October Road (TV series)

Infobox Television
show_name = October Road


caption = "October Road" intertitle
genre = Drama
picture_format= 480i (SDTV),
720p (HDTV)
audio_format = Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1
runtime = approx. 41 minutes
(excluding commercials)
creator = André Nemec
Scott Rosenberg
Josh Appelbaum
executive_producer = André Nemec
Scott Rosenberg
Josh Applebaum
starring = "see below"
country = United States
language = English
network = ABC
location = Knights Ridge, Massachusetts
New York City, New York
first_aired = March 15, 2007
last_aired = March 10, 2008
num_seasons = 2
num_episodes = 19
list_episodes = List of October Road episodes
website = http://abc.go.com/primetime/octoberroad/index
imdb_id = 0756573
tv_com_id = 58467

"October Road" is a television drama that debuted on ABC on March 15, 2007 following "Grey's Anatomy". [ [http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20070222abc04 ABC Announces the Premiere of "October Road" and the Return of "Six Degrees"] , "The Futon Critic", February 22, 2007] It follows Nick Garrett (played by former "One Tree Hill" star Bryan Greenberg), who after a decade returns to his hometown of Knights Ridge, Massachusetts.

The series is produced by ABC Studios and "GroupM Entertainment"; the latter is a partnership of media agencies within WPP Group that financed the series in exchange for ABC network-wide advertising time. [ [http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=49680 'October' Surprise: GroupM Produces New ABC Series, Assumes Some Risk] , from Media Daily News] The show was created by André Nemec, Scott Rosenberg and Josh Applebaum, who also serve as the series' executive producers.

The second season of "October Road" premiered on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 10:00PM Eastern/9:00PM Central.cite web |url=http://abc.go.com/primetime/octoberroad/index |title=ABC's homepage for "October Road"]

"October Road" recently completed airing its second season on ABC, but ABC has chosen not to renew the show for a third season. cite web |url=http://community.tvguide.com/blog-entry/TVGuide-Editors-Blog/Ausiello-Report/Ausiello-Scoop-Eli/800039396|title=October Road Canceled] cite web |url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/articles/october-road-abc-cancels-bryan-greenberg-series-no-season-three/|title='October Road': ABC Cancels Bryan Greenberg Series, No Season Three]

Upon hearing of the cancellation, the show's creators co-wrote a 15-minute series finale and have plans to film it with the cast.cite web |url=http://tvseriesfinale.com/articles/october-road-new-last-episode-in-the-works-show-creators-promise-closure/|title='October Road': New Last Episode in the works, Show Creators Promise Closure]

Plot

Nick Garrett (Bryan Greenberg) left home ten years ago to go backpacking in Europe for a few weeks and find himself. He left behind his girlfriend Hannah (Laura Prepon), best friend Eddie (Geoff Stults), and his family. The brief trip ended up lasting for a decade. Garrett is now a famous author and screenwriter living in New York City. Between the parties, social engagements, and living in a beautiful loft-style apartment, Garrett is stuck in writer's block for his next story. His agent books him to do a one-day writing seminar at the local college in his picturesque hometown of Knights Ridge, Massachusetts. Nick is excited about coming home, but realizes the feeling isn't completely mutual although his family and most of his friends welcome him back effusively. Hannah has a son, Sam, 10, and due to his age Nick questions if the child might be his biological son. Eddie is upset with Nick for ditching out on their business proposal and making him look like a fool in his book. Others are also upset with things Nick wrote in his book about the town. Nick will soon learn that it will be quite a readjustment coming home and that nothing will ever be the same again.

When Nick learns that Sam has a nut allergy like all male members of his family he decides to stay in Knights Ridge and persistently tries to obtain a job at that local college ("The Doof") despite botching the one-day seminar with a bad case of nerves. He eventually wears down the college Dean by pleading for the job on her lawn late at night. She finally relents after he badly sings "Where is Love?" from the musical Oliver!. Nick seeks out the boy, Sam, but backs off when Hannah reproaches him. Nick's father also becomes convinced of Sam's paternity when he sees the boy has similar looking eyes to those of the widower's late wife.

Nick eventually confronts Hannah with his belief about her boy's paternity. She disputes his view, pointing out how common peanut allergies are by asking patrons at the local bar for a show of hands of those with the allergy. Many people raise their hands. In the next few episodes. Nick and Hannah's feelings continue to develop. Hannah decides to break up with her boyfriend prompting him to swear revenge on Nick. In the episodes to follow, Hannah's son, Sam, has an allergic reaction to a birthday cake made of nuts. In the tense episode that follows, Nick and Hannah are observed, by a hospital bystander, about how you can tell they're in love. In the season finale, Nick rushes to her house to proclaim his love for her. They almost kiss, but are interrupted by Sam's supposed biological father.

While some people believe the show is based on the novel "The Book of Joe" by Jonathan Tropper, which was written in 2004, it is in fact based around the world of the 1996 movie "Beautiful Girls" which also takes place in the fictional small south of Boston town of Knights Ridge.

