IN JUST SIX EPISODES the Netflix miniseries ‘Eric’ weaves a compelling story of a missing child, a children’s show, a corrupt city, a dangerous police department, and a wounded family that wasn’t handling life very well before he disappeared.
The story begins with the familiar trope of ‘every parent’s nightmare;’ their child disappears from his walk to school. The father, played by Benedict Cumberbatch no less, is the son of a real-estate tycoon, a producer of a popular Children’s TV series, an alcoholic and borderline schizophrenic. He is roughly as likable as Dr. Gregory House, except that he actually does care about children, at least in the abstract.
The year is 1985. Fantastic attention to detail places the audience in that time. A closeted police detective carefully separates parts of his life, and his underworld connections.
The child’s name is Edgar; the monster is named Eric. As the story progresses different characters face unique dangers. I found myself speculating who would die, who would be ruined.
There are heartwarming moments, but in many ways it isn’t an easy story to watch. With the exception of the missing child, it takes a couple episodes to see if any of the characters have redeeming characteristics. And some of them do. By the end of episode six, you’ll have your own list of who should live and who should die or go to prison.
I’m gonna say ‘highly recommended.’
- Remember Ronald Reagan laughing at gay people dying of AIDS? That’s the time.
- In this world, Jim Henson also exists, so you know where the father’s puppet show lies on the children’s television show pecking order.
- If profanity bothers you, skip this series. (Sorry, yes, I’m rolling my eyes here)
- “Child in danger” is a guaranteed thriller trope, but we add lots of other dangers for other characters who matter.
- I just learned that Benedict Cumberbatch won’t take on new projects unless his female co-stars are paid as much as he is.
- As usual Wikipedia has the deets
georgewiman 