I watch this show through the same lens as I began watching Scandal in later seasons. As in, I watched it as a political fantasy...and the fact that I watch NA, medical drama fantasy, while I do other things (tweeting, chores) as well, probably aids in its deficiencies failing to bother me much.
I do appreciate the spotlight on the different health care concerns of varying groups which exist outside the show, however. I don’t watch many medical dramas, but I doubt many of these shows “go there.” These moments aren’t without their flaws. I also appreciated seeing the injured black female characters too as the warm and playful (and not so playful) bickering of the two sisters, in particular, felt familiar—helps that the episode was written by a black female writer.
I do also kinda dig the running theme of faith/hope this episode. Though I did cringe when Kate asked Max to pray. I believe that a patient would do that, but I still caught second hand embarrassment. Bloom appeared to be reading something inspirational if not religious, and she is clearly still! struggling!, but she has faith in herself—pulling through like a boss in the hot chaotic mess of a suddenly busy ER. Kaye and Max, though not really on the same side religiously, complement one another’s views of the ambiguous nature of the right thing to do in a tight spot. Though the bit with guardianship and a woman (disabled or otherwise)’s right to choose got a little muddled, it definitely could spark conversation about those issues as well as impacts on relationships and the overlap of black Christian culture.
All o’ that said, someone really really needs to do a wellness check on Max. His self-martyrdom is too much. That carpet? Also too much. And his constant pushing away of Helen just grates at this point. He’s a doctor; he’s got to do what is best for his child. Hiding bloodstains, insufficient rest, combined with “seeing” his dead wife on the reg, that’s not what’s up, doc. (Sorry, couldn’t resist)