The Dive into the Two Versions of Eric
In the world of television series, there is often a discrepancy between the show’s intended premise and the actual execution. This is the case with Eric, a psychological thriller revolving around a children’s-television creator, which stars Benedict Cumberbatch. Initially marketed as a deep exploration of a man’s descent into madness as he interacts with a figment of his imagination, Eric unfortunately devolves into a superficial procedural crime thriller that clumsily addresses important societal issues.
The Vision Behind Eric
Created and penned entirely by Abi Morgan, known for her work on The Iron Lady, Eric commences as the tale of Vincent, portrayed by Cumberbatch, who oversees a Good Day Sunshine show reminiscent of Sesame Street in 1980s New York. Despite waning public interest and internal strife among the cast, Vincent’s son, Edgar, remains enamored with the characters and hopes to introduce his own creation, Eric the puppet, to the show. However, when Edgar vanishes, Eric becomes a larger-than-life imaginary presence in Vincent’s world, dispensing harsh truths.
Exploring the Multifaceted Cast
Vincent’s quest to uncover the truth behind his son’s disappearance introduces a slew of supporting characters set against the backdrop of the Good Day Sunshine studio, a police precinct, a New York encampment, and a nightclub named The Lux. As Vincent grapples with paranoia, Eric traverses the gritty ’80s New York scene. The shifting narrative serves to highlight various storylines and characters, offering a vivid portrayal of the city’s underbelly.
The Shift Towards a Procedural Focus
Once Detective Ledroit becomes involved, Eric transitions into procedural territory, frequently delving into Vincent’s mental state through surreal sequences. However, this abrupt change in tone results in a lack of depth, particularly in its handling of racism. The series’ treatment of racial issues comes across as superficial, failing to provide meaningful commentary on the era’s racial dynamics.
Unraveling the Core Themes
As Eric delves deeper into the mystery, unveiling layers of conspiracy and corruption within the police department and New York’s government, it introduces a parade of white male figures spouting clichéd rhetoric. This shift detracts from the series’ potential to explore complex character dynamics and themes beyond surface-level commentary.
Eric pats itself on the back for pointing out the most obvious social ills.
In its portrayal of characters, particularly individuals of color, Eric falls short, reducing them to stereotypes and missed opportunities for nuanced exploration. The series fails to fully engage with the emotional depth of its characters, opting instead for a superficial examination of their struggles.