Reunion (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Reunion is an American
television series that aired on FOX
in late 2005. The series was intended to chronicle 20 years in the lives of a group of six high school friends from Bedford, New York
, with each episode following one year in the lives of the six, beginning with their high school graduation
year 1986. Each episode also featured scenes in the present where Detective Marjorino (Mathew St. Patrick
) is investigating the brutal murder of one of the group during the night of their 20-year class reunion
in 2006. The identity of the murder victim was not revealed until the fifth episode, "1990".
Due to low ratings, the series was canceled after only nine episodes (four more episodes had been ordered but were not aired in the US), and the identity of the killer remained unrevealed in the aired episodes.
Each episode also features scenes in the present where Detective Kenneth Marjorino (Mathew St. Patrick
) is investigating the brutal murder of one of the group during the night of their 20-year class reunion
, the identity of which was not revealed at the start of the season. Although his motives are initially secret, viewers quickly learn that Marjorino has harbored a 20-year grudge against Will Malloy, Craig Brewster, and their friends for what he perceives to be unfulfilled justice for the death of his father in a car accident that also involved a car occupied by Will and Craig (both of whom had been drinking that night). Although he maintains his composure, it becomes apparent that Marjorino is letting the case consume his life.
Each episode viewers are introduced to additional minor characters who may or may not have significant impact in the past. These include Amy, the secret child of Will and Sam; Meghan, her adoptive mother; Paul, her adoptive father and future abusive lover of Carla; Peter, Carla's future husband; Pascal, Aaron's one night stand and eventual wife; Chloe, their love child; Noelle, their second child; Henry, Sam and Craig's son; and Rachel, a former secretary of Craig Brewster with whom he had an affair early in his marriage to Sam and who resurfaces in an attempt to ruin both of their lives. The show was cancelled prior to the addition of another significant minor character: Katherine, the daughter of a rival Congressman of Craig Brewster and future fiance of Will Malloy.
, whereupon Fox announced the series would not be continued beyond the thirteen episodes already ordered.
While it was speculated the cancellation might lead to a change of the format—possibly skipping or combining some years to reach 2006 and reveal the murderer by the now-final thirteenth episode—series creator Jon Harmon Feldman
originally announced the show would simply end with 1998, with the identity of the murderer unrevealed. However, after ratings continued to fall in December 2005, Fox
announced - both in the media and on their official website - that the "1994" episode eventually would be the last, and the remaining four episodes filmed would not air. Fox later gave away outlines the episodes "1995", "1996", "1997" and "1998" to websites. On June 7, 2006, the episode "1998" was shown in many countries, but not the USA.
During the Television Critics Association press tour, FOX Entertainment president Peter Ligouri addressed reporters regarding the show's abrupt end. Ligouri stated there were several ways to go with the killer's identity. However, "the best guess was that particular time that it was going to be Sam's daughter", whom she gave up for adoption early in the series. The reason why the murder occurred still remains a mystery.
The Brazil
ian channel SBT, at the end of episode 13, inserted a narrator telling an alternative end (freely invented) for the drama: the killer would be Craig's father, Russell Brewster.
When the 13th episode aired on the SBT channel in Brazil, additional information had been added. A narrator explained that an adult Amy, angry over being abandoned as an infant and being abused by her adopted father, accidentally shoots and kills Samantha. Will and Craig call Craig’s high-powered dad, Russell (Gregory Harrison), for help. The big twist is that, when Russell arrives, he discovers that Samantha is still breathing and secretly suffocates her because of Sam’s earlier affair with Will. His crime is eventually discovered and he’s brought to justice. Dave Annable verified the events of this ending in October 2006.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
television series that aired on FOX
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
in late 2005. The series was intended to chronicle 20 years in the lives of a group of six high school friends from Bedford, New York
Bedford (town), New York
Bedford is a town in Westchester County, New York, USA. The population was 17,335 at the 2010 census.The Town of Bedford is located in the northeastern part of Westchester County, and contains the three hamlets of Bedford Hills, Bedford Village, and Katonah...
, with each episode following one year in the lives of the six, beginning with their high school graduation
Graduation
Graduation is the action of receiving or conferring an academic degree or the ceremony that is sometimes associated, where students become Graduates. Before the graduation, candidates are referred to as Graduands. The date of graduation is often called degree day. The graduation itself is also...
year 1986. Each episode also featured scenes in the present where Detective Marjorino (Mathew St. Patrick
Mathew St. Patrick
Mathew St. Patrick is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Keith Charles on the HBO drama television series Six Feet Under.He was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Olney High School....
) is investigating the brutal murder of one of the group during the night of their 20-year class reunion
Class reunion
A class reunion is a meeting of former classmates, typically organized at or near their former school by one of the class on or around an anniversary of their graduation. Former teachers may be invited as well...
in 2006. The identity of the murder victim was not revealed until the fifth episode, "1990".
Due to low ratings, the series was canceled after only nine episodes (four more episodes had been ordered but were not aired in the US), and the identity of the killer remained unrevealed in the aired episodes.
