The Slap from Acorn TV

Two nights ago we finished The Slap (2015), an eight-episode Australian TV series based on Christos Tsiolkas' novel. The show is of particular interest to Paul and me for multiple reasons. It is written by a Greek-Australian author, describing a Greek immigrant family living in Melbourne, and their life and relationships with each other and with other ethnic groups.

The story starts with Hector Apostolou’s 40^th birthday party. Extended family members and friends are gathered to celebrate his big birthday. Before long, the small family yard is filled with people of all ages, high with energy and a few higher with alcohol. Young Hugo is the son of Gary and his wife Rosie, who is one of the two closest friends of Hector's wife, Aisha. At the age of four, he is still being nursed for body comfort and night sleep. While playing cricket with the other boys, he throws a tantrum by grabbing the bat, and wielding it around dangerously towards anyone approaching him. Harry, Hector’s cousin, bravely intervenes by holding the wriggling, out-of-control Hugo. Seeing the boy is still not quieted down, Harry slaps him on the cheek, and thus all hell breaks loose. Hugo’s parents not only storm out of the party, but threaten to sue Harry for violence against children.

Courtesy Acorn TV

The child abuse lawsuit by Rosie against Harry gives rise to further conflicts between family loyalty vs. friendship, traditional values vs. contemporary lifestyles, happy family facade vs. infidelities, and the Australian Dream vs. life disappointment for immigrant families and their descendants.

Ultimately, traditional family declares victory through dedicated narrations highlighting eight characters, one in each of eight episodes: Hector, Harry, Anouk, Manolis, Connie, Aisha, Rosie and Richie. On the one hand, Aisha returns to her kids and husband; Harry and Sandi are expecting their second child; and Anouk is content writing her novel and being a support to her mother. On the other, Manolis decides to continue with his life journey, disappointed or not, with his now much happier wife, Koula; and Richie finds his love after being released from the torment of false knowledge that Connie has been raped by Hector. Even Gary and Rosie have obtained their salvation by moving out of Melbourne to have a new life in a brand-new city. Perhaps it is the secret of Greek happiness.