Welcome back to our TV Preview series! We’re here to check out TV’s midseason offerings (which we highlighted in our TV Preview: Midseason Shows post) and voice our opinions on what’s good, what’s bad, what’s meh, and what you can avoid at all costs.
Warning! Possible spoilers ahead.
Premiered: Feb. 12 on NBC (Watch online.)
Twitter Pitch
Fastest way to release the wrath of a parent? Touch their child. There's no excuse even if the kid is … difficult. #WhoDoesThat?
Familiar Faces (and Voice)
Makenzie Leigh
Victor Garber
Peter Sarsgaard
Thandie Newton
Melissa George
Thomas Sadoski
Brian Cox
Zachary Quinto
Marin Ireland
Uma Thurman
Penn Badgley
Faces That Might Become Familiar (If You Keep Watching)
Khalid Alzouma
Nancy Sun
Dylan Schombing
Owen Tanzer
Armando Batista
Redeeming Qualities
Emily: Finally, something different! It's an all star cast surrounding a fascinating concept. If nothing else, I think the show could generate some interesting conversations. And I don't immediately dislike everyone, which just feels novel in itself for so many of the new shows on right now.
Mandy: The Slap features a spectacular cast. Every time another person showed up for Hector’s party, I found myself thinking, “They’re is in this show, too?!” I’m impressed on that front at the very least.
It's Not Me, It's You
Emily: What's with the voice over? It might be because Jane the Virgin is my favorite new show, but as soon as the vo started, I was super confused about what I was watching and suddenly thought this was going to be a parody of some sort. Not needed. And I'm so not into the "not quite but almost" affair. Why, oh, why do TV creatives feel that it is a clever storytelling technique? It's not.
Mandy: What is with that quasi cheerful intro? I felt like I was supposed to be watching a sitcom (or a British show, which fits better considering this is a remake of an Australian show) rather than a serious drama. The voiceover also made for a very different feel. I wonder, since the show seems to focus on different characters each episode, if this is a way to introduce them more quickly than usual? I’m not really a huge fan of narration, however.
Let's Do This Again
Emily: Even though I don't dislike any of the characters, not so sure I really like any of them either. And I have to say I like the pilot more than I like the upcoming previews, but still I'm interested to see where this goes. It's only 8 episodes so I'm at least going to see what happens next. If I stick around is going to depend greatly on if I start rooting for anyone.
Mandy: I’m really curious to know how this episode compared to the original version of the show. (So please, if you’ve watched both, let me know?) It was different than any other show I watch, and the difference in styles was intriguing, and yet—I’m not wholly sold yet. I’m not a huge fan of any of the characters, nor do I feel like they have that many redeeming qualities. I might check in once more, but I’m not making any promises.
Did you watch The Slap? If so, let us know your thoughts below!