Characters and plot
- Craig Brewster: the spoiled son of real estate mogul Russell Brewster and future politician, played by Sean FarisSean FarisSean Hardy Faris is an American model and actor. He is well known for his roles as Jake Tyler in Never Back Down, Kyo Kusanagi in The King of Fighters, and Rick Penning in Forever Strong.-Life and career:...
. - Samantha Carlton: Craig's high school sweetheart and wife, played by Alexa DavalosAlexa DavalosAlexa Davalos is an American actress. She has appeared in several Hollywood films, including Feast of Love, The Chronicles of Riddick, The Mist, Defiance, and Clash of the Titans.-Early life:...
. - Will Malloy: Craig's best friend, Sam's secret admirer, and the father of Sam's secret daughter Amy. In early episodes we learn that Will is a priest in the present time, played by Will EstesWill EstesWill Estes is an American actor best known for his role as JJ Pryor, on the NBC drama American Dreams. In 2010, he joined the cast of Tom Selleck's new CBS police drama Blue Bloods...
. - Aaron Lewis: slight geek who left MIT to sell technology and start an Internet company in its early days that blossoms to a multi-million dollar company, played by Dave AnnableDave AnnableDavid Rodman "Dave" Annable is an American actor. He played the character of Justin Walker on the television series Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2011.-Early life:...
. His marriage to Pascal is compromised by his obvious lifelong affection for Carla. - Carla Noll: Played by Chyler LeighChyler LeighChyler Leigh is an American actress, best known for her portrayal of Dr. Lexie Grey on ABC's Grey's Anatomy. She also portrayed Janey Briggs in Not Another Teen Movie.-Early life:...
, is Aaron's best friend and hidden secret admirer for years, who entered into an abusive relationship with Amy's adopted father as Amy's nanny, and an aspiring photographer. - Jenna Moretti: The "hot girl" who enjoyed 15 minutes of fame in the late 80s/early 90s as an actress before moving back to New York and attempting to get her life back on track, played by Amanda RighettiAmanda RighettiAmanda Righetti is an American actress and film producer. She is best known for her roles in The Mentalist, Friday the 13th and The O.C. In 2008, Righetti was the winner of the Best Actress award at the New York International Independent Film Video Festival for the Short Film category.-Early...
.
Each episode also features scenes in the present where Detective Kenneth Marjorino (Mathew St. Patrick
Mathew St. Patrick
Mathew St. Patrick is an American actor best known for his portrayal of Keith Charles on the HBO drama television series Six Feet Under.He was born and raised in Philadelphia and graduated from Olney High School....
) is investigating the brutal murder of one of the group during the night of their 20-year class reunion
Class reunion
A class reunion is a meeting of former classmates, typically organized at or near their former school by one of the class on or around an anniversary of their graduation. Former teachers may be invited as well...
, the identity of which was not revealed at the start of the season. Although his motives are initially secret, viewers quickly learn that Marjorino has harbored a 20-year grudge against Will Malloy, Craig Brewster, and their friends for what he perceives to be unfulfilled justice for the death of his father in a car accident that also involved a car occupied by Will and Craig (both of whom had been drinking that night). Although he maintains his composure, it becomes apparent that Marjorino is letting the case consume his life.
Each episode viewers are introduced to additional minor characters who may or may not have significant impact in the past. These include Amy, the secret child of Will and Sam; Meghan, her adoptive mother; Paul, her adoptive father and future abusive lover of Carla; Peter, Carla's future husband; Pascal, Aaron's one night stand and eventual wife; Chloe, their love child; Noelle, their second child; Henry, Sam and Craig's son; and Rachel, a former secretary of Craig Brewster with whom he had an affair early in his marriage to Sam and who resurfaces in an attempt to ruin both of their lives. The show was cancelled prior to the addition of another significant minor character: Katherine, the daughter of a rival Congressman of Craig Brewster and future fiance of Will Malloy.
Other plotlines
- In "1988", viewers learn Marjorino's connection to the friends: his loving father was the driver who died in the car crash involving Will and Craig in 1986. Marjorino harbors intense feelings of injustice and largely believes that his father's killer has murdered the deceased friend. Originally vindictive towards Will, he soon turns his attention to Craig.
- In the fifth episode, "1990" (first aired November 10, 2005) it was revealed that Samantha is the character that was killed.
- In "1992", it was revealed that the present day Craig Brewster, who relies on a wheelchair for movement, is actually not paralyzed and can walk.
- In "1992", it was revealed that a younger Marjorino in fact plotted to kill Will Malloy for the murder of his father, only to be talked out of it by his future wife. In the present day, however, Marjorino's wife leaves him, disgusted that he cannot let go of revenge.
- In "1993", it was revealed that Peter, Carla's husband, died.
- The final aired episode, "1994", features a cliffhanger where Marjorino is run down by a car in an alley and left bloodied and injured. Leaked spoilers on the Internet have speculated that Craig and Sam's son Henry was the driver.
