Which TV series is worth your time: ‘Painkiller’ or ‘Dopesick’?
The Battle of Opioid Epidemic Exposés: “Painkiller” vs “Dopesick”
The new Netflix series “Painkiller” and Hulu’s “Dopesick” both aim to shed light on the origins and devastating impact of the opioid epidemic. They both place blame on Purdue Pharma, the manufacturer of the drug, and specifically the Sackler family who owned the company.
However, while these two shows share similarities, they also have significant differences. “Dopesick” delves deeper into the stories of those affected by addiction, while “Painkiller” spends too much time focusing on the wealth and excess of the Sacklers and Purdue drug representatives who profited from OxyContin’s popularity.
“Painkiller” begins each episode with a powerful reminder that the events depicted are based on a true story but are fictionalized. This opening, narrated by mothers who lost their children to opioid addiction, emphasizes that while the series may not be entirely factual, the pain it portrays is very real.
The star-studded cast of “Painkiller” includes Matthew Broderick as Dr. Richard Sackler, the mastermind behind OxyContin, and Uzo Aduba as Edie Flowers, a determined lawyer fighting against Purdue Pharma. Taylor Kitsch portrays Glen Kryger, whose addiction tears his family apart, highlighting the fact that opioid addiction affects people from all walks of life.
“Dopesick”, based on the non-fiction book of the same name, follows the opioid crisis through the eyes of various residents in a Virginia mining town. The series delves deep into the characters’ lives, particularly Dr. Samuel Finnix, who starts by prescribing OxyContin before succumbing to addiction himself.
Critics and audiences have praised “Dopesick” for its compelling storytelling and well-developed characters. The series received multiple Emmy nominations, with lead actor Michael Keaton winning for Outstanding Lead Actor.
While “Painkiller” has its merits, it falls short in comparison to “Dopesick” in terms of character development and tackling the weighty topic seriously. The Netflix series has received mixed reviews, with a 48% critic rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 61% audience score.
Ultimately, both shows attempt to portray Dr. Sackler as a villain, but ”Dopesick” takes a more nuanced approach, while “Painkiller” veers into absurdity. The portrayal of drug representatives also favors ”Dopesick,” with Will Poulter’s performance leaving a lasting emotional impact.
In conclusion, “Dopesick” offers a more serious and thought-provoking exploration of the opioid epidemic, while “Painkiller” falls short in its execution. If you’re looking for a gripping and impactful series on the subject, “Dopesick” is the clear winner.
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