Mia Nina

The first 5 minutes choked me up, what a fantastic tribute, and those last few minutes with Reynolds were just wonderful. Seeing him slowly coming into frame and answering that phone call was amazing, I have to say. In fact, ever since the beginning of the show Reynolds has always felt and looked like a real doctor to me. He's the one who sells the show to me as far as the medical drama is concerned. When he's around I believe those are real patients and real cases. Everything in between was so so (I especially disliked the airline investigation; felt completely unrealistic and the "bad guys" cartoonish), but those first five minutes and the last two were A+. Casey is a treasure of a character and I hope he gets more lines/scenes as the show progresses.

YES. Apparently Helen has no life outside the hospital. I felt so heartbroken for her that she had to "confess" such a thing to Max. She shouldn't have to, IMO. Her character has been greatly sacrificed not only to set up a potential relationship with Max, but professionally too. She's been arrested, demoted, and she's still the one running around making sure things are fine in NA, not to mention her being the almost invisible hand that keeps Max together. Max/Helen is compelling, just not the fact that Helen's character suddenly only exists in relation to Max while he takes her for granted. It makes me like Max a lot less.

True. It was unsettling. Again, I get the show needed to push the Reynolds-is-leaving plot, but Bloom's actions and demeanor were disturbing.

I think it depends. Younger patients with DNRs create more conflict, especially when they're in car accidents, for example, and are not actually terminally ill. In those cases a doctor's instinct (not to mention the family's outcry) is to provide every life saving measure available to them. Of course, if a patient verbally expresses the desire to overrule their own DNR doctors must discard it and proceed accordingly. In New Amsterdam's case, the patient was already unconscious and couldn't be asked which is the purpose of the document, to instruct the physician on the patients wishes. My father never signed a DNR but when he fell ill the doctor gave the order herself, which she calmly explained to me. He passed that same day. A few months ago I was called to draft a DNR for a client. She's an older lady, very sick, but of sound mind. I talked to her doctor who simply told me that they needed the legally binding DNR in place in order to respect her wishes. While the hospital actually had a document drafted and ready to go for her to sign, it would only cover her temporary stay and would be useless once she was discharged. I hesitated because, like Dr. Bloom, all I could think about was her children, grandchildren, etc. However, she was very clear that those were her wishes. I talked to her about possible emergency scenarios and she consistently decided to go with the DNR. In her case her doctors were willing to acquiesce once the papers were signed. In Bloom's case the patient's expressed desire to meet her grandchild could have probably been interpreted as an implied repeal. While not exactly an expressed overruling, an argument could be made on Bloom's behalf. Her treatment of Reynolds was inexcusable, however. I know the show needed to give Reynolds a reason to accept the offer, but boy, after what Max did to him last year, it was pretty cruel that Bloom of all people told him he didn't belong. Heartbreaking.

I found the conflict around the DNR compelling because I've been on both sides of the argument. However, a legally binding DNR was in place which means Bloom had no business resuscitating the patient. Except for Sharpe's demotion, New Amsterdam has dealt very little with the consequences of constantly and openly 'breaking the rules', including criminal prosecution, civil lawsuits, and massive fines and penalties. Hospitals and doctors are rigid for a reason. Even when a patient dies, their families could still sue in certain circumstances, but moving on... Floyd has done questionable things too, so Bloom was wrong to say he never bends the rules. In trying to justify her clearly erroneous actions she hurt someone who was there for her when she really needed it. Poor Floyd. Not to mention how losing a surgeon like Floyd would be such a blow to the hospital, especially when he's a trusted colleague and proven professional. I'm interested to see where this goes and if Floyd really does leave NA. ETA: Insulting someone by pointing out he follows protocol and mostly plays by the rules is quite childish and immature, especially when the conversation is between two doctors who are tasked with caring for patients. It was very strange, to the say the least. Sharpe was wearing an almost identical outfit in S1 when she dealt with Tiana's questions about death.

Merlyn was my favorite character in S1.

I only started watching Arrow during S3 and it took me a while to warm up to the show. This episode was the turning point that kept me watching. That shot of Felicity walking to her car only to find a bleeding Oliver in the backseat was such a fantastic moment. Of all the ways the show could have written Felicity finally finding out Oliver/Diggle's secret, they found the very best one IMO. Diggle and Felicity's banter was top notch as well. Excellent.

Yes, and New Amsterdam needed the money. It could have been a great way to supply funds, help her own patient, and make Max/Helen's less profitable ideas workable. I guess it's still a possibility that Bloom could still be a source of funds down the line, but it was a good opportunity to ground the hospitals programs for some time.

