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Anyone watching The Slap on BBC4?

35 replies

MsInterpret · 19/11/2011 21:07

Just caught the second episode - 'Anouk' and thought it was brilliantly acted and really well written too.

It's based on a novel so the characters are really well developed. Each episode centres on a different person but the same storyline running through.

Love the first episode how much the Aussie's booze their way through a birthday barbecue!

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NewGirlInTown · 19/11/2011 21:40

Yes, I am enjoying this thought provoking grown up drama. Love BBC 4.

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MsInterpret · 19/11/2011 22:36

Just watched the third one on iPlayer - definitely thought-provoking and very much darker...

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JinxAndFluff · 21/11/2011 09:14

Watched 3rd and 4th episodes back to back yesterday. Really enjoying this and hated the book, I chucked it. I find they have made the series much more multi layered, characters much fuller. I didn't get that from the book. This week is apparently in court focussing on the mother of slapped boy, Rosie. Lots and lots to come out there still! Does remind me in mood/technique of the first series of Underbelly, which was fab (as opposed to later ones which were not). Am slightly concerned about my fascination with 'bad boy' Harry.... Am I alone in thinking I could help his insecurities??

SinisterBuggyMonth · 21/11/2011 13:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

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MsInterpret · 21/11/2011 19:27

I'm a Misfits fan too! Have you watched The Killing, SinisterBuggyMonth?

I've saved up the first two episodes from last night to watch over this week.

Also had a few laughs from Fresh Meat on E4.

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MsInterpret · 21/11/2011 19:29

Oh and Jinx - I had a thing for Alex Dimitriades, who plays Harry, years ago when he was in heartbreak high. Was quite a shock to see him older and puffier! Although do get the odd glimpse of gorgeousness... His bit on the side was on HH too.

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JinxAndFluff · 22/11/2011 09:18

MsInterpret - if that's him older and puffier, I can live with it. I think its that Heathcliffe-esque brooding that's really reeled me in....!!

maras2 · 22/11/2011 09:52

Looking foreward to Rosie's Story on Thursday (she used to be Angel in Home and Away).

betabaker · 23/11/2011 11:46

It's brilliant - and refreshingly different with the Australian setting. Would just not work as a US series (they'd want to make 20 eps with a 2nd series) while this is only 8 and that's it, so there's no long term commitment!
Going by surnames and looks, I think Jonathan LaPaglia [Hector] is the brother of Antony LaPaglia [off of Frasier and that missing person cop show]

SinisterBuggyMonth · 23/11/2011 13:26

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MsInterpret · 23/11/2011 20:08

You could start watching Series 2 I think. But it would be better to watch 1 first - Christmas pressie? Wink

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WaxMyBoard · 24/11/2011 11:54

Loving it and with all the attention to detail with the locations its that rare thing - better then the book.

Moln · 24/11/2011 22:43

harry used to be in heartbreak high didn't he? (well the actor was!)

Moln · 25/11/2011 05:17

od dear i just spotted that was l ready mentioned.

Bit slow off the mark me!

smugaboo · 25/11/2011 10:30

God I loved this series. I just watched the final episode here in Australia and I won't say anything about it except - Jonathan La Paglia NAKED. Look forward to that one!

Interested what you have to say about the Rosie episode. I thought it was one of the most powerful.

WaxMyBoard · 25/11/2011 10:51

Glad and sorry it was only eight episodes. Great, lots of strands, themes, grey characters - neither good nor bad just human.

Smugaboo - how have people felt in Australia, was it popular? Realistic? Upset certain communiities or a nod of understanding that although not ideal thats reality?

noddyholder · 25/11/2011 10:54

I am really enjoying it. Have been watching with dp and ds and they are both gripped. Some of the sex scenes are a bit cringey to watch as ds is 17 but there have been lots of themes running through this which have made for some good discussions with him.Thought Rosies was very interesting esp the double standards within their life and marriage

Iheartmolly · 25/11/2011 16:13

Dh was moaning when we were watching Rosie episode last night as is it on too late for him but he is hooked nowGrin

I am really enjoying it-I hated the book! Though I do think the sex scenes have been a bit crap.

I cant believe harry was in heartbreak high-I thought I recognised him! feck Im getting old.

BeadyBagsaTella · 25/11/2011 18:09

Yes, I'm really enjoying this. The characters are all well developed, like real people except in each episode we get some of their private thoughts/ moments- so we understand their motivation a bit more than in real life. I think this makes them more likeable than their actions alone would suggest IYSWIM. Can't wait for next week's.

smugaboo · 25/11/2011 19:47

Wax - incredibly popular here. Yes, I feel it was realistic. The characters were 'familiar' if you know what I mean. And finally, finally someone has made tv that reflects the actual mix of people in urban Australia. So much of what we have produced in the past tends to celebrate the 'outback', stockmen, 'life on the land' - which is an Australia that is as unfamiliar to me than it probably is to you. This Australia looks like the one I know.

Remember when Anouk in the 2nd series said that her mother accused her exporting ignorance? Because she was a writer of a soap? I feel like The Slap managed to do the exact opposite and for that I am thankful.

Didn't know you were all so familiar with Heartbreak High! And how about that Angel, eh?

anonacfr · 25/11/2011 23:56

I just caught the Rosie episode and was blown away by the court scene. Rosie's cross interrogation complete with Harry's contemptuous glare was just painful to watch.
I still feel we needed to find out more about her. The PND, the weird relationship with her husband, her general flakiness needed more development. Interestingly the only time she really appeared together was when caring for Anouk's mother.

So far the more engaging episodes as far as getting a better feel for the characters have been Harry's and Anouk's. I really hope we get one on Aisha to find out more about the Greek trip. That whole storyline would so be an AIBU thread on Mumsnet!

realhousewifeoffitzrovia · 26/11/2011 16:46

i just watched the Rosie episode. This series is very good television. I'm surprised there is not more buzz about it. Do we think it will be Aisha next week?

yesbutnobut · 26/11/2011 17:36

It's a brilliant series isn't it? Really enjoying it, having disliked the book. I was very impressed when the author came onto mumsnet for a live chat a few months ago. Here is a link and anyone who is enjoying the series I think you'd find his answers and insights very interesting (though I guess there may be some 'spoilers' in there if you haven't already read the book)

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/book_of_the_month/1152553-Join-Christos-Tsiolkas-to-talk-about-THE-SLAP-our-March-Book-of-the-Month-on-Weds-23-March-8-9pm/AllOnOnePage

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MsInterpret · 26/11/2011 18:49

Next week is Manolis, Hector's father. I want an Aisha episode too and agree that Rosie's character definitely needs more exploring! Poor Rosie. All very interesting.

Enjoying the way each episode opens up the characters and helps us to feel sympathetic toward (most of) them. I found this particularly with Connie, whose episode I didn't really think I'd like; I didn't really care about her or want to know more. Feel like this about Manolis episode at the moment. However, I really enjoyed it. I thought she played the exultation after her car encounter with Hector perfectly -I could really remember that feeling from being her age. (Not from quite the same circumstances!)

Anouk's episode is still my favourite though. Love her. Loved how cool and arch she seemed next to Connie's gaucheness in the club scene.

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saffronwblue · 27/11/2011 06:27

The series has finished here in Australia and I thought it was brilliant. With our relatively small population we don't usually invest in productions of this quality. I found it painful but just felt that every episode revealed new layers and new angles to think about. Very very unusually for me I preferred the TV series to the book. ( Also loved seeing my former vet clinic as one of the main settings!)