Eric

On many levels, this is a finely-crafted example of television narrative. The storytelling is richly-layered, and the characters are handsomely complex and watchable, despite how difficult it may be to witness some of the graphic content, not to mention the self-destructive elements of Cumberbatch's character Vincent. To be clear, this series is definitely not for children, and I would suggest that many older adolescents likely wouldn't appreciate or comprehend some of the textured aspects of this story either. Over the course of six highly-absorbing episodes, Eric is a simple story that slowly unfolds itself into an unpredictable, complex web of criminal intrigue. It is also a very touching and poignant odyssey of a broken man's struggle to navigate the labyrinth of unrealized fatherhood. The concept of stifled childhood itself becomes a central core to the story, not the least because of Vincent's brilliant but misaligned efforts to manifest the spirit of children through his puppeteering. The story ultimately weaves itself back to a satisfying and genuinely unpredictable conclusion, and the viewer is left to ponder what it means to break old legacies in order to prevent future injuries. One of Eric's notable strengths is the way that it takes each major character through a near-complete journey of self-reckoning, and how it effectively closes the gap on virtually every theme discussed. Eris is also a captivating commentary on mental health itself, as demonstrated by Vincent's angst-ridden struggle with avoidance, self-absorptive neurosis and addiction. As far as sexuality is concerned, there are strong homoerotic references and highly suggestive images that involve pedophilia and child trafficking. There is near-constant foul language, excessive drinking, and periodic drug use. While the series itself is an unlikely tale of redemption, there is no shortage of troubled and disturbed lifestyles portrayed. A sober tale for sober-minded parents.