Through a chain of exciting and dramatic events, this series follows a family whose mood turn totally bad. They were happy, but things change when a man slaps a misbehaving child. It's eight episodes full of drama and thriller.
In the end, like the book, the television manifestation of The Slap is a harsh, not necessarily judgemental, portrait of the generation turning forty, as well as a gentler evocation of those on either side of the divide.
Despite some broad characterizations and a few narrative twists that feel overly highlighted for maximum thematic effect, NBC's The Slap is surprisingly effective overall thanks to the remarkably talented ensemble.
The entire production comes to a screeching halt every time the omniscient narrator dispenses intolerably ponderous gems in infuriatingly plummy tones.
The Slap's ultimate eight-episode future may be uncertain, but one thing's for sure: its opening two hours are some of the most compulsively watchable TV made so far this year.
The Slap, a provocative new NBC drama, is a saga that gets under your skin. That doesn't mean it's a great show, but I imagine the issues it raises will spark plenty of spirited dinner-table chatter among those who see it.
NBC's new version of The Slap is a worthy substitute, with a strong cast and a vivid script that preserves the virtues of the original while sharpening the issues and drama for stateside viewers.
