BOSTON MED Another Reality Show, Or Something Different?
by Oscar on Jul.08, 2010, under TV Reviews
REAL PEOPLE, REAL DRAMA, WILL IT WORK?
Between TLC’s various reality shows and the current crop of medical dramas now found on network TV, the market seems to be too saturated to support one more show. But with the limited eight episode broadcast of ABC’s “BOSTON MED” the network is hoping that this slick production will garner enough interest to attract viewers and, consequently, advertisers willing to shell out the cash that keeps the light on and executives working.
The show, which is the product of ABC’s news division, takes the documentary technique, removes the dispassionate “only the facts Ma’am” tone and imbues it with a more personal touch, highlighting the doctors, nurses and cases in a way that makes it look more like a drama than a news product.
Following is a quote taken from the review by Ginia Bellafante of the NEW YORK TIMES NEWS SERVICE:
What could have easily become a pandering hybrid is in fact intelligent, emotionally resonant television. “Boston Med“ maintains a balanced tempo that captures both the rushed intensity of hospital life and the contemplative melancholy and inspiring buoyancy that suffuses the experience of patients and their families. Produced by Terence Wrong, “Boston Med“ is a result of four months of unhindered access to the institutions at its center, and of tight, utterly expert editing.
I have to admit after watching the first two episodes that the voyeur in me just couldn’t help but plunk down in my recliner and watch the whole thing, despite the 10PM slot given the program. In most cases it would have been “TiVo”d for viewing at a later date, but the stories and medical staff were attractive and interesting, and the obvious competition between doctors and nurses was plainly visible. But perhaps “competition” is not the right word because it always seems that it is the nurses who are trying to get the doctors, especially the interns, to listen to their experience and knowledge when it comes to patient care.
Also engrossing are the situations and reactions of the patients involved. Whereas the medical staff generally looks at the people under their care as “cases” rather than people, they STILL have to confront the humanity displayed in the all too human displays of emotion of the patients when faced with overwhelming medical situations. How real people face situations from cancer surgery to self inflicted alcohol poisoning is a reminder to us all that we are here only a short time, but some are able to face mortality with grace while others violently disregard the facts and try to deny the inevitable results. THIS is what sets “Boston Med” apart from other shows, so for the rest of the summer my Thursday nights at 10PM will be spent in my recliner in front of my 42″ flat screen tuned into ABC.
