Unspeakable

Unspeakable is a compelling drama mini-series produced by SundanceTV and premiered in 2019. The series focuses on the Canadian Tainted Blood Scandal that took place in the final two decades of the 20th century. The narrative of the show is based on two books “Bad Blood” by Vic Parsons and “The Gift of Death” penned by Andre Picard.

The series incorporates a star-studded cast. Sarah Wayne Callies, recognized for her roles in "The Walking Dead" and "Prison Break", steps into the role of Margaret Sanders, while Stargate SG-1’s Michael Shanks portrays Will Sanders.

The storyline is grounded in historical realities, offering a harrowing overview of the tainted blood scandal that rocked the Canadian health system. This scandal, which unfolded between the late 70s and early 90s, saw a significant number of Canadian hemophilia and transfusion patients infected with HIV and Hepatitis C from tainted blood and blood products sourced from high-risk donors.

The narrative of Unspeakable is not linear, jumping back and forth in time, highlighting key events and decision-making processes that led to the widening of the catastrophe. The series diligently explores the devastating personal, political and public health consequences of this historical incident.

Canadian Actor Michael Shanks absorbs the viewers in his heartrending performance as Will Sanders, a single father struggling to raise his hemophiliac sons, Ryan and Peter, portrayed convincingly by Spencer Drever and Levi Meaden respectively. The role of Sarah Wayne Callies as Margaret Sanders, Will’s ex-wife, is a highlight of the series with her riveting performance as a mother navigating the pain and challenges of her children's health crisis.

Shawn Doyle plays tainted blood scandal whistleblower Dr. Roger Perrault and Camille Sullivan is seen as Alice Landry, a nurse committed to the care of the patients marred by this catastrophe. They both bring a layer of complexity to the storyline.

Their performances, coupled with a riveting plot, add depth to the series. The narrative astutely reflects the helplessness of victims, explores the ethical dilemmas of the medical staff, and unearths the bureaucratic mishandling that led to the crisis.

The series diligently pays homage to the real-life victims and their families of this devastating scandal. It elucidates both the macrocosm and microcosm of the incident, equally focusing on the individual families affected as much as the overarching social and political circumstances contributing to the disaster.

The performance by Trinity Likins as young Alice is particularly moving, while Aaron Douglas gives a strong portrayal of Jim Krepke, a hemophiliac patient. David Lewis, Brian Markinson, Paloma Kwiatkowski, and Diana Bang also have important roles in telling this dark chapter of Canadian history.

The show features a well-crafted script under the helm of Robert C. Cooper, who is also a victim of the scandal being a hemophiliac who contracted Hepatitis C. His understanding and personal experiences add an emotional depth that's hard to ignore. The performance of the ensemble cast weaves together the personal narratives into a collective view of the tragedy.

Unspeakable stands out not just for its performances, script, and direction, but also for the production set design and costume team that convincingly replicate the era of the late 20th century. The series strikes a perfect balance of sensitivity and bluntness in its storytelling, revealing the naked truths of a public disaster without resorting to unnecessary melodrama.

In a span of eight episodes, Unspeakable covers an essential period of health history. The audience is taken through an emotional journey of loss, betrayal, fear, and the resilience of the human spirit. It pushes the viewers to question the value of trust, accountability and transparency in societal systems that are designed to protect us.

In conclusion, Unspeakable is a powerful drama series that offers a profound understanding of a significant historical event that affected thousands of Canadians. Despite its dark subject matter, the series manages to shed light on the unspeakable through the courage of its characters and their journeys. It is a gripping exploration of the intersection of personal tragedies and socio-political failings, making it a must-watch for those who appreciate historically grounded dramas.