The medical comedy genre got a fresh injection with the premiere of "St.
Denis Medical," a show that promises to fill the void left by the beloved
"Superstore." Created by Justin Spitzer, the mind behind "Superstore" and
"American Auto," this NBC series made its primetime debut with a two-episode
premiere that left viewers both laughing and contemplating the state of
healthcare.
The first episode, "Welcome to St. Denis," introduces us to the quirky world of St. Denis Regional Medical Center, a safety net hospital that provides care to all, regardless of their insurance or financial status. The hospital is underfunded and understaffed, a challenge that falls on the shoulders of Executive Director Joyce, portrayed by Wendi McLendon-Covey from "The Goldbergs." Joyce is a character with a vision, aiming to turn St. Denis into an international healthcare destination, a goal that seems ambitious given the hospital's current state.
In a bid to elevate St. Denis's reputation, Joyce purchases a state-of-the-art mammography machine for a staggering $300,000. However, the machine's powerful software quickly overwhelms the hospital's outdated computing infrastructure, causing a system-wide crash. The staff is forced to resort to handwritten records for the rest of the evening, a task that highlights the hospital's technological shortcomings. The situation reaches a head when Joyce decides against signing the final paperwork for the mammography machine, opting to return it due to its impact on the staff and the hospital's computing capabilities. However, she's hit with an unexpected 10% restocking fee, adding a comedic twist to an already chaotic situation.
Allison Tolman, known for her role in "Fargo," plays Alex, a workaholic and newly promoted supervising nurse. Alex's micromanaging tendencies have intensified with her promotion, and her dedication to her job is taking a toll on her family life. Throughout the episode, she tries to leave work at 4 pm to attend her daughter's school production of "Mamma Mia!" but is continually thwarted, first by the computer meltdown and later by an emergency situation involving a patient who collapses in the hospital's parking lot.
The episode also introduces us to other staff members, each with their own quirks and challenges. Emergency physician Ron, played by David Alan Grier from "The Cool Kids," provides a humorous take on healthcare bureaucracy, highlighting the time-consuming nature of electronic health records. Matt, a new floor nurse from Montana, is portrayed by Mekki Leeper from "The Sex Lives of College Girls." He's inept but well-meaning, and his crush on fellow nurse Serena adds a touch of romance to the mix. Bruce, the gifted trauma surgeon, is aware of his own talent and brings an air of arrogance to the show, a trait that is both off-putting and endearing.
"Welcome to St. Denis" is a strong start to the series, offering a blend of humor and heart. The episode deftly navigates the challenges faced by healthcare professionals while maintaining a light-hearted tone. The characters are lovable and eccentric, a hallmark of Spitzer's creations, and their dedication to patient care amidst the chaos is both commendable and entertaining. As the show progresses, viewers can look forward to more laughs, more medical misadventures, and a deeper exploration of the characters' personal lives and the dynamics within the hospital. "St. Denis Medical" is a welcome addition to the medical comedy genre, proving that it has the potential to be a standout series.