This. Obviously narrative shortcuts are essential to move things along, but every case is condensed into oblivion. There is no downside (I think) to seeing cases develop over a number of episodes. While they do a fantastic job casting patients and people for us to care about, a sympathetic patient is no substitute for actual emotional investment. But, perhaps that's all the show is aiming for, that "feel good", "warm blanket" vibe with the occasional proverbial wrench thrown in conveniently before hiatus.

Ah, Martha Jones. So many similarities between her and Sharpe.

I don't expect NA to be highly serialized but there is absolutely nothing going on. Max suffering in silence is not a story arc. Evie and Reynolds need to figure something out or break up already. Sharpe was out of character yet again. They've turned her into Max without showing how the transition began and what exactly is motivating Helen. Running the entire hospital is not new to her since she did it last season and she's supposed to be a "celebrity" doctor who ran a very important department for years. She was the boss until a few weeks ago. Plus that last scene came off as if she was simply enjoying the power trip which gives her and Max's compassion a weird sinister spin. I know the show is already exploring that angle with Iggy, but at the rate this is going all the main doctors should be joining him soon. Oh and again, while it's great that Max and Helen want to help every single patient with the most amazing solution their ideas have to be somewhat grounded in reality. The complete disregard for practical concerns is worrying since budgeting is quite a serious issue and should not be brushed aside simply because it's Brantley's job to bring it up. Not to mention the fact that the show appears to be walking back a lesson Max learned last season when Reynolds' cop patient died even when Reynolds did everything right. Not every situation can be "fixed". I like this show despite its faults, but it's getting harder to enjoy it. IMO it needs an arc, consistency, and more Casey.

I agree. Very disjointed first half altogether. Unsurprisingly, Sharpe's potentially career-ending choices have resulted in a potentially career-ending demotion/reprimand. Whether it sticks or not, Sharpe did risk her medical license a few times during this first half so it would be interesting to know why, especially considering she has been very vocal about rediscovering her love of medicine. Like others have pointed out, Sharpe is a celebrity doctor that rakes in the money, so who knows why the Board was so entirely severe. Brantley did mention that Sharpe was arrested in a heroin den but they showed her being arrested in the hospital, which isn't great either, but still. The actress who plays Brantley is really good, though. In their last scene, before she announces the Board's decision she actively avoids eye contact with Sharpe. I thought that was such a nice touch and very realistic. The scenes inside Rikers felt a bit phony. It's unbelievable that they would get to walk around, set up elsewhere, be escorted to solitary at a moment's notice, then be escorted out only to go back once Max figured what was going on with the patient, Iggy providing group then individual therapy, etc. The inmates' plan was elaborate yet relied on so many fortuitous happenings that I'm choosing to ignore it altogether. The over the top cliffhanger gimmick continues. Ligon is so isolated from everyone else that to me it feels like Bloom is living her own version of Fight Club with this character. I can't wait for whatever is going on with them to be over. I really like Bloom but not this storyline.

Heee, right. Her behavior at least appears to be indicative of a deeper issue. Oh yes, news of any doctor getting arrested in the hospital would definitely make waves, especially one considered a celebrity. It was bizarre. Exactly. Helen's big speech to Panthaki before their trip to Philadelphia made it sound as if she hardly took any chances after the death of her fiancee. Now she's going to illegal drug sites and getting arrested in front of her colleagues. We'll see.

It would appear as if Helen is crying for help. She's the only one who hasn't been shown dealing with the aftermath of the crash. There was that very brief conversation with Max where he asked about her fertility treatment after the accident and she confided in him that it didn't take. In another episode she tells Max something like she needs a confidence boost or something to that effect after he asks to cancel the tv interview she set up to expose the hip implant company. Helen is featured a lot but we know very little about her, especially what's motivating her this season. Her scenes with Bloom are all about Bloom's issues, same with Max. She's mostly used to prop other characters. In short, Helen gets arrested and Castro of all people is the one to show up with Brantley in tow. (Helen has been easy prey so far for seemingly evil Castro.) When Max needed help Helen spent her own money and after he rejected her gift everyone showed up at his door to help. When Helen gets arrested she gets Castro and Brantley. This better be leading somewhere, otherwise why do this to her character? In the span of 8 episodes Helen has endangered her career plenty for other people's benefit. She caved and gave Castro half her department for Max, she then took on a company that could've buried her career and personal life in one fell swoop; in this one she risked everything by visiting an illegal safe site while wearing her white coat for one patient. At the moment her job at NA, her reputation, and her career are at risk. I had already forgotten about Helen handing over a suicide cocktail to a patient and then walking out. This has to be leading somewhere. Bloom and Reynolds were ace in this one. Iggy obviously needs help. Like Helen, he's in the middle of an identity crisis of some sort. That S1 magic is mostly gone.

