What’s it about? October Road follows the trials and tribulations in the life of Nick Garrett when he returns home after a decade. It starts with showing how Garrett, who had informed his girlfriend Hannah that he’s off for a 10-day backpacking trip, discovers himself on road. Nick doesn’t return home; instead, he moves to New York, becomes a writer and pens his autobiography, mocking his family, girlfriend and best pal Eddie, which makes him famous. A lecture engagement takes Nick back to his hometown where his loved ones are understandably upset with him. Hannah has a 10-year-old son who Nick believes is his son but Hannah denies it. Nick then compromises his career and chooses to stay on to win everyone back.

Who’s in it? The producers ensure a good-looking show by casting Bryan Greenberg of One Tree Hill and Laura Prepon of That 70’s Show in the lead. Also part of the show is the famous US actor Tom Berenger who plays Nick’s father. The rest of the cast is interchangeable.

What’s Hot? Despite critics trashing the show throughout, October Road not only went in for a second season (there was actually a debate between fans and critics in the US on whether or not the show should go for a second season) but also travelled to a couple of other countries before coming to India. Inthe case of October Road, performances alone drive the show, especially that of Prepon who is convincing as a single mom. One can easily say that Berenger is wasted in a supporting role.

What’s not? One doesn’t mind a soap that is spiced well with peppy dialogue and a bit of humour (read Desperate Housewives or Sex and the City); a soppy drama tends to lose audience after a handful of episodes. Besides, it is difficult to believe that someone so heartless as to leave all ties behind, forget them for 10 years and later even mock them in a book can suddenly feel a surge of love for these very people.