What’s Worth Watching: The Slap Goes Out With a Bang

The Slap, “Richie” (Thursday, April 2, 10/9c, NBC)

Over the course of its eight-episode run, NBC’s The Slap has proven to be mostly hit or miss. There have been some standout hours, notably Brian Cox’s stand-alone episode as Apostolou patriarch Manolis, who pulled his family together to come to the aid of relative Harry (Zachary Quinto).

In tonight’s season finale, a peripheral character gets his turn in the spotlight as the focus shifts to young photographer Richie (Lucas Hedges). As the court case between Harry and the Weshlers (Thomas Sadoski and Melissa George) intensifies, all parties search for solid evidence that accurately depicts what really went down during Hector’s (Peter Sarsgaard) birthday barbecue. Richie’s photographs become essential during the arguments, and Richie is forced to expose himself and his secrets, compromising his innocence and purity along the way. For Richie, the slap has morphed into a crushing blow.