cathmed

First, there was no Flyn "heart-top-heart with Claude. I stated it from the beginning - Lyn is scandalous and a liar. No surprise there! Next, Iggy seemed to lose control with the BPD couple but I guess, all's well that ends well. Bright spot - Dr. Wilder and complicated surgery. Although I'm glad she'll replace Sharpe, at least temporarily, she didn't want the demands of the Medical Director position because of her live-in schizophrenic brother but yet is willing to be the Chair of Oncology/Hematology? I think t hat is somewhat as demanding (and will she continue to perform surgeries?). Finally, Helen is royally pissing me off! She almost feels like an emotional abuser. Problems I had were numerous: the timeline was drastically off but I won't list the nauseating details that I'm sure only die-hard fans remember. But my question is: just when exactly did she fall in love with Muhammed? how long were they together? Was that while she was in London? This relationship with Guillermo - she certainly was not a teenager but more in late, late 20's but most likely early 30's. But it's not even so much that the timeline is off; why are they delving into her past relationships? Floyd informed Max more about the relationship than what Helen told him. What's the point of this? Is this supposed to be her "backstory"? I'm certain Max had some wild-child days in his youth but what does that have to do with them being together now? Why didn't she tell Guillermo, in no uncertain terms, that she was involved in a ("happy, joyful") relationship and that what they had was in the past? I understand that Guillermo was important to her and she had fun and felt "fearless/confident" but I felt that wasn't fair to Max. My heart broke for Max as he thinks he's not enough for Helen--regardless of her declaration and "affirmation" at the end. I'm still very unhappy with her and her behavior towards Max. If the writers think that last scene was sufficient to appease fans, it didn't work for this one!! My excitement for S4 has definitely waned. I don't know if it or the writing can be resurrected.

I think this episode was introducing and telegraphing what is to come with the London arc and Helen's backstory between her parents and with her dad. We'll have to wait to see if the writers remember to include this when Sharpwin is in London as, at times, the writers seem to have amnesia when it comes to character development.

I'm baffled as to what transpired over the summer (after S3 ended). I wonder if they do have new writers as something has been off since this season began, imo. You, Cloud9Shopper and I seem to have that same viewpoint - something is simply not working this season, and they better fix it or they will lose viewers. I thoroughly enjoyed S1-3 and realize they've been renewed through S5. But if this doesn't turn around quickly, they'll lose this viewers/ratings--no matter how much I or others like Sharpwin (and Ryan/Freema). I mentioned above: is this the Moonlighting Curser or lazy writing? Now that they've gotten them together, do they really not know what to do with them--especially after fans have waited for 3 years??!!!

Yeah, I wondered about that as well. What happened to "getting into good trouble & how much trouble"? It appears Max and Helen are only in trouble with each other!! From the promo/preview for next week, I don't see that. And as another poster mentioned - what about Lauren's bribe; has that been forgotten or will Fuentes stumble upon that? The writers seems to have forgotten what they wrote from week to week--let alone over the last 3 seasons! If you rewatch S1, the foundation was laid for everything that is being portrayed now or will be. However, imo, they are doing a poor job synthesizing it together.😢

Agree with all your bolded statements and adding my ramblings two cents about this episode as well. Flyn - simply don't care about them. It appears yet another insufferable week before they finally tell Claude🙄😤. Yeah, you'd think there might have been some consequences about pulling him from surgery but guess we're too smart for the writers! Fuentes' banal reasoning was just silly. Lauren finally exhibited some compassion for her mom, after 30 years of suffering--and being misdiagnosed--with endometriosis. Iggy/Helen - OK, guess he helped her unlock the "mystery" BUT resolving repressed/recovered memories (from 20+ years) in a 5-10 minute conversation, after his weather research and the broken beads, seemed unrealistic and a bit outrageous. Was anyone else surprised that it was Helen's mother and not father who harbored long-standing feelings of anger/resentment? We saw a glimpse of her "character' when Helen visited London and she was vehemently adamant of having any contact with Mina & still resented the husband/father for leaving. I wonder if this is all the backstory we'll get on Helen?? Will Helen still leave for London to "resolve issues"? Max - Loved his impassioned speech for the patients (they and their care matter) and how much the hospital means to him & reminding Fuentes of that--although SHE DOESN'T CARE! I've already grown tired of this tedious ping-pong fight between them. Sharpwin - Did Helen hear the entire conversation between Max and Fuentes or did she just hear the last part of him saying that "maybe he will stay"? What was Helen on her way to the roof to tell Max?: How important he was/is to her? that she can trust him and help her through this? that she knows he will NOT leave her? that she loves him with all her being? That she has decided NOT to go to London after her realization of the actual relationship between her parents and, especially, her mother? For me, it is IMPERATIVE that Sharpwin talk about what she heard before it festers and bubbles into another "obstacle" for them. Who knows where the writers will take us as they seem to like angst and drama for these two (no other couple seems to have this issue - why is that!) So once again, we have tension between Sharpwin with them at cross purposes which I just abhor. I saw no indication of a Sharpwin "discussion" in next week's previews/episode. I, too, like the new doctor but really - this is what we get for next week? The writers are making Sharpwin messier than it has to be, imo. I don't see this as drama but lazy writing. Has the Moonlighting Curse struck? .