- A dark secret involving Craig and Will, in which Will took the heat for a drunk driving accident when Craig was actually driving the car, since his BAC was below the legal limit. The other man involved, Marjorino's father, died after being discharged, and Will spent a year in prison and lost his lacrosse scholarship after being made an example by the legal system.
- The love triangle between Craig, Sam, and Will, complicated by the child that only Sam knows was fathered by Will.
- The obvious love of Carla and Aaron, who can never be on the same page at the same time.
- Aaron's one night stand and the love child that resulted from it, leading to his marriage to her mother, Pascal.
- Carla becoming the nanny of Will and Sam's love child, Amy, to keep Sam in her life, and her ensuing relationship with Paul, Amy's adoptive father, that quickly turns abusive.
- Will being forced by the FBI to help bring down Russell Brewster for illegal practices, the same man who gave him a job to help rebuild his life after prison.
- Craig's entry into politics and winning a seat on the State Assembly.
- Jenna burning out in acting after ending her farce marriage to the gay producer who helped her build her career.
- The tension between Carla and her future husband Peter, and Aaron and his wife Pascal, over not only their devotion to their friends, but also their devotion to each other.
- Craig's affair with his mentally unstable secretary, Rachel.
- The mutual attraction between Jenna and Craig.
- Will Malloy serving in the army, entering law school, and eventually becoming Craig's campaign manager.
- Sam's addiction to stimulants.
- Sam's belief that she accidentally killed a woman because of the stimulants she was taking.
- Will's army friend's death and Will's affair with the friend's sister.
- In the last filmed episode (unseen in America) it was revealed that Sam and Will's daughter Amy had died in a fire with her adopted mother. If it were true, this would render it impossible for her to be the speculated killer.
Cancellation
Originally, Reunion was intended to last for 22 episodes, with each episode chronicling one year in the life of the six main characters—from their graduation in 1986 to the murder of one of them the day of their high school reunion in 2006. However, after a promising start, the show's ratings dropped, failing to hold the viewers from its lead in, The O.C.The O.C.
The O.C. is an American teen drama television series that originally aired on the Fox television network in the United States from August 5, 2003, to February 21, 2007, running a total of four seasons...
, whereupon Fox announced the series would not be continued beyond the thirteen episodes already ordered.
While it was speculated the cancellation might lead to a change of the format—possibly skipping or combining some years to reach 2006 and reveal the murderer by the now-final thirteenth episode—series creator Jon Harmon Feldman
Jon Harmon Feldman
Jon Harmon Feldman is an American screenwriter and director.He has created and worked on TV series such as The Wonder Years, Tru Calling, Reunion, Dawson's Creek, Doctor, Doctor,American Dreams, Roswell, American Town, Dirty Sexy Money and Big Shots .He wrote and directed the 1997 romantic comedy...
originally announced the show would simply end with 1998, with the identity of the murderer unrevealed. However, after ratings continued to fall in December 2005, Fox
Fox Broadcasting Company
Fox Broadcasting Company, commonly referred to as Fox Network or simply Fox , is an American commercial broadcasting television network owned by Fox Entertainment Group, part of Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation. Launched on October 9, 1986, Fox was the highest-rated broadcast network in the...
announced - both in the media and on their official website - that the "1994" episode eventually would be the last, and the remaining four episodes filmed would not air. Fox later gave away outlines the episodes "1995", "1996", "1997" and "1998" to websites. On June 7, 2006, the episode "1998" was shown in many countries, but not the USA.
During the Television Critics Association press tour, FOX Entertainment president Peter Ligouri addressed reporters regarding the show's abrupt end. Ligouri stated there were several ways to go with the killer's identity. However, "the best guess was that particular time that it was going to be Sam's daughter", whom she gave up for adoption early in the series. The reason why the murder occurred still remains a mystery.
The Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
ian channel SBT, at the end of episode 13, inserted a narrator telling an alternative end (freely invented) for the drama: the killer would be Craig's father, Russell Brewster.
Unreleased plot
Sam was the one who ended up dying, so everybody was trying to cover their tracks. [The shooter] was supposed to be her daughter, who later down the road would have come to work for Carla. She [Carla] tries to get them reconciled, but someone breaks into the apartment of Craig Brewster, while Sam was there with her daughter. In a struggle with this intruder, Amy accidentally shot Sam.When the 13th episode aired on the SBT channel in Brazil, additional information had been added. A narrator explained that an adult Amy, angry over being abandoned as an infant and being abused by her adopted father, accidentally shoots and kills Samantha. Will and Craig call Craig’s high-powered dad, Russell (Gregory Harrison), for help. The big twist is that, when Russell arrives, he discovers that Samantha is still breathing and secretly suffocates her because of Sam’s earlier affair with Will. His crime is eventually discovered and he’s brought to justice. Dave Annable verified the events of this ending in October 2006.
List of episodes
| |Title | |Written by | |U.S. viewers (millions) |
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