As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for shows that delve deep into the human condition, I must say Justin Spitzer’s latest creation, “St. Denis Medical,” has left me quite impressed. With his knack for portraying everyday lives influenced by larger social and political forces, he’s certainly come a long way from the bro-y bonhomie of “Scrubs.
Justin Spitzer, the writer behind “Scrubs,” a classic sitcom set in a hospital workplace, gained his first script credit there twenty years ago. More recently, Spitzer, alongside Eric Ledgin (“Rutherford Falls”), has ventured back into the medical genre with NBC’s “St. Denis Medical.” Over the years, Spitzer has refined a distinctive style that easily adapts to healthcare settings. A product of “The Office,” Spitzer crafts shows centered around the bustling frontlines of contemporary commerce, such as the sales floor of a large retailer (“Superstore”) and the headquarters of an ailing car company (“American Auto”). Both shows also feature Ledgin’s input. Unlike characters from Norman Lear’s works, Spitzer’s characters don’t engage in lengthy debates about issues, but their personal lives clearly reflect broader social and political trends.
St. Denis Medical” proves to be an excellent addition to this grand endeavor, distinguishing itself significantly from the casual camaraderie of “Scrubs”. The narrative commences within the context of a safety-net hospital in Oregon, where lead character Alex (played brilliantly by Allison Tolman) is tending to a patient who has recently survived an opioid overdose. In the midst of this, her harried coworker Val (Kaliko Kauahi, recognized as Sandra from “Superstore”) voices concerns about staffing shortages to a growing number of patients seeking help. Meanwhile, executive director Joyce (Wendi McClendon-Covey), a seasoned oncologist, prioritizes acquiring modern equipment rather than updating outdated software from the Clinton era.
This isn’t a show where glamorous hero-doctors, who magically solve problems without considering insurance issues, take center stage. Instead, one character, trauma surgeon Bruce (played by Josh Lawson), is a satire of this stereotype. Other shows might focus on characters like Bruce, but “St. Denis Medical” portrays him as someone who frequently asks overworked nurses to fetch his coffee. Nurse Alex, played by Alex Moffat, explains their importance, stating that they are the ones who actually provide care in healthcare. The show’s team primarily consists of these dedicated nurses. David Alan Grier delivers a grizzled, tired performance as Dr. Ron, embodying the true essence of the series, although he contrasts with the idealistic Alex. The show follows the mockumentary style seen in “The Office” and “Abbott Elementary,” combining handheld camera work from director Ruben Fleischer (“Venom”) with staged testimonials. This realistic approach mirrors the show’s focus on authenticity.
Unlike many contemporary medical series that have emerged in recent times, such as the glitzy “Doctor Odyssey” by Ryan Murphy, the show “St. Denis Medical” barely touches on the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on healthcare systems. Instead, it delves into the pre-existing disparities that the pandemic highlighted for us all. “St. Denis Medical” offers a realistic portrayal of its characters’ struggles, while also acknowledging how these challenges can lead to humorous situations. McClendon-Covey shines as Joyce, an incurable optimist who believes positive thinking can surmount institutional issues. The patients in this series function similarly to the customers on “Superstore,” providing a constant stream of comedic chaos and quips.
Across the initial three episodes shown to critics, “St. Denis Medical” swiftly gels into an endearing group that serves as an engaging perspective to explore some harsh, persistent issues in healthcare. Characters such as Matt (Mekki Leeper), a fresh nurse who hails from a Christian cult, offer a unique touch that prevents the series from becoming a common cautionary tale about the flaws of privatized medicine. In one humorous scene, a patient requests her favorite oversized cross as a pre-surgery lucky charm, and Val comically drags this large wooden artifact around in a delightfully absurd moment of slapstick. While political insight boosts the comedy in Spitzer’s playbook, there are plenty of laughs that exist purely for amusement.
On November 12th, starting at 8pm Eastern Time, I’m thrilled to share that the initial two episodes of “St. Denis Medical” will debut on NBC. From then on, new episodes will air every Tuesday, with each subsequent episode becoming available on Peacock the very next day. Can’t wait!
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2024-11-12 17:16