Three Rivers - news, links, discussion - part 8 **SPOILERS**

[allegrita]

First of all, while I was dithering, many people posted wonderful comments. I could just say, "What lafluffy said!" But since I wrote mine, I'll post it.

I've read all the comments, pro and con. And I... dare I say that I liked it? I didn't ADORE it, but I liked it. It had poignant, it had heartwarming, it had cool. Hey, my hubby even liked it! It has the potential to be really good--if they can curb the tendency toward heavy-handedness. Hellooooo...it's got all the drama you could possibly want, built in. You don't need to add fake drama on top. Just keep a light touch, people, and it'll be good.

Impressions: Alex was wonderful, despite the annoying camera swoops onto him. (I love close-ups of Alex, but that swooping is just so unnecessary.) Oh--and speaking of wonderful--I really liked Alfre Woodard's character! She is such an ADULT, y'know?! Kate Moennig was really good, but I wish they'd let her act her character tougher, as she was (or seems to have been) in the original pilot. On the other hand, I'm reserving judgment about her character, as it wasn't the kind of episode that called for toughness from her character. Daniel Henney and the transplant coordinator guy were cute together, and I think they're going to do a good job of providing comic relief AND other stuff.

I was so happy to see Marina Sirtis. She was great, as was the actress who played her daughter. And I loved Owisa Odera. I want his character to make it!

I give it a strong B. Maybe even a B+. I'll definitely be back. Despite the flaws that have been pointed out, I want to know more about these characters, and it's not just because of Alex.

[lafluffy]

I understand it comes down to telling a good story with a satisfying conclusion, but this show claims to be all about getting the word out and realistically portraying organ transplantation. What they offered here, in terms of medical "reality," was a mixture of science fiction and fairy tale -- and that's what bothered me the most.

I didn't read anything except the LA Times review and saw one ad. So I had no idea of their intent. Perhaps it's just as well.

[lafluffy]

First of all, while I was dithering, many people posted wonderful comments. I could just say, "What lafluffy said!" But since I wrote mine, I'll post it.

I've read all the comments, pro and con. And I... dare I say that I liked it? I didn't ADORE it, but I liked it. It had poignant, it had heartwarming, it had cool. Hey, my hubby even liked it! It has the potential to be really good--if they can curb the tendency toward heavy-handedness. Hellooooo...it's got all the drama you could possibly want, built in. You don't need to add fake drama on top. Just keep a light touch, people, and it'll be good.

Impressions: Alex was wonderful, despite the annoying camera swoops onto him. (I love close-ups of Alex, but that swooping is just so unnecessary.) Oh--and speaking of wonderful--I really liked Alfre Woodard's character! She is such an ADULT, y'know?! Kate Moennig was really good, but I wish they'd let her act her character tougher, as she was (or seems to have been) in the original pilot. On the other hand, I'm reserving judgment about her character, as it wasn't the kind of episode that called for toughness from her character. Daniel Henney and the transplant coordinator guy were cute together, and I think they're going to do a good job of providing comic relief AND other stuff.

I was so happy to see Marina Sirtis. She was great, as was the actress who played her daughter. And I loved Owisa Odera. I want his character to make it!

I give it a strong B. Maybe even a B+. I'll definitely be back. Despite the flaws that have been pointed out, I want to know more about these characters, and it's not just because of Alex.

What allegrita said.

[NocturneInCMoll]

Ha, okay, so I intended to give Three Rivers a chance tonight (even though admittedly I have a feeling it's not going really to be my thing, and many of the reviews tonight are reinforcing that belief), but I was going to be out until 10pm, so I set my VCR. I got home just before 10 and wondered why the VCR wasn't still on. Then I realized that, like an idiot, I set my VCR to tape from 8:58-9:04...not 10:04. That's the second time I've done something stupid like that lately. Apparently I'm no longer qualified to operate a VCR.

Does anyone know if it's airing on any Canadian channels, on another night or something? (It wasn't tonight; come to think of it, I don't know if any Canadian networks picked it up? For some reason I thought it was going to be on CTV, which carries a lot of CBS shows, but I can't find any evidence of that).

[wpgrace]

And it has Alex ... on my TV screen again ... every week . Grace, I'll melt with you ...

It's a date, Baby Girl! I am not missing it...

And true, it is not ML... NOTHING is or ever will be. No matter how many donuts he eats...
But I believe Alex as a doctor, and I wasn't sure I could. But I do. And I am delighted about that!

