ABC, Please Let Doctor Odyssey Sail On

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The Pitt, Pulse, and 9-1-1 Lone Star all have their unique elements, but none portray the medical emergencies that could occur on a luxury cruise ship named The Odyssey sailing through the Caribbean. Doctor Odyssey, however, stands out as a gem in network TV: a lighthearted yet genuine medical drama perfect for weeknight viewing, reminiscent of a mid-afternoon Cherry-Vanilla Coca-Cola or a comfortable pair of jeans. Unfortunately, this show’s fate hangs in the balance, with only three episodes left in its first season. ABC has already renewed shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Abbott Elementary, as well as newcomers High Potential and Will Trent for the fall 2025 TV season. While Deadline suggests that the season finale could serve as a series finale, we fervently hope this isn’t the case for Doctor Odyssey. What must be done to ensure its renewal? Begging? Pleading? Bribery? This is our desperate plea: We need another season of Doctor Odyssey!

Although Doctor Odyssey doesn’t quite reach the depths of The Pitt or match the meme-worthy status of 9-1-1 and its offshoots, it still stands out as a unique and memorable fixture in the network television scene. Directed by Ryan Murphy, this medical series (which I can’t help but chuckle at) is set in an imaginary world where each week, The Odyssey hosts a themed cruise and the ensuing medical emergencies are connected to the cruise theme. If you’re looking for a man intentionally swallowing a rubber duck, it’s here! If you prefer Margaret Cho poisoning Kate Berlant or Don Johnson saying “Serve the house down boots mama,” no problem! And if you’re intrigued by a scenario involving three medical professionals engaging in a threesome as a coping mechanism for their jobs, Doctor Odyssey delivers just that.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I must confess that “Doctor Odyssey” seems to embody the quintessential network television series. It masterfully blends the eccentricities of the Ryan Murphy cosmos with an unending capacity for reinvention in both narrative and character development. Each week brings fresh themes, star-studded cameos, and intricate relationship hurdles for our central trio.

Joshua Jackson, who brings our titular character, “Max” (though commonly known as Doc Odd), offers a charming and timeless performance that keeps you hooked week after week without growing monotonous. Broadway’s Phillipa Soo adds a touch of theatrical sophistication, while Sean Teale skillfully navigates the complexities of both rebel and weakling personas.

This television production is undeniably effortless to watch, yet it appears that significant resources have been invested in its creation, with high-profile stars and lavish sets that are nothing short of opulent, even bordering on the absurd – take, for instance, the stylish in-patient bay adorned with mid-century modern décor.

The exorbitant production costs suggest that “The Odyssey” is not just another TV show; it’s a labor of love. Every detail, from the set design to the character development, suggests that genuine effort has been poured into crafting this captivating universe.

Above all else, Dr. Odyssey serves as a wellspring of delight. The series presents an unusual world where dire circumstances seldom arise; a scenario allows a “cougar” to conceive and a man to swiftly recover from a shark attack without a second thought. The characters exhibit profound affection for one another, the medical facilities bear a striking resemblance to those seen in an Architectural Digest video, and every predicament can be resolved through the intricate dynamics of a polyamorous relationship. These characters would benefit from additional time on the water, engaged in heated debates, passionate embraces, and the saving of lives that may have been otherwise saved anyway. This motley crew of medical professionals could enjoy even more themed episodes, such as Christmas Special, Travelogue, Inception-inspired Episodes (Dr. Odyssey meets The Odyssey!), Jazz Fortnight, Caffeine Detox Week, and, of course, Broadway Week. I dare say that the imagination is the only limit to what could be conceived, but one must admit that it would make for compelling viewing! Should ABC consider investing in love, romance, and the open sea, another season of Dr. Odyssey could bring us all these experiences and much more – after all, the price of happiness is beyond value.

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2025-04-02 01:54