As a longtime fan of both comedy and medical dramas, I must say that my television-watching heart is abuzz with anticipation for NBC’s new series, St. Denis Medical. Having grown up on the golden age of sketch comedy and binge-watching sitcom classics during my formative years, I find myself captivated by the hilarious blend of the two genres that this show presents.
I’m somewhat amazed that the 2024 TV lineup will soon include two fresh additions: “The Creep Tapes,” a newfound-footage horror series on Shudder, and “St. Denis Medical,” a novel network mockumentary comedy. The former delves into the chaotic, exaggerated daily routines of the staff at St. Denis Medical, under the leadership of executive director Joyce, portrayed by Wendi McLendon-Covey from “The Goldbergs.” This series is created by Justin Spitzer, who also worked on “Superstore,” and Eric Ledgin.
As a gamer eagerly waiting for my favorite shows, I’m thrilled beyond words that St. Denis Medical finally hit the small screen, despite the unexpected delay caused by Hollywood strikes in 2023. This show has truly lived up to the hype, boasting an ensemble that rivals the best on TV. Allison Tolman from Fargo brings a stable presence as Alex, standing tall amidst the hospital turmoil, and Mekki Leeper, fresh from Sex Lives of College Girls, shines as Matt, a new RN recruit who’s been sheltered by his hyper-religious background. I can hardly wait to see where their stories unfold!
Initially, it took nearly half of the first episode for me to ignore the implausibility of almost everything in St. Denis Medical, making me scrutinize the narrative. However, once I was able to do so, I found myself hooked and eagerly watching more. After only two episodes, it’s clear that St. Denis doesn’t yet measure up to contemporary TV greats like The Office, Parks & Rec, or What We Do in the Shadows. Nevertheless, there are two aspects of this freshman comedy that have captured my attention and keep me coming back for more each week.
David Alan Grier, Who’s Hilariously Perfect As The Skillful But Uninspired Dr. Ron
Just as countless comedy enthusiasts, I’ve been roaring with laughter at David Alan Grier ever since the golden era of “In Living Color”, a truly outstanding sketch series. He’s the kind of performer who injects an additional burst of brilliance into any production, be it his humorous guest appearances on “A Black Lady Sketch Show” or his role in shaping the narrative of “The Patient”, or his collaboration with other comedy greats in “The Cool Kids”.
In the anticipated role, Dr. Ron, an emergency physician, is portrayed by Grier, who has accumulated a wealth of experience and talent. However, due to the monotony of daily routines, Dr. Ron appears to have lost some of his initial enthusiasm. Instead, he seems to be going through the motions more than inspiring others. Fortunately, his grumpy demeanor doesn’t overshadow his kind-hearted nature, preventing him from becoming an ineffective or unsupportive doctor. At the same time, he isn’t so sour that he can’t provide a strong foundation for his coworkers.
While Ron isn’t flawless, Episode 2 brings attention to some old-fashioned ideas about dating older women. Yet, his slight improvement suggests that these characters might still undergo genuine development while keeping us entertained. I’d be quite content if David Alan Grier merely sat at a desk delivering sharp, witty comments, so any additional content is just a bonus.
Josh Lawson, Whose Dr. Bruce Earned At Least A Chuckle With Every Single Scene
At St. Denis Medical, Dr. Ron played by Grier feels more like a realistic staff member compared to Dr. Bruce portrayed by Josh Lawson, who appears as if he’s been tailor-made for a TV character. His role as a trauma surgeon subtly suggests an eagerness to be the hospital’s ultimate hero and savior, masked behind apparent selflessness and dedication to his job. Despite the potential for him to become the most obnoxious character, something about him manages to keep us engaged.
As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel that Josh Lawson was destined for greatness from the outset of scripted storytelling, with standout performances in shows like “Superstore” and “House of Lies”. Yet, Dr. Bruce seems to embody this predestined quality more than any other role I’ve seen him play. His radiant smile is inviting and endearing at first glance, but if you don’t pay close attention to his words, it appears as though he exudes a charming good guy persona. However, once he starts talking and reveals his true intentions, the perceived goodwill comically bounces right back at him.
The same cocky arrogance that made characters like Michael Scott (portrayed by Steve Carell) and the group from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia so entertainingly watchable, Bruce also possesses. However, unlike those characters, Bruce hasn’t yet plunged himself into self-destructive situations. Nevertheless, his overconfidence generates some hilariously naïve stories, and every effort to impress seems to backfire due to a lack of common sense or awareness. Yet, he brushes off these failures with a grin, ready for the next comedic mishap.
On Tuesday evenings at 8:00 p.m., St. Denis Medical can be found on NBC, preceding Melissa Rauch’s Night Court which has shifted its timeslot for Season 3. You can watch new episodes the following day if you have a Peacock subscription and stream them online.
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2024-11-13 20:37