NBC's The Slap

An eight-episode miniseries:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui1YlTPlW_8

I enjoyed this Wall Street Journal review: http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-slap-review-a-show-youll-love-to-hate-1423180421

“The estimable Peter Sarsgaard looks like he’s trying to pass a kidney stone during the premiere episode of NBC’s “The Slap,” and one might conclude that his discomfort comes from the prospect of carrying this sour-hearted miniseries for five more weeks. Not likely: If ever a show was made for hate-viewing, it’s “The Slap,” so if they have any decency at all, viewers will be tuning in week after week, praying for horrible things to befall the show’s horrible characters. For them, Mr. Sarsgaard’s grimace will be a source of hope.

The makers of “The Slap,” who include writer/executive producer Jon Robin Baitz (“Brothers & Sisters”) and director/executive producer Lisa Cholodenko (“The Kids Are All Right”), pretend this incident is something complex. It’s not. There’s no possible excuse for a male adult angrily striking a small child in the face. But such is the evil genius of the show: Every attempt to explain away the assault raises the level of viewer loathing. As a bonus, the victims are nearly as unspeakable as the perpetrators. It’s an equal opportunity hate fest.”

Updated On: 2/8/15 at 11:54 AM

The name of it is awful, the talent looks great, but it looks like a terrible show.

The pedigree of the cast and creative team has me committed to at least watching the pilot. I'm always amused when people are willing to form an opinion of something they haven't seen based on one negative review.

You have no idea that the mini-series justifies abuse. You haven't seen it.

Presenting something is not the same as justifying it, though that misguided reasoning seems to have legs nowadays.

Updated On: 2/7/15 at 06:17 PM

Did you watch the trailer? Here it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ui1YlTPlW_8

Do you see where it says "whose side are you on" as if the issue is open to debate?

I guess the trailers are wrong and I guess this Wall Street Journal critic is also wrong.

I am not saying the book is the same, but the trailer certainly implies (and the critic agrees) that this is not an examination of WHY this happened, but asks is it OK that this happened. It is not ok. Abuse and violence against children are always wrong.

Larry, you can watch all six episodes and let us know if by the end, the grown man was right to hit the child.

Updated On: 2/7/15 at 06:54 PM

It is eight. You are correct.

Like I said I am going to reserve judgement until I see it for myself. I don't let reviews influence my choices. Yes, they can be helpful as a guide but I am not in the habit of forming an opinion on something that has not even aired yet.

The cast is top notch. I liked the book. So I will definitely be watching and seeing how it all plays out.

Kudos to Melissa George for getting a very rare opportunity to reprise her original role from the Australian version.

"The Holocaust was dreadful and many of us have a real problem with what happened then, but are able to watch Schindler's List, Sophie's Choice, etc..."

Indeed, but were we asked in Schindler's List "Whose side are you on?" No. There is no reason to ask that, as we all know and accept the Holocaust was disgusting.
The Slap is being marketed, in my opinion, in a dreadful way.

Also, if it's not serious abuse, then how is it a compelling book/movie? That would negate the entire thing. He strikes the child on the face--not on the wrist or something. I have never been struck in the face. As a 34 year old man I can tell you it would greatly upset me.

I am just pointing out why it does not interest me. And people who want to play the "you can't judge it until you've seen it"--can you really say you've never done the same thing--saw a movie advertised or something and said, "Nope, not for me."

Updated On: 2/8/15 at 11:59 PM

I am just pointing out why it does not interest me. And people who want to play the "you can't judge it until you've seen it"--can you really say you've never done the same thing--saw a movie advertised or something and said, "Nope, not for me."

I respect your choice of not wanting to see it because it's not for you. You do you. You're just coming off as maybe a bit disappointed that no one is jumping on your bandwagon and saying, "Yeah! I agree with you! I'm not watching it either."

Sorry to disappoint you but I just don't feel the same way about it as you do.

AND THAT'S OKAY!

Different strokes for different folks...and all that jazz.

^ I agree with your view on violence. I don't condone violence of any kind. I'm certainly not negating your perspective on the questions this particular story raises.

Melissa George is an incredible actress. Her work on In Treatment was primal and intense. She's exceptional. I'm watching based on her alone.

---

I agree that the Holocaust was completely unnecessary.

---

Wow. Did you read my posts where I implied I was hit A LOT as a child?
When I said it's weird, I meant weird, to me, that people would want to watch this.
CarlosAlberto understood. Why don't you go back and read his post.

Updated On: 2/8/15 at 04:48 PM