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form y separately published work icon The Slap : Richie single work   film/TV  
Issue Details: First known date: 2011... 2011 The Slap : Richie
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

'The burden of Connie's secret is taking its toll on Richie. He's worried about her, and disgusted with himself for obsessing about Hector. Whilst everyone knows he's gay, Richie is still struggling to come to terms with it. He feels increasingly alienated from Connie, who's wrapped up in her new boyfriend and friends, so spends more and more time with Hugo, to fill the gap. When Rosie and Gary announce they're moving to the country, Richie is devastated.

'After swimming laps at the pool, Richie bumps into Hector. As Hector dries off naked, Richie takes a surreptitious photo on his phone. Hector springs him and protests, and Richie bolts into a cubicle. Thinking quickly, Hector calls the number that has been sending him anonymous messages, and Richie's phone rings, exposing him.

'That night, Richie goes to Connie's house panicked and insists that she tell the police about Hector. Connie refuses, angry that Richie has brought it up again. The next day after school Richie spies Hector talking to Connie, and feeling his world cave in, seeks refuge at Rosie and Gary's house. When he arrives clearly distressed, they press him for the reason, and Richie blurts out the secret that's been eating him up: Hector raped Connie.

'Gary and Rosie jump on the revelation and immediately march Richie to Aisha's vet clinic. When Gary confronts Aisha about it, she feels sick, refusing to believe it. Connie arrives and denies it, turning on Richie and accusing him of making it all up out of his obsession with Hector. Confused and distraught, Richie runs home and swallows a bottle of pills. His mother finds him just in time and rushes him to the hospital, saving his life.

'Later, Connie explains herself and apologises by taking Richie to a music festival. Richie is relieved to have his friend back and surprised when Lenin kisses him.'

Source: ABC website,
Sighted: 28/11/2011

Notes

  • First screened on ABC TV1 on 24 November 2011.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

    • c
      Australia,
      c
      :
      ABC Television ; Matchbox Pictures ,
      2011 .
      Extent: 55 minsp.
      Series: form y separately published work icon The Slap Tony Ayres , Australia : ABC Television Matchbox Pictures , 2011 Z1699408 2011 series - publisher film/TV 'The series starts at an Australian backyard BBQ. Amongst alcohol, friendship and a children's cricket game a man slaps a child who is not his son. The party comes to a sudden halt. The child's parents are so affronted they vow to take the man to court. As the series unfolds the police become involved and friends and family are forced to take sides. One cousin is forced to testify against another. Couples are caught in the crossfire. Beliefs are tested and relationships strained.

      'The story is told through the points of view of eight characters as the court case proceeds, as affairs begin and end, as a pregnancy is decided and marriages morph and change. Each character's life is profoundly affected by "the slap", and each of the main character is metaphorically slapped as they are forced to face up to fundamental truths about themselves.'

      Source: The Slap website http://www.abc.net.au/tv/theslap/about/ (Sighted 11/10/2011)
      Number in series: 8

Works about this Work

VIP Slap Screening a Hit Suzanne Carbone , 2011 single work column
— Appears in: The Age , 24 November 2011; (p. 24)
Free to Air Melinda Houston , 2011 single work review
— Appears in: The Sun-Herald , 20 November 2011; (p. 19)

— Review of The Slap : Richie Brendan Cowell , 2011 single work film/TV
Free to Air Melinda Houston , 2011 single work review
— Appears in: The Sun-Herald , 20 November 2011; (p. 19)

— Review of The Slap : Richie Brendan Cowell , 2011 single work film/TV
VIP Slap Screening a Hit Suzanne Carbone , 2011 single work column
— Appears in: The Age , 24 November 2011; (p. 24)
Last amended 28 Nov 2011 15:43:41
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  • Melbourne, Victoria,
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