ABC's new series 666 Park Avenue begins in a thunderous setting filmed in the historic Williamsburg, Brooklyn. A man is seen dashing into a building at address "999" against a shaded and spooky silhouette of the number 666. He runs upstairs and takes a call. All of this is depicted in the opening scene at The Drake, which we learn is located at 666 Park Avenue.
The deep, commanding and hostile voice on the other end of the phone asks him to pay up. The setting has all the trappings of a Vincent Price drama in the middle of New York City. In addition, the address itself provides viewers with a clue that evil will be lurking at various points in the show. The ultimate question in the minds of viewers is whether or not evil will prevail and at what cost to the innocent residents of The Drake.
Next, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Martin enter the same address in search of a job managing The Drake. Henry (David Annable) worked previously at a responsible position for the Mayor and Jane (Rachelle Taylor) has impressive knowledge of building construction.
Both have the outgoing personality, charm, physical strength, and appearance to work at such an exclusive building with rich clients, and in an environment characterized by pricey and avant garde fashion. Their job would involve managing The Drake, a circa 1923 apartment building with 388 residents and constant traffic in and out. The clientele is upscale in every sense of the word.
At first, Gavin, the owner (played by Terry O'Quinn) has reservations about the lack of experience the couple has in building maintenance. Jane provides an impressive pitch which allays concerns, and the couple is shown entering a palatial apartment 3B with two bathrooms and multiple fireplaces. The apartment is just one of the many accoutrements of their job at The Drake. Everything appears to be perfect for the couple except for the evil which lurks at a moment's
notice.
One of Jane's earliest encounters with residents is a surprise meeting with Mr. John Barlow, who is shown with bloodied hands, and later in the episode seen hastily washing off the blood. In a quick flash, his hands appear to have no visible wounds after washing. Mr. Barlow is an accountant and a recent widower. The audience is left pondering whether or not John has had a hand in his wife Mary's death. This scene sets up an unresolved issue in the minds of viewers.
Article comments
1 - Reena
I thought this was a promising new show.