'I'm the Elephant man' on TV last night

[Kathyan]

Did anyone else watch this programme last night? It was quite interesting, but was it really necessary to show the pig being slaughtered? It had no bearing as to the man in question apart from his neighbour had died. Anyone else agree?

[samsong7]

I couldn't see the connection with the pig being slaughtered and the elephant mans condition either. Perhaps it was just part of the tradition in their village so they decided to include it in the show.
I also expected a different ending to the show, whereby he had the operation to remove the tumours from the other side of his face.
Was it mentioned about there being a follow up programme showing the completed procedure?

[Kathyan]

I wondered if there would be a follow-up but there was no mention of another programme. Bit of an anti climax really. I was expecting the same as you sam.

[Velvetee]

I haven't seen it yet, but have recorded it. It seems really sad that he has to live like this.

[poohshunny]

I agree that the ending was dissapionting. You could see the difference the first operation made, but would have been nice to see the end result. As for the slaughtering of the pig, it is tradition in the village to slaughter a pig at funerals to feed the mourners. There was a warning at the ad break to warn the viewers of the content of the programme. It didn't bother me in the slightest watching it as to the villagers it is a common sight.

[almcd007]

I think they were trying to show the difference in culture between ours and the man featured. They were quite remote and self sufficient. There was a warning at the ad break about the slaughter of the pig and the narrator did say they were going to slaughter a pig before actually seeing it - they teed it up as opposed to just foisting it upon the viewer.

yes it was fascinating and I felt for him and his family - this and also the chap with the birthmark in Portugal last week - makes you feel lucky to be just moaning about the weather !!

[anderlee]

I watched the programme but didnt hear the warning about the pig. When it came on i was eating my tea and got the shock of my life the way they just stabbed it and the poor pig was screaming. I understand why they do this but i dont think they had to show it.

Felt so sorry for that poor man.

[Legolassie]

I watched it with fascination but I certainly wouldn't allow those surgeons to touch me for anything. I felt that they just hacked away at him. 2 hours is to time at all to do a proper job and,to leave him bleeding for two days!!!! I felt so sorry for him. He obviously comes from a very loving family. I too was expecting him to have the other side of his face done as well and I do hope they will do a follow up programme.

[Lov3shy]

I seriously doubt the pig slaughtering was neccessary - it was horrible to view (I was aware of the warning however).
To be honest, I doubt the presence of that whole part (unrelating to 'The Elephant Man') was needed to be on the programme -of course, I understand it's part of 'elephant' man's family but not himself.

So stupid!