One must approach “The Slap” with an already boiling sense of dilemma. This is a show of misbehaving kids, breastfeeding beyond infancy, and, of course, one well-placed smack across a brat’s face. It’s hard to imagine where this show is heading after the first episode as the titular event occurs and seems to be swept under the rug by all those involved. But my goodness, what a pilot episode it is! In the span of 51 minutes, the audience is given at least two indecent displays of affection between an adult and a minor, a handful of sexist remarks from a Greek-accented Brian Cox and all the post-adolescent milking you can ask for. What more can you give an audience that is already saturated by reports of domestic abuse in the media?
In the beginning, we meet Hector Apostolou, played with an extreme likability by the only actor deserving of praise, Peter Skarsgaard. It’s his 40th birthday, and he is juggling the rejection of a job promotion and feelings for his children’s teenage babysitter. Thandie Newton plays his wife, Aisha, and will be immediately disliked for the disregard she shows her husband and her family. She’s frustrating, and her sudden outbursts are just another reason to pull your hair. Enter Hector’s old country parents, played by Brian Cox and Maria Tucci. They have never approved of Hector’s unwillingness to stand up to his wife and are a constant headache for Aisha.
Hector is friends with two couples. However, when the dominating, cocky Harry (Hector’s cousin, played by Zachary Quinto) confronts and slaps one of his friends’ (the bohemian couple’s) children, hell breaks lose among the friends. Hector, looked upon as the collective’s leader, must spoil his birthday so that everyone leaves his house without a scratch. Well, everyone except the poor kid. This is where any semblance of a story post-slap occurs. What is the aftermath? What about all the other stuff going on? What about all that breastfeeding?
“The Slap” is a brave concept for a television network that is known for its shows named after Chicago public services and “The Office.” The show is based off an Australian version of the show, which is based off a 2008 novel. But for all the intensity it shows in its pilot episode, little can be expected for future episodes. If the most we can look forward to is the bohemian couple’s decision to press charges against Harry, then there is little to be praised about this show. “The Slap” showed the world its cards the minute the first trailer came on television. Then it played them in the pilot episode. What is left to expect from this show now? Perhaps the second episode provides a different perspective, or maybe it leaves you feeling like you’ve been slapped in the face.
Gilboard is a member of the class of 2018.
