'Painkiller' Traces Sackler Family's Role in Opioid Crisis

Summary:

• The 'Painkiller' series on Netflix delves into the Sackler family's role in the opioid crisis.
• The show uncovers the family's deceptive practices and accumulation of wealth through OxyContin sales.
• Parallels are drawn between the crack epidemic and the opioid crisis, highlighting disparities in justice.
• The lack of personal accountability of the Sackler family is a central theme in the series.
• The 'Painkiller' series offers viewers a thought-provoking look into the societal impact of the opioid epidemic.

The new Netflix drama series 'Painkiller' delves into the role of the Sackler family, owners of Purdue Pharma and makers of OxyContin, in the opioid crisis that has devastated communities across America.

Understanding Human Behavior

In the series, the character Richard Sackler, portrayed by Matthew Broderick, reflects on the duality of human behavior – the pursuit of pleasure and the avoidance of pain. This theme is central to the narrative, highlighting the complex nature of the opioid crisis.

Unveiling the Story

Executive producer and director Peter Berg, along with consulting producer Barry Meyer, sheds light on the Sackler family's involvement in the epidemic. The series aims to reveal the extent of the betrayal and crime that occurred.

Complexity of Deceit

The show exposes the Sackler family's intricate web of lies, manipulation, bribery, and exploitation that led to their accumulation of vast wealth. The series underscores how adept they were at nefarious activities.

Human Toll and Profits

The Sackler family amassed billions of dollars from OxyContin sales, while over a quarter of a million Americans lost their lives to prescription opioid overdoses involving the drug. Purdue Pharma's deceptive marketing claimed it was safe for common pain, resulting in widespread addiction.

Comparing Epidemics

The series draws parallels between the crack epidemic and the opioid crisis, highlighting the disparities in how justice is served. Corporate accountability is questioned, as the Justice Department often targets street-level drug dealers more aggressively than pharmaceutical executives.

Lack of Accountability

The Sackler family's lack of personal accountability becomes evident as the series unfolds. Their strategy of blaming addicts rather than acknowledging their role in the crisis reflects their indifference to the societal impact of their actions.

Streaming on Netflix

The 'Painkiller' series is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a compelling exploration of the Sackler family's involvement in the opioid epidemic.

Peter Berg and Barry Meyer provide insights into the making of the series and the challenges in portraying a complex and tragic story.