Both Beautiful Girls and October Road were written by Scott Rosenberg, and semi-autobiographically based on his life and friends. October Road is loosely based of what happened after Beautiful Girls came out (read: "Turtle On A Snare Drum") and how his friends reacted to a movie about their lives.

Cast

Regular cast

right|thumb|400px|">Season 1 characters Left to Right:
Phil, Janet, Sam, Eddie, Ray, Hannah, Nick, Bob, Owen, Aubrey, and Ikey.
* Bryan Greenberg "as" Nicholas "Nick" Garrett: A young man with many plans for the future, accompanied by a young woman who loves him, amazing friends and loving family. That was Nick Garrett before he left Knights Ridge. He went backpacking through Europe and his brief trip turned a whole decade away from his family. He lived in New York City, where he became a famous author and screenwriter. Ten years after, experiencing a writer's block, Nick decides to attend a one-day seminar in his hometown, booked by his agent. Returning home, Nick didn't expect all the changes. His girlfriend Hannah Daniels now has a 10-year old son and is dating his enemy Ray Cataldo. Also, he is troubled by the possibility that Sam could be his son, although Hannah claims Sam's real father is someone else. Nick also has to regain friendships that he broke, most notably Eddie Latekka who can't seem to forgive his friend for leaving. After his return, Nick started dating Aubrey, one of the students at the Dufresne college. Nick and Aubrey are currently in a relationship.
* Laura Prepon "as" Hannah Jane Daniels: After her long-time boyfriend Nick Garrett left for a decade to New York City, Hannah was about to deal the hardest time of her life. Ten years later, Nick found Hannah with a 10-year old child Sam. Hannah, who was dating Nick's enemy Ray Cataldo at the time, had hard time trying to talk to the man who left her years ago. Hannah works as a veterinary technician and some times wonders what her life would have been if she had traveled Europe and attended college. Hannah revealed a different person as Sam's father, but it's still not determined who is Sam's father, though its been hinted that Eddie might be Sam's father as a result of a one night stand. Hannah best friend is Janet Meadows. Recently, Hannah broke up with Ray, but they later made up and are now engaged.
* Warren Christie "as" Ray "Big Cat" Cataldo: Ray is The Concrete King of "Knights Ridge". His successful construction company is responsible for office parks, juice bars, and condos all over town. Ray shares custody of his two children, Jasper and Casper with his ex-wife, Christine. Ray's success is a rude awakening for Nick, since as high-schoolers he bullied Nick and his friends as though it were his mission. When Nick returns he finds that Ray is also Hannah's boyfriend. The happy couple is now engaged and are taking appropriate steps toward marriage.
* Geoff Stults "as" Eddie Latekka: Eddie is a former high-school football star who remains as charming and popular with the women as he was ten years ago. Although he has his own landscaping company, Eddie is still sour that Nick left "Knights Ridge" and abandoned their dreams of opening a floors, doors, and windows store. While Eddie's dating history has been a revolving door of model-type beauties, he finds himself embarking on a deeper relationship with Janet Meadows, the local barkeep. Nick and Eddie eventually fulfill their dreams of opening up a window shop of the name, "Best Friend Windows". Janet and Eddie's relationship may be over because she cheated on him with Rooster.
* Tom Berenger "as" Bob "The Commander" Garrett: While sorting out his new life in "Knights Ridge", Nick moves in with his gruff but caring father, known as The Commander. A widower, The Commander is dating Leslie Etwood, the dean of the English department at Dufresne College. Bob Garret has recently received the unfortunate news that he has bone marrow cancer.
* Rebecca Field "as" Janet Edith "The Planet" Meadows: She is a bartender at a well-known bar in "Knights Ridge" and Hannah Daniels' best friend. During season one, Janet is asked on a date by Eddie Latekka, a man known for sleeping with many attractive women. Despite Eddie's reputation, she gives him a chance. Eddie takes Janet to a restaurant far away and Janet begins to believe he does not wish to be seen with her due to her physical appearance. He assures her that this is not the case and they make plans to attend Alison Rowan's birthday party. Eddie never comes to pick Janet up and her fear that Eddie is ashamed to be seen with her worsens. At the end of the season Janet confronts Eddie at the bar where he apologizes and confesses his true feelings for her. He kisses her and leaves the bar while Janet does a "happy dance." Janet and Eddie were in a steady relationship, until she cheated on him with Rooster.
* Brad William Henke "as" Owen Dennis Rowan: Big-hearted and affable, Owen prides himself on being a good husband and father to his two children. He always thought his life was perfect with a stable job, a pretty wife, and great friends. After finding out about his wife's affair with his childhood pal, Ikey, Owen's outlook becomes grim, as he doubts if his life will ever be the same. The process of getting over his parted wife and ex-best friend has not been easy. The one women Owen connected with since the separation,(Jenny) came to admitting she was a lesbian.
* Evan Jones "as" David "Ikey" Eichman: Ikey's affair with Owen's wife has divided this once close-knit group. A traitor in the eyes of his friend, Ikey loses his job working for Eddie's landscaping company and discovers the path of redemption is going to be a long, rough road. Seeking acceptance and a job, Ikey decides to work for Ray Cataldo's construction company. Ikey took Eddie to the hospital after his beating and was kindly accepted back into the circle of friends.
* Jay Paulson "as" Philip "Physical Phil" Farmer: A shut-in for the past six years, Physical Phil watches the world from the comfort of his living room in the house he shares with Eddie Latekka. Although much of "Knights Ridge" considers him a freak, his friends know Physical Phil is as reliable as they come. He got his nickname from Ikey at the age of 10, when Nick broke up an impending fistfight by saying "Don't get physical with Phil." His pizza-delivering girlfriend, is one of the few outsiders he has let into his world and is responsible for his first steps outside his house. Physical Phil and Pizza Girl are currently in a relationship.
* Slade Pearce "as" Sam Daniels: Sam Daniels is Hannah's precocious ten-year old son. Sam and Nick quickly formed a bond upon Nick's return to "Knights Ridge". He has a tight bond with his mom, and is adjusting to living with Ray and his two sons, Jasper and Casper. Sam believes his father is Gavin Goddard.
* Odette Yustman "as" Aubrey Diaz: A Berkley, California native, Aubrey Diaz moved to "Knights Ridge" to attend Dufresne College's graduate writing program. Aubrey is talented, beautiful, and intrigued by her professor, Nick Garrett. After a brief period of flirting and dating, Nick broke Aubrey's heart when he chose to declare his feeling for Hannah. The two have grown closer overtime and realized they both want more. Aubrey and Nick were in a relationship. But that may change due to the fact that she kissed Ronnie (his younger brother) at Hannah and Ray's engagement party.
* Lindy Booth "as" Pizza Girl: Pizza Girl is Physical Phil's colorful and energetic girlfriend. She attends Dufresne College and works as a pizza delivery girl. Fate and a whole lot of pizza brought her and Physical Phil together. Their relationship has been bumpy from Phil's parents not accepting her to his close friend just recently dying. But their gentle love does not burn out.

