St Denis Medical Review: A Wry and Occasionally Funny Comedy
In a bid to replicate the success of The Office, the BBC has launched a new comedy series, St Denis Medical, set in an underfunded Oregon regional hospital. According to a review by The Times, this satirical mockumentary has its moments, but fails to quite live up to its lofty predecessor. The show, which airs on BBC One, has been described as "good enough" with a dry, wry humour that occasionally hits the mark.
The series, as noted by The Times, follows the lives of doctors and nurses as they navigate the challenges of working in a hospital. The characters, much like those in The Office, are well-developed and relatable, with their own quirks and flaws. The main voice of sanity is Alex, played by Allison Tolman, a workaholic supervising nurse who finds herself dealing with a cast of eccentric colleagues. Her counterpart is Ron, played by David Alan Grier, a weary and cynical emergency doctor who is not afraid to speak his mind.
One of the standout characters, as highlighted by The Times, is Joyce, played by Wendi McLendon-Covey, the hospital’s slightly unhinged medical director. Her character is reminiscent of David Brent from The Office, with her platitudes and antics often leaving viewers cringing. However, McLendon-Covey’s performance is not without its moments, and she brings a certain energy to the role. Another character that draws comparison to The Office is Bruce, played by Josh Lawson, a trauma surgeon who thinks he’s God’s gift to the planet.
The review by The Times notes that while St Denis Medical is not laugh-out-loud funny, it is uplifting and sharp, with a lot to say in a short amount of time. The show’s format, which is typical of US sitcoms, features 21-minute episodes that are designed to keep viewers engaged. The cast, which includes Kahyun Kim and Mekki Leeper, delivers solid performances that add to the show’s humour and charm.
In terms of the show’s ability to balance humour and heart, The Times notes that it is "uplifting and sharp" and that it "says a lot in a very short time". This is a testament to the show’s writing and the cast’s performances.
In conclusion, St Denis Medical is a pleasant, if not particularly groundbreaking, comedy series that is worth watching. While it may not live up to the standard set by The Office, it has its moments and is certainly worth a try. As The Times notes, the show is "good enough" and is sure to appeal to fans of satirical comedies.
The show has been given a rating of three out of five stars by The Times, indicating that while it is not a must-watch, it is still a worthwhile addition to the BBC’s comedy lineup. Fans of The Office and other satirical comedies may find St Denis Medical to be a worthy watch, and it is certainly a show that is worth keeping an eye on.
The Times writes: "You will have a perfectly pleasant time with this comedy. It is uplifting and sharp even if it isn’t always laugh-out-loud funny. It says a lot in a very short time — which is just as well because US sitcom episodes are only 21 minutes long."
Source: The Times
