Written by Ryan Murphy And Jon Robin Baitz And Joe Baken
Directed by Paris Barclay
Avery: "We're all here for the same reason."
Max: "Work like a Captain, play like a pirate."
It's been mental that in the space of just over a week that we've had six Ryan Murphy shows on our screens. Shows that have ranged from returning favourites like the 9-1-1 shows, true crime biopics that have taken creative liberties, a horror crime themed show and now, this nautical themed show.
If the intention was a network TV version of The White Lotus but within the setting of a luxury cruise liner named The Odyssey and a Grey's Anatomy meets 9-1-1 style medical/procedural drama, then this show may or may not be for you. As a pilot episode, there's some rough sailing to get through with a hint of better to come.
Okay, what I didn't dig about this pilot episode was actually the implied love triangle between new Doctor on board Max Bankman (Joshua Jackson) and nurses Avery Morgan (Philippa Soo) and Tristan Silva (Sean Teale). Unless this show have planned a more modern take ala Challengers, this particular plot will get very tedious in record time. Already I'm not feeling that aspect of the show.
In fact, while Tristan as a character certainly has a charming and sexy side to him, the instant rivalry with Max just felt forced. Tristan took a dislike to Max even before the latter danced with Avery during the beach party. I'll take more of Tristan's cheesy dancing over him sulking about Max and Avery.
Saying that, it was somewhat uncool of Max to pursue Avery right after Tristan admitted to being in love with her. Fortunately, as the episode progressed, both Max and Tristan were able to put their differences aside to actually help patients during this opening sea fare. As for Avery, she seemed to like Max more as a potential lover and Tristan as a brother, so that's awkward.
Getting to the cases here, there was four. The Rubens had iodine poisoning and then an unfortunate sliding accident while Mr Harrington broke his penis, which had Max reveal a past mishap of his own. Then we got a man overboard with Leo to cap things off in that regard and Avery pretty much telling Max that every week involved a theme.
As for our other regular. I was surprised with the little screen time that Captain Robert Massey (Don Johnson) actually had. He popped up in a handful of scenes but they were largely on the exposition side of things and talking about his ship maintaining a fantasy life for it's passengers. I'm hoping he does have more to do in later episodes.
- Another noted character was receptionist Rhonda at the start when Tristan tried to get on board but misplaced his ID card.
- We found out in flashbacks that Max had been a coronavirus patient as well as having worked in the Peace Corps. Avery had also gotten through a bad break up by a tantric expert.
- Standout music: The music used from the trailers popped up here while we had Despacito during Tristan and Max's beach dance off.
- Chronology: It very much seems to be a 2024 setting for this show with Max's flashbacks from March 2020. Avery and Tristan have worked together for three years.
For a Pilot episode, I've seen better and worse ones. The potential for this show is definitely there and ABC sandwiching it between two of their biggest hits was a smart move but its quick attempts of a love triangle didn't work for me and it does lack the same energy the 9-1-1 shows have in spades. It's got it's work cut out for it but the potential's there.
Rating: 6 out of 10
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