why you felt the need to drop turds on your hometown." Do little kids even say "turds" anymore? I doubt it.
"October Road" is scheduled to run each week after "Grey's Anatomy" but will most likely be cancelled before half the season is out.
With sub-par acting, dull writing and the complete absence of an engaging plot, there's not much reason to invest your time in this show. When it comes to "October Road," I suggest you keep on driving.