Yes, exactly! I agree that it's time. What I find troubling about the way Helen has been written after the Pilot is the fact that there is no reason for her extreme devotion to Max. Max treats her like crap and I can't stand it. Why can't she stand up for herself? Why is she spending so much of her time and money on him? Giving away half her department to secure his treatment? It's such a disservice to the character. Exactly, friendship is a two way street. Her scene with Bloom was great except the ending made it seem as if Bloom chose her PT as her sponsor instead of Helen. I'll have to check on that. I don't know why they can't write a case developing over several episodes. Not to mention how fun it would be to have the ED doctors deal with minor injuries once in a while, like a broken nose, wrist, arms, perhaps an allergic reaction, etc. Not every case has to be catastrophic. Floyd's voicemail was cringeworthy IMO.

It is seriously time for Max to move on. I do love Lisa O'Hare, but it's time to let Georgia go. If they didn't want to lose O'Hare, they should have kept Georgia alive. I've never struggled with addiction like Bloom, but I did have to deal with post op care sans pain meds while still in the hospital. Like Bloom my injuries were the result of an atrocious car accident and I simply refused to take the meds. (The two or three times I did take them I ended up hallucinating and everything). The nurse understood and told me that she couldn't give me anything else and that I was basically on my own when it came to pain management, which I understood. She was very nice about it. Anyway, I do feel for Bloom. Helen spends 85% of her screen time worrying about Max and 10% worrying about Bloom. I wonder when we'll see her manage her own life. Hartman does not deserve to be under constant threat from his boss. Great scene between Fulton and Brantley.

Oh boy. I liked S1 because the show presented healthcare issues and the the characters were allowed to deal with some of the stress that comes with being a doctor. However, this season has been closer to magical realism. A patient comes in with a whole host of complex issues to manage and somehow the simplest and most unbelievable of solutions (however absurd, unrealistic, inappropriate, or illegal) inevitably settles it. Even last week with Juliette, a uniquely complex patient shows up and Iggy doesn't seem to realize he's not able to help her with games and prizes, regardless of whatever progress she supposedly showed by lowering the bar from assault and potential homicide to manipulation. Not to mention barbers prescribing meds and Sharpe handing out meds to her patient and walking out a few episodes ago. I won't even get into Shante (I believe that was her name) and that abortion storyline. At some point, someone has to face the music. The characters are well written, the show looks beautiful (this was a particularly pretty episode), the camera work is graceful, the dialogue is still very strong, every scene has layers of subtext and depth, the lead character is interesting, he's charismatic and flawed, etc. It's a well crafted drama. It has simply become too unrealistic, IMO. The science, medicine, and legal aspects are overlooked to the point where NA might as well be located in Wonderland. And this hurts the show. The sentimentalism of it all bulldozing every ounce of medical practicality, personal and moral boundaries, HIPPA, and even legal consequences is beyond problematic. And every episode so far has been guilty of this. It's very unfortunate. Anyway, Helen takes a lot from Max. She's been pushy lately, but even since S1 he lashes out at her and she never puts him in his place. This has to be the reason Castro even knew to manipulate Sharpe with Max's treatment. Otherwise, how would she even know Sharpe would budge? It's probably that obvious. ETA: Georgia's blood on the floor of the Goodwins apartment was bone chilling because Max is Luna's primary caregiver and parent. He's beyond needing help. Since "Your Turn" Max's mental health has been a point of interest, but his heart is broken beyond repair. Eggold has shown tremendous skills in portraying Max's internal devastation so far, I can only imagine what lies ahead.

