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Feb 12, 2015 By Lily Moayeri Web Exclusive

This eight-part miniseries is a remake of the 2011 Australian original, based on the book of the same name. The all-star ensemble cast gathers at Hector’s (Peter Sarsgaard) home for his 40th birthday. This multi-generational event includes Hector’s father, Manolis (Brian Cox), his cousin Harry (Zachary Quinto), his wife Aisha (Thandie Newton) and her friends Anouk (Uma Thurman) and Rosie (Melissa George, who reprises her role from the Australian version). Rosie has in tow her husband Gary (Thomas Sadoski) and their too-old-to-still-be-on-the-boob child, Hugo (Dylan Schombing). Also present are teenagers Connie (Makenzie Leigh), who works at Aisha’s clinic and who is having an affair of sorts with Hector and her coming-to-terms-with-his-sexuality friend, Richie (Lucas Hedges).

It’s a typical family and friends scene with Hector hiding the fact that he hasn’t received the promotion he was expecting, his mother overriding his wife’s hospitality, his friends drinking too much, and overall heightened tension at a milestone birthday. At moments throughout the party, Hugo’s disobedience and uncontrollable behavior—except when Rosie shoves her breast in his mouth—are highlighted. When playing whiffle ball and swinging the bat around dangerously close to Harry’s son, Rocco, Harry takes it upon himself to discipline Hugo. Hugo kicks him in the shin, and Harry slaps Hugo.

Each episode focuses on the point of view and backstory of a different individual, showing multiple perspectives on how the slap has affected each of their lives. In the pilot, or Hector’s episode, with the exception of Newton, Quinto, and Leigh, none of the other marquee actors have a chance to show much of their characters. Quinto immediately establishes himself as a second generation Greek, hirsute and loudmouthed, initiating instant dislike. Newton does just the opposite with her cultivated presence, charming the viewer on the spot. Leigh’s nuanced performance captures the bloom of youth and burgeoning sexuality in equal parts. As for the remaining actors, considering the star power collected, their mere presence should make an impact, but it doesn’t—at least not yet.

This does not stop the avalanche of moral issues that are raised with every episode. Slapping used to be commonplace and now it is considered child abuse. Slapping is still commonplace in some cultures. Should you slap another person’s child? How far should the parents of the slapped child take their retaliation? To what degree and how should friends and family of the slapper and slapped show their support? There is hope that each member of the stellar cast will have a chance to shine. And there is enough going on in The Slap without the addition of the narration, which is reminiscent of the voice over on Pushing Daisies and sounds like it’s describing a comedy. Get rid of that smug, knowing narrator, The Slap can speak for itself. (www.nbc.com/the-slap)

Author rating: 6/10