The Slap

Having just watched the Australian version of "The Slap," I was interested in seeing how the US version would compare. It was quite a disappointment.

The Australian version was cast much better & key story elements were developed much better as well (for example the tension and chaos building up to the slap was perfect in the Au version, but completely unbelievable in the US version).

Regarding Casting: Jonathan LaPaglia, who plays Hector in the Au version is a much better fit. Also Alex Dimitriades as Hector's Cousin Harry in the Au version is a much better fit as the sort of short tempered hot- head.

There are many great actors in the US version- but they are unfortunately either cast in the wrong role (in a few cases) or do not work for this series at all (most cases). Thomas Sadoski is a talented actor, but is an example of miscasting. He could have been a decent fit as Hector, but not the correct fit for the role of Gary. Peter Sarsgaard and Zachary Quinto are also talented actors, but do not work for this series at all.

I guess I have to also question the directing. The entire initial episode was completely rushed, disjointed, and simply not believable. (Case in point- the tension between Quinto & Sarsgaard seemed almost joking rather than heated). I think both are good actors, so the problem is likely one that falls to casting or directing?

There are many other problems I could mention but suffice it to say- If you are at all interested in this series, skip the US version and watch the AU version..... Or at the very least, watch the first episode of each and see if you agree (It will only take 1 episode of each to make up your mind).

Great show , underestimated in the ratings, and perhaps by the rush of people. I think there are people who give rate without watch all the episodes. Real, nervous at times , intriguing in other, great actors, real-world characters, dedicated direction. A show that captivates you and puts you inside.Furthermore it has the wonderful Uma Thurman, one of the most beautiful actresses I've ever seen on this planet. But who really surprising is Zachary Quinto. A dynamo as the unstable Greek. But all cast is correct . I would give 7.5 but as don't have this option, I gave 8 . Watch without expectations. You'll be surprised. A pity that did not guarantee a 2nd season. I think people prefer to think little .

The original Australian version of this series was brilliant. It worked in Australia, too, as most Aussies *would* slap that child---a horrid, spoiled, undisciplined little brat whose parents---most especially the idiot mother---needed a slap more than the child. But I'm not sure how America will react: will be interesting to watch, as the country were at the forefront of the "never slap a child" nonsense. The mixture of personalities and reactions in the series is good, but while initially you want to see particular characters dealt with harshly, as the stories unfold you see their more vulnerable sides and find yourself supporting them. Only exceptional direction and writing can do that, and this has both. The Aussie series had brilliant actors too, particularly the mother played by Melissa George in both the Aussie series and this one. She really did capture the self-righteous mother routine.

Honestly, I was horribly turned off by the hyped up advertising. The first episode was horrible. It seems to be the current trend to pump up and try to trigger reactions vs. produce quality art for first episodes and beginning and ending season episodes. I've learned to ignore what I call the Stupid Factor of Studio Pandering.

Why the 7? Because each progressive episodes is improving to a quality worth taking the time for. In particular, Uma Thurman's episode Anouk while predictable, IMO was satisfying; And I am enjoying the treatment and evolution of this mini-series. Not to mention I'm enjoying the highlighting of each of these major actors chops!

The two-dimensional treatment of the first episode is fraying into something more... But I don't know if it will be enough.

The original Australian series was based on a book published in 2008. That book, and the Aussie series, have Harry slapping Hugo AFTER Hugo kicked Harry in the shins when he took away the cricket bat. In this American version the baseball bat is nowhere in sight when the brat gets slapped, which changes the entire connotation of the drama. When you remove the pain/shock/reaction factor, you change the entire premise of the story. Anyhow, for all the critics out there - maybe read the book, which is excellent by the way, and watch the original version, before becoming moral judges of the situation. Don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying watching this version, but it does not really portray the events and emotions in play in the book. Oh, and Aisha was a vet, not a doctor.