The Hurt Man

I've seen the episode and read the reviews and I don't really know what to add except to say that it was spectacular. Yes, it's a one shot. Yes, it's focused on Cooper Koch as Erik and oh my god, it is powerful. The back of Ari Graynor's head as Leslie Abramson sighing orgasmically from the first cigarette hit. Then mostly a 30 minute monologue from Cooper that is one of the most emotional performances I've ever seen. Snail slow zooming in on his face. And then, the close up, wow. Was he an actor playing an actor acting? I have a very strong belief that it leans one way, but no matter which way you lean with your opinions, you will be blown away. Cooper. Emmy. Golden Globe. Wow.

I didn't know who Cooper Koch was but I sure as heck do now, and will definitely watch his previous work as well as his work in the future.

The episode is one take and he pretty much does a 20 minute monologue (with some remarks/questions here and there from the lawyer), which is a feat in itself...actors in plays that don't have the luxury of multiple takes rarely even get monologues as long as this, yet he did an incredible job.

Then on top of that, he basically has another 6 minute monologue to close the episode.

I felt and believed every word he said, and I can't wait to see what he does in the future.

Then there's the camera work that I didn't even realise was slowly zooming in the whole time, adding to the intensity, which I didn't even realise until about 20 minutes in.

This episode is the definition of a bottle episode done right.

The way they shot the scene between Erik & Leslie is the most shocking thing I've ever seen. If these parents did even 20% of what this show is claiming then they deserved to die.

I feel like I have been superglued to my seat. I am holding the remote, daring myself to shut this off and I just can't.

It feels like I cannot recommend this and yet it needs to be experienced. Don't eat before you watch it, hug your kids after and brace yourself for nightmares.

These two actors, especially Cooper Koch, are mind blowing...

The last miniseries on this topic was good, but this one really is a must see...

Good luck!

An entire episode of one shot and Cooper Koch delivers one of the best performances I've ever seen. The one shot that zooms so slowly you don't even realize it's zooming at first because it takes up an entire 32 minute episode. The intensity of the conversation Erik has with Leslie Abramson increases as the camera zooms, and yet even at the very beginning of the episode, you're locked in at the edge of your seat, ready for Erik to spill everything about his trauma to Leslie. By the end of the episode, you're up close watching tears stream down Erik's face as you're in shock and crying right along with him. I don't think I blinked, 10/10.

I really don't have anything to add that most of the other reviews don't already say. I was enthralled by the episode and by Cooper's performance. With such gut-wrenching details, it would have been easy for an actor to take it too far and go over the top emotionally with the performance, but Copper plays it subtly and with restraint, letting it build to the end. When I realized several minutes had gone by and there hadn't been a cut, I became instantly more impressed by the actor than I had been before and I wondered how long it could go on for. When the scene ended, I paused to see how long the single take was and realized it was the entire episode. I've never seen anything like it and I have nothing but kudos for this brilliant performance. I suppose there may be a lot of really great things to see in the coming year, but I fully expect to see Cooper Koch at least nominated.

Just want to add, I didn't quite nail the category; he was nominated for best lead actor in a limited series; I haven't seen any of the other nominated performances, so I am pulling for him!