ABC’s latest medical drama, Doctor Odyssey, starring Joshua Jackson and Phillipa Soo, has set sail, promising a unique twist on the familiar genre by placing the action on a cruise ship. As Dr. Max Bankman (Jackson) navigates his new role as the onboard physician, questions arise: Does Doctor Odyssey offer a refreshing voyage, or is it just another medical drama lost at sea? This review dives into the pilot episode to determine if this new series is worth adding to your watchlist.
Joshua Jackson and Phillipa Soo in Doctor Odyssey, ABC medical drama series
Setting Sail into Familiar Waters: The Premise of Doctor Odyssey
Doctor Odyssey immediately establishes its distinctive setting: the vast ocean aboard a cruise ship named Odyssey. Dr. Max Bankman, portrayed by Joshua Jackson, steps into the role of the ship’s doctor, joining a medical team that includes nurse practitioner Avery Morgan (Phillipa Soo) and nurse Tristan Silva. The pilot episode wastes no time throwing viewers into the deep end, showcasing the fast-paced environment where the medical staff must handle crises far from land-based resources. The allure of the show lies in this inherent isolation and the challenges it presents, promising a different kind of medical drama experience. With veteran actor Don Johnson also part of the cast, anticipation was high for a compelling new series.
Ryan Murphy’s Touch? Or a Missed Opportunity for Innovation?
Given that Ryan Murphy is among the creators, there was an expectation, or at least a hopeful whisper, for Doctor Odyssey to veer into the unexpected, perhaps incorporating supernatural or thriller elements akin to Murphy’s signature works like American Horror Story or Glee. However, the pilot episode plays it surprisingly straight, settling comfortably into the well-trodden path of a traditional medical drama. While competently executed, this adherence to genre conventions might leave some viewers wanting more. In a landscape already populated with successful medical dramas like Grey’s Anatomy and procedural dramas like 9-1-1, Doctor Odyssey currently risks blending into the background rather than charting its own course. The initial impression is that of a competent but familiar show, positioned between established hits but lacking a truly unique hook beyond its oceanic setting.
High Stakes at Sea: The Unique Medical Challenges
Despite its conventional genre approach, Doctor Odyssey does leverage its setting to introduce inherent suspense. The limitations of being at sea immediately raise the stakes. Medical emergencies are compounded by the finite resources available onboard, forcing the medical team to think creatively and improvise. The review points out a moment in the pilot where Dr. Bankman and his team must find inventive solutions to assist a patient needing surgery, hinting at a potential for a “medical MacGyver” dynamic. This aspect of resourcefulness and problem-solving under pressure could become a defining and engaging characteristic of the series as it progresses. The show has the opportunity to differentiate itself by emphasizing these unique, sea-bound medical challenges.
Romance on the High Seas: The Character Dynamics
Predictably, Doctor Odyssey introduces a romantic subplot, capitalizing on the close quarters and intense environment shared by the attractive main characters. A love triangle begins to emerge between Dr. Max Bankman, Avery Morgan, and Tristan Silva. The pilot hints at the crew’s motto, “Work like a captain, play like a pirate,” suggesting that personal relationships will become intertwined with professional responsibilities, adding another layer of drama. This romantic tension, while a familiar trope, could provide engaging character-driven storylines as the season unfolds, especially within the confined and emotionally charged setting of the cruise ship.
A Doctor’s Backstory: Adding Depth Beyond the Cases
One surprisingly compelling element introduced in the pilot is Dr. Bankman’s backstory. His decision to leave a successful practice for a cruise ship position is rooted in a personal experience with COVID-19. As an early east coast感染者, his battle with the virus led him to re-evaluate his life and prioritize “pursuing joy.” This backstory adds a layer of depth to Dr. Bankman’s character, making him more than just a competent doctor. It also subtly incorporates a real-world touchpoint, referencing the pandemic in a way that feels relevant without being overly heavy-handed. This element of personal motivation and reflection offers a welcome departure from purely case-driven medical narratives.
Minor Hiccups: Pacing and Initial Impressions
The review does note a minor drawback: the unusually long opening credits in the pilot episode. While a small detail, it was described as distracting and affecting the initial pacing. Additionally, there’s a general sentiment that the writing could be sharper. These points suggest that while the show has potential, there are areas for improvement in terms of pacing and script quality to fully capture and maintain viewer engagement. The initial impression is that Doctor Odyssey is a show finding its footing, with strong elements but needing refinement.
The Verdict: Should You Embark on the Doctor Odyssey Journey?
Overall, the initial assessment of Doctor Odyssey is cautiously optimistic. The pilot episode presents a show with a solid premise, a talented cast, and the inherent drama of its cruise ship setting. While it currently treads familiar medical drama waters and could benefit from a more distinctive voice, the potential for unique medical scenarios and engaging character dynamics is evident. For viewers seeking a new medical drama to unwind with, Doctor Odyssey might be a worthwhile prescription, particularly for those drawn to Joshua Jackson and Phillipa Soo or intrigued by the at-sea premise. The recommendation is to give Doctor Odyssey a few more episodes to truly find its sea legs and determine if it can evolve into a standout series in a crowded genre.
Doctor Odyssey airs every Thursday night on ABC and is available to stream on Hulu.
