Sleepin_Dragon

Betsy's life takes a devastating turn when she tries to cut down her intake of OxyContin, and the withdrawal she's hit with leads to tragedy. Meanwhile, Dr Finnix is further courted by Billy Cutler, though he's slowly starting to see the scale of what's spreading around him.

What a brilliant continuation. We're heading toward the midpoint and there's absolutely no sign of it easing off - if anything, it's ramping up. I'm completely engrossed in both Betsy's arc and Dr Finnix's, and I'm curious how long it'll take before he fully grasps just how much he's being manipulated.

The acting is superb, and now that I've adjusted to the time jumps, the structure works really well. I still cannot fathom how Purdue Pharma were ever allowed to market an opioid as "non-addictive." It's the equivalent of trying to sell a gâteau as a health food.

I've always liked Will Poulter, and he's doing a great job keeping his accent under control, but Michael Keaton continues to be the standout - just effortlessly good.

Compelling.

9/10.

Purdue Pharma launches OxyContin to largely positive reviews, though many quickly point out that while it works, the effects don't actually last the full twelve hours. The solution? Simply double the dose.

It's jaw-dropping. I genuinely can't believe what's unfolding here - the decisions being made are appalling. There's no universe in which the people in charge didn't understand the consequences of dramatically increasing the dose.

There's a clear social commentary running through the episode, but it never feels forced. The mix of characters about to be affected by the drug works really well, and I'm particularly drawn to Dr Finnix. He's such a fundamentally decent man, and watching him be manipulated is grimly effective. Michael Keaton genuinely brings him to life.

And that label they managed to get onto the product... whoever approved it should be answering for it. Breakthrough pain??? Unbelievable.

Excellent episode.

9/10.

Richard Sackler goes hunting for the next big pain medication - the product that'll supposedly redefine the entire market - and after years of effort and millions spent, OxyContin finally lands, packaged with the bold promise that only 1% of users become addicted.

It's a cracking first episode. I never felt an urgent need to watch this, having seen and raved about 'Painkiller', but I should have jumped in much sooner. It's a very strong start. The characters they've chosen feel well-balanced, an interesting mix, and the ones operating at the top of Purdue Pharma are particularly compelling.

The narrative does hop around a little, so if you get up to refill your glass and return thinking the tone's shifted, you may be watching the beginning of the story... or the end. I'm curious whether the whole series will follow this structure or settle into something more linear. Either way, it's hooked me.

We do get the 'obligatory' social commentary as expected.

It does make you wonder what will happen the next time a "miracle" product is released onto the market.

For context, I stubbed my toe on the lounge door and opted for red wine instead of painkillers. Probably wise.

8/10.