''The Slap'' is an American drama television

miniseries A miniseries or mini-series is a television series that tells a story in a predetermined, limited number of episodes. "Limited series" is another more recent US term which is sometimes used interchangeably. , the popularity of miniseries format h ...

, which aired on NBC from February 12 to April 2, 2015. It is an adaptation of the Australian series of the same name, which was based on Christos Tsiolkas' 2008 novel of the same name. Each episode tells the events of the aftermath of a birthday party from the perspective of a different character. Jon Robin Baitz wrote the teleplay and Lisa Cholodenko directed the pilot episode.

Plot

The miniseries revolves around the aftermath of a birthday party for a middle-aged city employee where Harry Apostolou slaps someone else's misbehaving child, Hugo, after he attempts to hit another child with a bat and kicks Harry in the leg. Hugo's mother, Rosie, insists on criminal charges, claiming that Harry's slap has caused Hugo PTSD. Though Rosie's diagnosis is later undermined when Hugo mentions how much he misses seeing Harry, the case slowly makes its way to court. Each episode tells the story from the perspective of a different character.

Cast

* Peter Sarsgaard as Hector Apostolou, a 40-year-old assistant deputy commissioner * Thandie Newton as Aisha Apostolou, Hector's wife and a clinic director * Ashley Aufderheide as Melissa Apostolou, daughter of Hector and Aisha * Khalid Alzouma as Adam Apostolou, older brother of Melissa * Uma Thurman as Anouk Latham, Hector's childhood friend and a television executive producer * Dylan Schombing as Hugo Weschler, the receiver of the titular slap * Melissa George as Rosie Weschler, mother of Hugo, the slappee * Thomas Sadoski as Gary Weschler, father of Hugo, the slappee * Zachary Quinto as Harry Apostolou, Hector's cousin, a rare-auto dealer and the deliverer of the titular slap *

Marin Ireland Marin Yvonne Ireland is an American actress. Known for her work in theatre and independent films, '' The New York Times'' deemed Ireland "one of the great drama queens of the New York stage". Her accolades include a Theatre World Award and nom ...

as Sandi Apostolou, Harry's wife * Owen Tanzer as Rocco Apostolou, Harry's pre-teen son * Sofia Regan as Melody, an employee of Harry's * Brian Cox as Manolis Apostolou, Hector's father *

Maria Tucci Maria Tucci (born June 19, 1941) is an American actress. She was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play in 1967 for her performance in ''The Rose Tattoo''. She played Koula in the 2015 mini-series '' The Slap''. She als ...

as Koula Apostolou, Hector's mother * Michael Nouri as Thanasis Korkoulis, Harry's attorney *

Makenzie Leigh Makenzie Leigh (born August 8, 1990) is an American actress, noted for playing the protagonist's romantic interest in Ang Lee's ''Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (film), Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk'' (2016). Early life Leigh was born in Dall ...

as Connie, a babysitter who watches Hector and Aisha's children * Lucas Hedges as Ritchie Joanou (née Collins), Connie's best friend * Ellen Adair as Bridget Saltire, the ADA assigned to the case * Penn Badgley as Jamie, Anouk's much younger actor boyfriend * Molly Price as Fiona Collins, Ritchie's mother *

Blythe Danner Blythe Katherine Danner (born February 3, 1943) is an American actress. Accolades she has received include two Primetime Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Izzy Huffstodt on '' Huff'' (2004–2006), and a ...

as Virginia Latham, Anouk's mother * Victor Garber as the narrator (voice)

Production

The miniseries was filmed on location in New York City (substituting for the novel's setting of Melbourne) and features Melissa George, who also played the role of Rosie in the original 2011 Australian adaptation of '' The Slap'' novel. Direction was by Michael Morris, Lisa Cholodenko, and Ken Olin. The series was written by Jon Robin Baitz,

Walter F. Parkes Walter F. Parkes (born April 15, 1951) is an American producer, screenwriter, and media executive. The producer of more than 50 films, including the ''Men in Black'' series and '' Minority Report,'' he is the co-founder and co-chairman of Dre ...

, and Christos Tsiolkas. Costumes were designed by Jennifer von Mayrhauser and art direction was by Alison Ford. Mary-Louise Parker was originally cast as Anouk, but she had to drop out due to pneumonia and was replaced by Uma Thurman.

Episodes

Reception

''NBC's The Slap'' has a 67% on Rotten Tomatoes—according to the site’s critical consensus, “Though the characters verge on stereotypes, they are aptly executed by The Slap's bright cast, allowing the show's topical themes to shine through in a provocative, meaningful way.” On Metacritic, the show has a 62 rating based on 33 reviews, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Slap (American TV series), The 2015 American television series debuts 2015 American television series endings 2010s American drama television miniseries American television series based on Australian television series English-language television shows NBC original programming Television shows based on Australian novels Television series by Matchbox Pictures Television series by Universal Television Television series created by Walter F. Parkes