Think I mentioned it on this board a couple weeks ago. I figured that Claude knew Floyd was the "other man" by the questions he asked in the OR that day--Floyd looking all sad, upset and pathetic 🙄 And how in the hell does Lyn have so much free time to be with Floyd? Does her husband travel extensively? All 3 work at the hospital so it seems odd she can spend the night, attend "Harvest Festival", etc., without the husband knowing? And yep, no vibe, chemistry or attraction (even the physical is boring!) I abhor this storyline. If they wanted Floyd out of his comfort zone/show "growth", why not involve him with a single parent, a divorced woman, etc., (not that anything's wrong with either) but since Floyd has this sacrosanct image of and cherishes family and marriage, why would he become involved with a married woman? And you know his mother wouldn't approve; look at the hard time she gave Evie. This is just STUPID and they need to END IT NOW.

Feel exactly the same. This storyline has just thrown off the enter season, imo. Not certain what Karen is really up to as she's shutting down everything Max says (is she posturing in front of Fuentes an/or giving Max this indifferent vibe because she has something else up her sleeve?) And when did the hospital get so in debt ($21M/qtr.} I though they were at least barely in the black (though that was mentioned in a previous episode)! Fuentes, of course, is the antagonist too Max's protagonist but I hope it doesn't become too over the top. Sadly, I guess the "more joy" is a *process*🙄😉😢 I am still undecided on this episode (whether I liked it or hated it). There were a few funny bits but overall, I was just left "empty" after watching. Will be interesting to see what type of "good trouble" Sharpwin gets into over the next 5 weeks.

I think the showrunner is trying to gauge the fan reaction for S4. From what I've read here and other sites, more people than not, aren't too happy with this London arc or Helen's behavior thus far. So even though the showrunner (David S) said Sharpwin will go to London, it could be a week from now, 6 months from now or they could do a time jump. So, Max may return (time jump/if he goes at all) due to Fuentes, and Helen will return shortly afterwards. I expect this to occur for winter hiatus/sweeps in Nov/Dec.

THIS ^^ IMO, the first 3 seasons were excellent. But I have to agree, I don't know what the heck is going on inS4--especially wit Helen. If you rewatch the other seasons, this season seems to be totally out of character for Helen. I see on other sites that some fans seems to think this is a "realistic" portrayal of their relationship. But I, and other fans, don't see it that way. So far, whenever Helen prefaces a discussion with Max, I don't know what the hell is going to come out of her mouth. By the puzzled look on his face (her moving in), he seemed as surprised as I. This was one of my favorite shows but will admit, I'm not as excited (now) as I thought I would be watching S4. Maybe they changed writers over the summer? Wonder whose idea it was to do this character assassination on Helen? I wish they would return to the formula and storyline that worked or S5 will be the end of the series.

