PREMIERE

EMILY THORNE HAS RETURNED TO SOUTHAMPTON TO RIGHT THE WRONGS DONE TO HER FAMILY 17 YEARS AGO, ON THE SERIES PREMIERE OF "REVENGE," WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 ON THE ABC TELEVISION NETWORK

Emily Thorne (Emily Van Camp) is the newest arrival in the Hamptons. By all appearances, she's a friendly and sophisticated "girl next door," but with a dark family history, Emily is anything but what she seems. Seventeen years ago, her father was framed for a crime by neighbors he trusted, and sentenced to life. Emily never saw her father again, and spent her childhood consumed by rage, loss and betrayal. Now she's returning under an assumed identity with one goal - REVENGE -- every social overture a carefully planned chip at the foundation of her sworn enemies. Victoria Grayson (Madeleine Stowe) is the glamorous matriarch of the Grayson family and reigning Queen of the Hamptons who holds a dark secret -- her culpability in the events that destroyed Emily's life. Conrad Grayson (Henry Czerny) is the head of the Grayson family, a man willing to do whatever it takes to slither out of scandalous situations. Daniel Grayson (Josh Bowman) is the Graysons' son who finds himself unable to resist Emily. Charlotte Grayson (Christa B. Allen), their daughter, fits right in with the "mean girls" of the Hamptons, but is also drawn to boys from the "wrong side of the tracks." Nolan Ross (Gabrielle Mann) shares a link to Emily's past, her present and her secret. Jack Porter (Nick Wechsler) has spent his life helping his father manage the Stowaway Tavern, and when fate brings Emily into his life, he's unable to shake a d�j� vu-like connection to her. Declan Porter (Connor Paolo), Jack's kid brother, is intrigued by the wealthy world of these elite vacationers and finds a target in Charlotte Grayson. Emily's closest friend, Ashley Davenport (Ashley Madekwe), is the go-to event planner who hopes to gain entr�e into Victoria's good graces and solidify her status among the Hamptonites.

In the premiere episode, "Pilot," Emily returns to Southampton and rents the seaside home she shared with her father, David Clarke (James Tupper), 17 years ago. With the help of her only friend, Ashley, she sets her sites on her first target, and puts her carefully organized plan in motion. Her focus unexpectedly wavers when she comes across Jack, a friendly face from the past, makes a new romantic connection with the son of her sworn enemy, and is pushed into an uneasy alliance with the only person who knows her secret.

"Revenge" stars Madeleine Stowe ("We Were Soldiers," "The Last of the Mohicans") as Victoria Grayson, Emily VanCamp ("Brothers & Sisters," "Everwood") as Emily Thorne, Gabriel Mann ("The Bourne Identity") as Nolan Ross, Henry Czerny ("Mission: Impossible," "Clear and Present Danger") as Conrad Grayson, Ashley Madekwe ("Secret Diary of a Call Girl") as Ashley Davenport, Nick Wechsler ("Roswell") as Jack Porter, Josh Bowman ("Prowl") as Daniel Grayson, Christa B. Allen ("13 Going on 30") as Charlotte Grayson and Connor Paolo ("Gossip Girl") as Declan Porter.

Guest starring are Amber Valletta as Lydia, James Tupper as David Clarke, Emily Alyn Lind as Amanda Clarke, Brian Goodman as Carl Porter, Christina Chang as Karrie, Lindsey Garrett as Melissa, Greg Perrow as Malcolm, Keith Harris as Doug Reid, Amy Parrish as the realtor and Nicholas Stargel as young Jack.

"Pilot" was written by Mike Kelley and directed by Phillip Noyce.

"Revenge" is written and executive-produced by Mike Kelley ("Swingtown"), along with executive producers Marty Bowen and Wyck Godfrey ("Twilight"). The pilot is directed and executive-produced by Phillip Noyce ("Salt"). "Revenge" is produced by ABC Studios.

"Revenge" is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC's selected HDTV format with a 5.1 channel surround sound. This program carries a TV-PG,L,S parental guideline.