‘Doc’ Review: Fox’s Drama About an Amnesiac Doctor Is All Too Forgettable

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As a long-time gamer and a connoisseur of medical dramas, I found myself both intrigued and underwhelmed by Fox’s new series “Doc”. The title, much like the show itself, is straightforward and unremarkable, but it’s the plot that caught my attention.

Being someone who has binge-watched countless hours of medical dramas, I was initially excited about a narrative that revolves around a brilliant doctor suffering from memory loss. However, “Doc” fails to deliver on its potential and instead opts for a predictable, painless watch that doesn’t leave much of an impression.

Molly Parker’s portrayal of the amnesiac Amy Larsen is commendable, but the story could have explored her grief and confusion in a more meaningful way. Instead, Amy’s memory loss serves as a convenient plot device rather than a nuanced character arc. The supporting characters are one-dimensional, and their relationships with Amy feel contrived, as if they exist solely to facilitate her personal growth.

The medical cases in “Doc” are predictable and perfunctory, lacking the complexity and moral dilemmas that make great medical dramas stand out. I found myself longing for more character development, more thought-provoking conflicts, and a bit more humor – something as refreshing as a well-timed joke in a rom-com.

In short, “Doc” is a bland medical drama that could have been so much more. It’s the TV equivalent of a vanilla ice cream – it’ll do the trick if you’re craving something sweet, but it won’t leave you yearning for seconds.

The title “Doc” is as uncomplicated as titles come. It’s straightforward, free from any attempts at being cute or witty, and instead focuses on accuracy – the show is about a doctor. However, despite this accuracy, it seems unlikely that the character played by Molly Parker, Amy Larsen, is ever referred to as “Doc” within the series. Moreover, its simplicity might make it easily forgettable while reading this paragraph.

The original production is undeniably more impactful, though not dramatically so. It’s an effortless view, paced appropriately to prevent monotony and polished enough to avoid becoming overly taxing. However, it seldom offers the daring or thrilling moments needed to create a lasting impression. It hits the bullseye perhaps too consistently.

The actual production is more impactful than that, but not by much. It’s an easy watch, with just the right pace to avoid boredom and the right shine to prevent frustration. Yet it rarely offers moments that are bold or exhilarating enough to make a lasting impact. It seems to hit its mark too accurately.

The main character and lead actress in this show seem to merit a more compelling portrayal. Originating from an Italian drama based on a real-life event, Doc starts off in a somewhat melodramatic fashion. Initially, the Amy we encounter is a renowned internal medicine chief, equally recognized for her sharpness and intelligence. However, just 15 minutes into the debut, she experiences a brain injury that erases the past eight years from her mind. The Amy who awakens is now the kinder, gentler woman she was in 2016, prior to the devastating event that hardened her so much. Parker brings a captivating vulnerability to the new Amy, a stark contrast to the tormented and enraged character we occasionally glimpse in flashbacks.

As someone who has personally experienced memory loss and the complications that come with it, I can relate to Amy’s situation in the story. Waking up to find myself still in love with an ex while dating someone new was a confusing and challenging time for me. It took a lot of effort and communication to navigate those feelings and move forward. I understand why Amy is having such difficulty returning to work, as it can be disorienting to suddenly find yourself in a role that feels unfamiliar after so much time has passed. The added complication of her professional rival’s secret may not have been interesting for the storyline, but I know from personal experience that secrets and gossip can create additional stress in an already difficult situation. It’s important to remember that everyone’s journey with memory loss is unique, and it takes time and support to find a new normal.

For the most part, Amy’s amnesia proves to be a hidden advantage, enabling her to leave her troubled past behind and start anew. This fresh start makes it simpler for her to reconcile with her strained daughter, Katie (played by Charlotte Fountain-Jardim), or charm her former adversary at work, Sonya (portrayed by Anya Banerjee). Since Amy can’t recollect any past grievances, no one can reasonably blame her for actions she doesn’t remember committing. Furthermore, almost everyone, including her psychiatrist friend Gina (played by Amirah Vann, adding depth to a somewhat underdeveloped character), seems to appreciate the new Amy more, often using the “old” Amy as a negative comparison.

As a gamer, I found myself yearning for that pristine start more deeply if the characters surrounding Amy seemed more human-like. Despite weaving numerous storylines hinting at the uncertainty of another’s heart, Doc only exhibits a modicum of interest in understanding its supporting cast beyond Amy. By the end of the 10-episode season, Jake is merely the man smitten by Amy, and Gina is simply her loyal companion; Katie is portrayed less as a teen grappling with her own emotional turmoil than as a prize for Amy’s virtuous actions. Not that Amy herself is given much opportunity to be complex either, as the messier aspects of her personality were expunged along with her memories.

As a gamer diving into this season, I must admit that the weekly storylines seem awfully flat and predictable, especially during the initial half. The medical mysteries are so routine, they feel more like a necessary chore than an engaging puzzle. It’s as if you could set a clock by the moment when a patient, who seemed to be recovering smoothly, suddenly takes an unexpected downturn.

In its favor, Doc skillfully constructs complex moral quandaries, such as choosing between saving one child at the cost of another’s health or a patient’s right to keep a secret that might ruin his family. However, it lacks the determination to explore these situations in genuinely unexpected or bold ways. A scenario involving a mother struggling with the choice to reject life-saving treatment due to fear of Child Services taking her daughter could be used as an opportunity for a doctor to perform a noble act, but instead, the show seems more interested in avoiding commentary on the dismal state of the American healthcare system and our crumbling social support networks.

Among all cases, the one I found most intriguing was the one that lay far beyond the typical domain of our character, Dr. Doc. A young man named Nicholas Podany sought help for vertigo, but it wasn’t his health issue that grabbed everyone’s attention; instead, it was the fact that he was entangled in a genuine love triangle. This situation brought immense delight to two nurses, Conni Miu and Claire Armstrong, who couldn’t help but comment on every romantic comedy trope as they unfolded. In today’s world post-Deadpool, this subtle touch of humor might seem commonplace. However, within the context of this serious drama, it felt like a refreshing breeze. It showcased a playful sense of humor, genuine camaraderie between the nurses, and an awareness that life extends beyond just Amy. In essence, it possessed something most of the series lacked: character and personality.

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2025-01-02 17:56