S02.E06: Righteous Right Hand - New Amsterdam

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.

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