I understand the season has only aired five episodes, but I find myself asking: why did they kill Georgia? Maybe it's just me but ever since the season opener the show has felt hollow. A drama needs conflict, but the way the first few episodes have gone the entire premise of full on optimism has felt forced and empty. Watching Max doing the most every week, being kicked out of places (last week was the barbershop), harassing people in order to fix a problem, etc., has to be a sign of something more. He is not okay and needs some serious help. Every week he manages to "win" and solve the problem but not in any believable way. I mean, has he been checking up on the barbershops he's supposedly providing oversight to? The personal, professional and emotional toll of his 'ideas' is beyond unreasonable especially now that he has Luna to raise. What about Georgia's parents? Any friends or family who can help? Georgia's angelic presence in this particular episode was evocative and heartbreaking. At one point she looked down, almost as if she felt sorry for Max. And she's a figment of his imagination. If the show doesn't find the right tone for Max going forward killing Georgia will end up being a mistake. The insurance officer going to a trustee and presenting a case face to face and getting that exception doesn't come off as totally crazy, but the show is being crushed by a sense of devastation that might not be entirely intended. Iggy doesn't have the resources or training to help Juliette. Sharpe briefly mentioned wanting to adopt in a previous episode, perhaps it will come up later on.

Didn't like this episode. It had a weirdness to it. Bloom's storyline is so dull, almost like the writers don't know what to do with her. Last night her best moment was Casey trying to help her. The show needs more Casey. Sharpe overstepped IMO. Castro is an infuriating character in many ways, but I think her questioning of Sharpe about the conversation that led to their patient leaving spoke volumes about Sharpe's actions. She danced around the issue and wasn't entirely forthcoming with Castro about it. Castro promising to return the favor was pretty dark. Then again, Sharpe's handling of this one patient was extreme. The barbershop system was creative, except for dispensing meds part of the plan.

I think Max's bitterness is completely in character. He has been an "all of the above" type from the very beginning, which is something Georgia continually brought up when trying to reason with him. The problem with this is how blind he is to it. In "Preventable" it was Floyd's turn to bear the storm of Max's frustrations with his illness and treatment. This time it's Sharpe, Hartman and Bloom's turn. Now, Bloom and Sharpe came through for the Goodwins and saved baby Luna and Georgia's lives while showing utter selflessness and respect towards Max and his family. Last season's blackout episode is a character study of a leader who cannot handle loss. Remember Sharpe trying to convince him that someone would die and they had to choose how to allocate their resources? He couldn't, and he didn't. Helen warned Max that while things worked out then it's not realistic to expect to save everyone every time, the same lesson learned in 'Preventable' when Reynolds' patient died, overcome by the wounds and trauma she suffered. It is devastating to see Max go through Georgia's death, though. Considering everything else, Georgia's death just seems so cruel, tbh. That said, so far it has been quite frustrating to see Helen's character growth from a somewhat cold celebrity doctor to this real, warm and enthusiastic doctor go to waste on Max. Helen has stretched herself thin professionally because of Max, gave up her relationship with Panthaki to help him, and along with Bloom unknowingly risked her life and health when she boarded the ambulance with the Goodwins. Helen has given up a lot and has little to show for it. Perhaps she'll find the inner strength to walk out at some point.

They didn't give Atwater proper storylines but he gets bumped off the second he makes a mistake? Blah. The show is losing me.

Same here. It was great seeing Carter again (I miss that show), but that's it. Even though Taraji's success is great and well-deserved, I wish the show hadn't killed Carter. The show was just getting so, so good. Oh well.

The episode was good IMO, but the acting was off the charts fantastic. I'll admit that I found Ichabod killing Katrina quite moving, so much so that I didn't "celebrate" because Ichabod was clearly in so much pain. I felt for him. Amazing job by both leads, I believed every second of it. Well done.

Hey! Well, they've changed. lol At first I was disappointed that Justin Hartley (I didn't exactly like Smallville, either, heh) didn't get to play Arrow in this and I skipped the show entirely. After I decided to catch up it took me almost the entire time to warm up to Amell's Oliver Queen/Arrow. Now I'm mostly upset that Diggle, Felicity and even Oliver are so subdued they're mostly there as honorary members whose most important duty is to welcome and anoint the new class. In short, the show isn't playing to its strengths. While I couldn't really stand Oliver's S1 and S2 demeanor, if his most important mission in life is saving Thea the entire universe kind of collapses when there isn't anyone else around to pose as a credible Arrow surrogate (which should be Diggle, IMO) who supports the weight of the massively silly costume drama playing out in the streets. Laurel's Canary is a cool idea, but I just don't buy it. I really don't, and it becomes a huge burden to see crime fighting through her eyes, which is why I don't. For the record, I had the same problem with Oliver in S1, but in his case I never doubted his potential, just the execution and unnecessary bleakness of the storytelling (not to mention the annoying parallels to Batman Begins).

As someone who only just started watching during Christmas break I must ask: What is this show doing? That was really terrible. This episode sort of validates why I didn't even want to give the show a chance when it premiered originally.