IMO, I think the Luna "interruption" could have been handled in a more light-hearted manner instead of the perturbed look on Helen's face. Helen could have simply said, "oh, there's our Miss Luna/looks like Miss Luna's up", etc. It's not as if she doesn't know Max has a child and she always seemed to be happy around Luna previously. She's been portrayed as being very fond of the "little munchkin", so again, imo, her reaction just seemed a little off/odd for someone who espouses to love children and wants badly to be a mum. Max has handled everything by himself for the last 2 years and yes, Helen is a single, jetsetting woman--no kids/parental responsibilities. Max loves Luna and runs around work (and home) like a tornado/hurricane, so why would his housekeeping/parenting style be any different, LOL! Sadly, Helen's conversation with Lauren--meant to be humorous I'm sure--instead seemed nitpicky (lighten up Helen--period of adjustment) and reminded me of disapproving Gwen/Calvin when they came to Max's apartment and saw Luna eating her spicy breakfast, the messy house and no food. So after all that, I was shocked and surprised that Helen would want to move in with him--especially after the Brantley conversation!! I figured she would sway, "we're moving into my place"! but I guess she didn't want him to ruin her loft, LOL!! Science fair case - unrealistic (to sue) but interesting twist ending Brantley conversation - she thinks it's a mistake for them to be together IF Helen can't handle Max's "idiosyncrasies" - WOW! So once again, that promo may not have been so much out of context😉 Where the hell is Malvo's husband that she can spend the night(s) with Floyd? He does work in the same hospital!! And I was confused with Floyd - was he hallucinating or what? Guess he was just overwhelmed with all the unnecessary shootings. Fuentes - seems similar situation to the "renowned" doctor that Dr. Kao mistakenly & regrettably hired to replace Kapoor. So now Fuentes (iron fist in velvet glove) will try to overturn/undo everything that Max has done/accomplished. More unnecessary drama as a filler until they decided what to do with Sharpwin & London arc.

Agree with your first 2 paragraphs, and I'm so disappointed with this season so far. Again, I have no idea what the showrunner/writers were thinking over the summer but currently, I'm not liking this direction. Max & Dr. Fuentes - you know there HAS to be tension and drama🙄. Not really looking forward to this "filler" arc until they decided when and duration of Sharpwin in London.

After this episode especially I'm sure Lyn's husband is in an open relationship without knowing it's an open relationship, if you know what I mean. Yeah, I though the recap was spot on (mainly speaking about Helen) but Floyd was on point as well. I've never seen this "chemistry/electricity" (she exudes) or why the writers continue to push this relationship. She doesn't seems appealing, sexy or sensuous to me. For some reason, she just seems old or acts too old. Floyd is supposed to be 38, maybe 39 and she doesn't seems like his type AT ALL. Again, I wish they would end this arc; it's disgusting and I've lost all respect for Floyd. BTW, I think the husband knows it's Floyd sleeping with his wife. Now whether that is discovered and they come to blows, only time will tell. I didn't think Floyd was stupid but he's clearing thinking with the little head instead of the big one, LOL!

I happened to see this TV Fanatic commentary on line this evening, and I believe it sums up exactly what some of us are feeling regarding this specific episode (stated here by some of us as well). https://www.tvfanatic.com/2021/09/new-amsterdam-season-4-episode-2-review-were-in-this-together/

Exactly! What was the showrunner and writers thinking about this summer??? Did they really think this was a great idea? (rhetorical)

I agree with you - pure ADULTERY, plain and simple. I had posted on a social media thread that I believe Malvo's husband is aware of this relationship. He's not stupid and if Lynn and her husband truly have this "open relationship", then yeah, I think he knows it's Floyd just by the questions he was asking Floyd in the OR in E1. I've lost so much respect for the Floyd character. I was Team Evie all the way, Just sorry with the actual pandemic, they scrapped the S2 finale which showed them getting married. I've never been invested in this relationship. Why does Floyd feel he has to settle for this?. They've turned him into a feckless man, in a pernicious relationship that is going to crash and burn. He's now a Class A idiot!

I know, right? Where is all this reluctance, from Helen, coming from? That's what is most upsetting, concerning, frustrating and disappointing to me. I think the biggest disconnect is just with this "More Joy", all we've been given is more angst--which seems to continue--so the perception of more joy was just an illusion. Fan expectation and the reality is not in sync. Yeah, they're finally together but at what cost? The E3 promo has Helen looking annoyed when Max had to tend to Luna. What happened to all the lovey-dovey "munchkin" banter she did with Luna. The Brantley/Helen convo in E3 may be out of context but from what I've seen these last 2 episodes, I'm not so sure of anything anymore. Especially after Helen said that she really didn't "trust Max as a partner" WTH??? I'm just so frustrated with these two, my head is spinning. The first 3 seasons were excellent, but I don't know if the writers have had a change of heart or what is going on but something just seems off. ^^THIS^^ - your 2nd paragraph is perfect! Agree with your last paragraph but I think most watch for Sharpwin--not so much the secondary characters. If the writers don't turn this around with Sharpwin, quickly, they're going to see falling ratings and viewership declining. Lastly, I don't want to even waste words on Floyd and Lyn - I'm disgusted with that storyline.

