October Road (TV series)

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October Road
October Road intertitle
Genre	Drama
Created by	André Nemec Scott Rosenberg Josh Appelbaum
Starring	see below
Country of origin	United States
Language(s)	English
No. of seasons	2
No. of episodes	19 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s)	André Nemec Scott Rosenberg Josh Applebaum
Location(s)	Knights Ridge, Massachusetts New York City, New York
Running time	approx. 41 minutes (excluding commercials)
Broadcast
Original channel	ABC
Picture format	480i (SDTV), 720p (HDTV)
Audio format	Stereo, Dolby Digital 5.1
Original run	March 15, 2007 – March 10, 2008
External links
Official website
IMDb profile
TV.com summary

October Road is a television drama that debuted on ABC on March 15, 2007 immediately following the popular Grey's Anatomy.^[1] 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.^[2] 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.^[3] In Canada, the first season was available to cable clients, on the ABC network. However, CTV has recently picked up Canadian rights to the show, airing an hour earlier than the ABC's broadcast. ^[4] It was recently sent down to A-Channel, CTV's secondary channel, for undisclosed reasons. Canadian viewers with cable TV can still watch it on ABC also, at the same time as American viewers.

October Road recently completed airing its second season on ABC, but ABC has chosen not renew the show for a third season. ^{[5] [6]}

The series finale aired March 10, 2008.

Contents 1 Plot 2 Cast 2.1 Regular cast 2.2 Recurring cast 3 Production 4 Episodes and U.S. ratings 5 DVD release 6 References 7 External links

[edit] 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 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.

[edit] Cast

[edit] Regular cast

• 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 waitress 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.

[edit] 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

[edit] Production

Portions of the show were filmed at Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, in Newnan, Georgia, in Madison, Georgia, and Grant Park, Atlanta.^[7]

[edit] Episodes and U.S. ratings

Further information: List of October Road episodes

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.^[8]

It lost some of its audience during the last episode from a 3.7 rating to a 3.3 rating.^[9][10]

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.^[11]

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.^[12][13] The new season sees Lindy Booth and Rebecca Field made cast members.^[14]

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.^[15]

Weekly rankings based on Fast National ratings.^[16][17][18]

Season 1

Episode	Title	Air Date	Rating	Share	18–49	Viewers	Rank
1×01	"Pilot"	March 15, 2007 †	9.7	16	5.8	13.93	# 9
1×02	"The Pros and Cons of Upsetting the Applecart"	March 22, 2007 †	8.3	14	4.9	11.5	# 20
1×03	"Tomorrow's So Far Away"	March 29, 2007	5.7	10	3.5	8.24	# 39
1×04	"Secrets and Guys"	April 5, 2007	5.2	9	3.0	7.68	# 42
1×05	"Forever. Until Now"	April 19, 2007 †	6.7	11	4.2	9.6	# 24
1×06	"Best Friend Windows"	April 26, 2007 †	6.1	11	4.2	10.2	# 36

Season 2

Episode	Title	Air Date	Rating	Share	18–49	Viewers	Rank
2×01	"Let's Get Owen"	November 22, 2007	?	?	?	6.36	?
2×02	"How to Kiss Hello"	November 26, 2007	?	?	?	6.02	?
2×03	"The Infidelity Tour"	December 3, 2007	?	?	?	5.26	?
2×04	"Deck the Howls"	December 10, 2007	?	?	?	5.19	?
2×05	"Once Around the Block"	December 17, 2007	?	?	?	5.68	?
2×06	"Revenge of the Cupcake Kid"	January 7, 2008	?	?	1.8	5.00	?
2×07	"Spelling It Out"	January 14, 2008	?	?	2.0	4.89	?
2×08	"Dancing Days Are Here Again"	January 21, 2008	?	?	1.9	4.95	?
2×09	"We Lived Like Giants"	February 11, 2008	?	?	1.6	4.00	?
2×10	"Hat? No Hat?"	February 18, 2008	?	?	1.6	4.42	?
2×11	"Stand Alone By Me"	March 3, 2008	?	?	2.0	5.30	?
2×12	"The Fine Art of Surfacing"	March 10, 2008	?	?	?	4.70	?
2×13	"As Soon As You Are Able"	March 10, 2008	?	?	?	4.70	?

^† Episode aired after a new Grey's Anatomy, which on the night of October Road's pilot averaged 22.7 million viewers.

^‡ Monday night episodes.

[edit] DVD release

DVD name	Release date	# Eps	Additional information
The Complete First Season	October 30, 2007	6	Featurette: On the road, Set Tour, Audio commentary, deleted scenes, bloopers.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Full episodes of October Road from AOL