r-67713

I rarely write reviews, but this first episode is just too good to not comment on. I didn't expect much from the episode, but I did like the premise of the series, so I gave it a shot. Totally unprepared for the witty, sardonic dialogue and the impressive actors. I'm not European, but some of the other reviewers here are and they definitely see some of the absurdity in the characters and the sycophantic nature of an autocratic ruler's "advisors". I've always thought that Kate Winslet was an underappreciated actor and this current role only cements that feeling. Her "protector" is outstanding as well. It isn't too hard to draw a parallel between him and Rasputin to the court of Nicolas Romanov, the last Russian Czar. I'm very impressed with the first episode and will no doubt keep watching, I just hope it doesn't lose its' momentum.

I just finished binge watching this series and would strongly agree with the majority of the reviewers here. Dopesick is a superior production in every way to Painkiller. There are fine actors in both series, but Dopesick has a much better script and narrative than Painkiller. At times the characters in Painkiller were histrionic and almost cartoonish compared to Dopesick. As mentioned by other reviewers, the direction and editing left much to be desired.

Many times during the show, I felt as if this was a dumbed down MTV production. Mathew Broderick was acceptable as Richard Sackler, but the real stars of this series were Uzo Aduba and. Taylor Kitsch, who both turned in exemplary performances, the rest of the cast were pedestrian at best and some of them chewed the scenery like day old bubble gum. Dopesick presented the tragedy in more detail and with more believability. Overall I'd say Painkiller was Dopesick (very) Lite or Cliff Notes on the OxyContin story. One last thing, whereas Dopesick made suggestions of female drug reps handing out sexual favors, Painkiller flat out says it. Another last thing that both productions got right was the overwhelming greed that the Sacklers and their Perdue minions demonstrated.