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"It's a kind of hopeful message."
Eric spoilers follow.
Eric star McKinley Belcher III and writer Abi Morgan have explained the meaning behind the show's ending.
The new Netflix series, which premiered this week, sees Marvel star Benedict Cumberbatch play renowned puppeteer Vincent Sullivan, as he searches for his missing son Edgar (Ivan Howe).
During his search, Vincent desperately clings on to Edgar's drawings of a blue monster puppet called Eric — who becomes his only ally as his increasingly unhinged behaviour alienates those around him.
Related: Benedict Cumberbatch reveals bosses "said no" to original Eric voice
The series also explores the disappearance of 14-year-old Marlon Rochelle, who Detective Ledroit (Belcher) is determined to find.
After Marlon's mother Cecile finally learns what happened to her son, the series poignantly ends with Ledroit and Cecile sharing a meal, while her grandson watches Vincent's puppet show Good Day Sunshine.
Speaking exclusively to Digital Spy, Morgan explained why she wanted the show to come full circle, saying: "It's a kind of hopeful message about, this child might be different, the world might be different for this boy when he grows up."
On Ledroit's development across the series, Belcher continued: "There's so much about the journey over the six episodes that is for me specifically about stepping into being the change that he wants to see in the world.
Related: Eric tackles mainstream television's forgotten Black struggle
"And I'd like to think that as he's sitting there watching this young boy watch the show, that he's looking at a very real representation that the world, through the things that happened in just that episode, is a better place for that young man."
He concluded: "And it's also sort of a reflection of all the young men that have gone missing over the course of this series," with Morgan adding: "And who will sadly continue to go missing."
Since its premiere on the streamer, Eric has earned a 71% score on Rotten Tomatoes (from 51 reviews), with particular praise going towards the cast's "convincing" performances.
Eric is now available to stream on Netflix.
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Sara Baalla
Freelance news reporter
Sara is an entertainment journalist who specialises in TV and film.After studying journalism at the University of Roehampton, Sara joined Digital Spy in 2023, writing news (and the occasional feature) on all things entertainment. She has also written for the culture desk atThe Evening Standard. A lover of all things TV and film, Sara can wax lyrical about everything fromBridgertontoThe Witcher. She can also recite entire episodesof New Girl,Brooklyn Nine-NineandParks and Recreation. In her spare time, Sara loves to knit, crochet and cross-stitch. Also a musical theatre aficionado, Sara counts Samantha Barks as one of her heroes and is a loyal fan of Jodie Comer.
Rebecca Cook
Deputy TV Editor
Previously a TV Reporter at The Mirror, Rebecca can now be found crafting expert analysis of the TV landscape for Digital Spy, when she's not talking on the BBC or Times Radio about everything from the latest season of Bridgerton or The White Lotus to whatever chaos is unfolding in the various Love Island villas.
When she's not bingeing a box set, in-the-wild sightings of Rebecca have included stints on the National TV Awards and BAFTAs red carpets, and post-match video explainers of the reality TV we're all watching.
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