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'666 Park Avenue': A show worth watching this fall

'666 Park Avenue' isn't the most original show, but its likeable cast makes it appealing.

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L: Charles Sykes/AP R: Matt Sayles/AP
'666 Park Place' stars Terry O'Quinn (l.) and Vanessa Williams (r.) play a mysterious couple who own the titular building.

You’ve seen the commercials. You’ve heard the hype. Now there’s only one thing you want to know: Which of the new fall shows are worth watching and which should be avoided at all costs? In this continuing series, we give you the scoop on some of the most highly-anticipated shows of the season, with today’s subject being ABC’s 666 PARK AVENUE.

The Boilerplate: Since these pilot presentations may go through numerous rewrites and casting changes prior to premiere, this by no means should be considered an official review. Rather a preview of what one can expect come Fall.

The Plot: At the ominous address of 666 Park Avenue, anything you desire can be yours. Everyone has needs, desires and ambition. For the residents of The Drake, these will all be met, courtesy of the building’s mysterious owner, Gavin Doran (Terry O’Quinn). But every Faustian contract comes with a price. When Jane Van Veen (Rachael Taylor) and Henry Martin (Dave Annable), an idealistic young couple from the Midwest, are offered the opportunity to manage the historic building, they not only fall prey to the machinations of Doran and his mysterious wife, Olivia (Vanessa Williams), but unwittingly begin to experience the shadowy, supernatural forces within the building that imprison and endanger the lives of the residents inside.

The Cast: 666 PARK AVENUE stars Rachael Taylor (CHARLIE’S ANGELS) as Jane Van Veen, Dave Annable (BROTHERS & SISTERS) as Henry Martin, Robert Buckley (ONE TREE HILL) as Brian Leonard, Mercedes Masöhn (THE FINDER) as Louise Leonard, Helena Mattson (Iron Man) as Alexis Blume, Samantha Logan as Nona Clark, with Vanessa Williams (DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES) as Olivia Doran and Terry O’Quinn (LOST) as Gavin Doran.

The Snap Judgment: If MELROSE PLACE and AMERICAN HORROR STORY mated, their demon spawn would look a little something like 666 PARK AVENUE. Which is our oh-so-polite-way of saying that what the newest addition to ABC’s celebrated Sunday night lineup lacks in originality, it more than makes up for with a ridiculously likeable, not to mention genetically blessed cast. As devilish Drake owners Gavin and Olivia Doran, Terry O’Quinn and Vanessa Williams are perfectly cast as the husband and wife duo whose interest in their tenants well being would appear to have some killer consequences. Robert Buckley and Mercedes Masöhn do a credible job of playing a couple whose relationship is about to go down one helluva rabbit hole. While Dave Annable and Rachael Taylor are absolutely adorable as the wide-eyed newcomers who are about to discover that the kind of apartment 666 Park Avenue offers comes at a very steep price. Add to that the shows’ titular address, which as one might imagine is a character in its very own right and the result is what sure looks to be Fall’s newest guilty pleasure.

The Conclusion:: Despite our affection for the dearly departed GCB (RIP) we suspect big numbers will be checking into 666 PARK AVENUE. Particularly following its female friendly lead ins that are ONCE UPON A TIME (8PM) and REVENGE (9PM)

The TV Addict staff blogs at The TV Addict.

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