Agree with much of what you stated. I truly don't know where the writers are taking this Sharpwin relationship. It seems so out of character for Helen to have doubts about Max especially now since he's actually verbalized his love/feelings. It makes no sense why such a radical change by her. Brantley did seem sad but I have to wonder about that E3 clip they showed for next week. I remember Max talking to Brantley saying he wanted to move on (when he'd lost his ring) and she seemed to encourage that. But Brantley's remarks/conversation seemed to run counter to that or at least with Helen it seemed like she doesn't approve (of them??) Already expressed my feeling of Reynolds. I guess Iggy is trying but he just seems incompetent to me. Not really looking forward to this new woman (for the Board); she just looks like a hard ass--and I don't mean in a good way. But we'll see.

WTH are the writers trying to do to this Sharpwin fan? It just seems like they are being cruel now. For me, this was another bittersweet/melancholy Sharpwin episode. I understand there may be challenges and obstacles but this is ridiculous! While I appreciated, loved and enjoyed seeing the brief fun & happy moments (although I saw most of that online already), I'm extremely disappointed and annoyed with Helen. Her statement about "I can't trust you to be my partner" ended dup being as devastating--maybe worse--than I imagined (and this, after many other viewers stated that it was probably taken out of context. So much for out of context!) Furthermore, the trailer for E3 and Helen's talk with Brantley doesn't make me feel any better. Sadly this season continues to have me on a Sharpwin seesaw, and for me, that's definitely not a good thing. I don't want to have to endure week after week of angst with a few tidbits of "joy" thrown in; I truly don't think it's fair to the viewers/fans. Oh yeah, btw, Max seems as if he didn't get his "dim sum" either!

Right there with you, and we've never seen Max's parents! I thought the same thing about Mina; she's a college student. Do you really think she'd be upset if you didn't visit that weekend? Even Max's "Colorado conference", which we know from the past, he'll miss board meetings, etc., if he wants. It's not like the fundraiser he reluctantly attends. Just sounded like poor excuses--I mean "reasons", LOL!🙄

I am really curious as to how this won't affect NA if Sharpwin actually go to London. Will they actually try to shoot scenes in London? Will there be another time jump and Sharpwin is back at NA? Will they actually go to London now/6 months from now (in TV time, who knows what 4 or 6 weeks mean?) I think this is a monumental mistake for the show to write this storyline and perhaps even write off these 2 actors--even for a brief time. It's just illogical, irrational, truly unnecessary and beloved shipper suicide, not to mention a precipitous drop in ratings.

Precisely - couldn't agree more! After 3 years of WTWT, they skip over showing a real relationship between them and just go to London?? After making fans wait 3 months, with a 180 turn, in the wrong direction--imo, for Sharpwin? Made zero sense. No need to rehash Bloom (unprofessional/unethical and really didn't care for the lesbian angle--why couldn't they just have been friends?), Reynolds (lost all integrity/self-respect) and Iggy (incompetent, gullible and easily manipulated) as I feel the same about their situations/characters. I don't' know where the hell the writers are going this season or why this path. Everything I've read states the actors are not leaving the show. Appears fans are in for a very bumpy and unpredictable ride this season. I hope I'm wrong and this Sharpwin is resolved quickly; fans just may leave if it isn't. The heart-soul of this show is about Sharpwin - PERIOD

Yeah and then became a runaway train from there - so disappointing and disheartening.

I loathe those time jumps--then flash forward/flash backward! Ridiculous and yeah, can be confusing! I honestly can't believe the writers went here so soon! Everything I read and saw over the summer didn't indicate this--at least not this soon! Course correction needed ASAP!

I am so disappointed and had such hope (and joy) for S4. I don't like the way it's begun so as mentioned, hope the writers/showrunner can quickly do a 180 to get back on track. I don't believe this is what most Sharpwin fans signed up for this season. I'm about finished with Chicago Med and I used to love that show!

Agreed. This episode was so disconcerting that we're almost back to WTWT but now is WTWT break up? Makes no sense. I hope the writers/showrunner don't ruin this after 3 years of them finally getting together. Do we really need angst this soon for Sharpwin??