Recurring cast

* Jonathan Murphy "as" Ronny Garrett
* Elizabeth Bogush "as" Alison Rowan
* Penny Johnson Jerald "as" Leslie Etwood
* Sean Gunn "as" Rooster
* James Keane "as" Sully
* Bo Mitchell "as" Doodie

Production

Portions of the show were filmed at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, in Newnan, Georgia, in Madison, Georgia, and Grant Park, Atlanta. [ [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0756573/locations October Road Filming Locations] , Internet Movie Database, 2007]

Episodes and U.S. ratings

The show debuted to strong initial ratings, but fell 16% in its second episode, though its ratings were still substantially higher than "Men in Trees", the show it replaced upon its first-season conclusion. [ [http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_10998.asp ABC's "October Road" Loses Some Gas] , "Media Life Magazine", March 23, 2007]

It lost some of its audience during the last episode from a 3.7 rating to a 3.3 rating. [ [http://www.medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_11153.asp ABC's "October Road" In Another Slide] , "Media Life Magazine", March 30, 2007] [ [http://www.tvweek.com/news.cms?newsId=11811 "Road" Hits Ratings Pothole] , "TV Week", March 30, 2007]

ABC originally planned on airing only four episodes of the series, leaving two episodes to be part of a second season. The network revised these plans on April 2, 2007, and the last episode of season one aired on April 26, 2007. [ [http://www.tvseriesfinale.com/2007/04/october_road_abc_changes_plans_for_drama.php October Road: ABC Changes Plans for Drama] , "TV Series Finale", April 2, 2007]

"October Road" was renewed for a second season on May 11, 2007. The new season order was of 13 episodes, which could be extended to a full 22 episode season based on ratings. [ [http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=7381 ABC Adds 10 Newcomers, Renews "Notes", "Road"] , "The Futon Critic", May 11, 2007] [ [http://www.tvseriesfinale.com/2007/05/october_road_and_notes_from_the_underbelly_abc_ser.php "October Road" and "Notes from the Underbelly": ABC Series Renewed] , "TV Series Finale", May 11, 2007] The new season sees Lindy Booth and Rebecca Field made cast members. [ [http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070424/tv_nm/october_dc_1 "October Road" actors get an upgrade] , "Yahoo!", April 24, 2007]

Seasonal rankings (based on average total viewers per episode) of "October Road" on ABC:

The overall ratings for the first season—all episodes airing at 10:00 PM on Thursdays—were Rank #38, and 10.5 million viewers.cite news |title=Hollywood Reporter: 2006-07 Primetime Wrap |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/features/e3ifbfdd1bcb53266ad8d9a71cad261604f |source=Hollywood Reporter |date=May 25, 2007]

References

External links

* [http://video.aol.com/video-category/october-road/3285 Full episodes of "October Road"] from AOL