And I don't remember which reviewer said it, but yes, this seemed a really CBS show. As it is airing on CBS, I hope that means it will find its audience and be successful. Cause they can put in alllll the ALex close ups they want to... truth be told, I really LIKE those. And to be fair, ML did that a lot too... (if you were behind a camera, wouldn't YOU point it at him a lot?? ).

[wollstonecraft61]

I don't know about anyone else, but it was actually strange to watch Alex act in this one. For some reason, I wasn't expecting that. Kinda like the Lost characters must feel when the island time-shifts... all jolt-y and surreal. I think because it was a little rough around the edges at the beginning, the effect was more noticeable.

Yeah, I had that same feeling at the beginning. I think it was the editing. It's like he was acting in a vacuum. The pacing or rhythm was off in the editing, I"m guessing. I never forgot it was Alex but I think that's some leftover ML neurons firing. I really had no Mick moments, tho. I saw Dr Y.

Maybe that was it... I'll have to watch again ( ). It could be the editing, because the camera work was bugging me at certain points (it got in the way).

And I did have ONE Mick moment... the same one many others had, apparently: the donut scene. He went at the donut in the same way... it was funny - Alex's signature 'thing' is inhaling donuts.

That is so funny! I thought the same thing! I kept thinking..."if only they had used Krispy Kremes..."

[NocturneInCMoll]

As far as "Mick moments" go, I can't say, because I haven't seen the episode...but I remember watching one of the previews and having a "Moonlight moment" when Alex/Dr. Yablonski told a patient, "Everything's going to be okay..."

and I was just waiting for the "...I'm a doctor." And then of course he'd vamp out like "Dr. Feelgood" from Episode 3.

That would have been so awesome. And fitting, eh? (well, the doctor part--not the vampire part).

[wpgrace]

As far as "Mick moments" go, I can't say, because I haven't seen the episode...but I remember watching one of the previews and having a "Moonlight moment" when Alex/Dr. Yablonski told a patient, "Everything's going to be okay..."

and I was just waiting for the "...I'm a doctor." And then of course he'd vamp out like "Dr. Feelgood" from Episode 3.

That would have been so awesome. And fitting, eh? (well, the doctor part--not the vampire part).

I thought of MIck a few times, with a few of Andy's lines. The caretaker part of Mick... I found it wonderfully comforting. The donut-eating part was just funny, just as it was the first time around.

[Josefismysire]

Well, I liked it well enough to keep watching. The cast was generally likable, but to be honest I think the one who grabbed me the most was guest star Owiso Odera. I really hope they continue with his story, although something tells me they're setting us up to love him to increase the impact later because he's ultimately not going to make it. I sure hope I'm wrong. I'd love to see him become a recurring character.

That being said, there are two things that I'm struggling with. The first is that so far they've made Dr. Andy more of a Saint Andy. He has no apparent flaws and is almost too perfect. He's supposedly the best surgeon, with a great sense of humor and a heart of gold. The rest of the cast seems more human, with visible flaws and failings.

The other problem is with the liberties they are apparently taking with the medical realities they are trying to depict. They tell us that there are over 100,000 people on the transplant waiting list and then the patient-of-the-week gets a heart in a matter of hours. I don't think so. I was willing to suspend disbelief on the size of the 28-week baby that was delivered (I know preemies are hard to portray), but it was beyond ridiculous that someone would wake up from a heart transplant and immediately be able to talk and laugh the way she did. At the very least she would have been intubated and most likely would have remained on a respirator for some time.

I understand it comes down to telling a good story with a satisfying conclusion, but this show claims to be all about getting the word out and realistically portraying organ transplantation. What they offered here, in terms of medical "reality," was a mixture of science fiction and fairy tale -- and that's what bothered me the most.

ITA with all you said, Lilly. Spot on analysis. Even though I generally avoid doctor shows like the plague..I liked TR but it has some significant shortcomings. I really hope that it is given time to delve into some character development. Dr. Andy was just sooooo nice...too nice. He needs an edge, some grit, some secret something that makes him more interesting. Other than gorgeous eye candy (and, yeah, I squeed at every closeup) Dr. Andy has no depth..we need a peek of tat or something..

I also agree that everything was all wrapped up in a pretty neat bow..all feel goody goody. My biggest WTF moment though..was seeing Dr Andy deliver that woman's baby!! It was an "awwww, how sweet" moment but a cardiothorasic surgeon delivering a preemie baby?? Is Dr Andy the only doctor in the entire hospital??

And..yet..I definitely will tune in and watch it every week..and hopefully it will improve and be allowed to grow..for our sake..and for Alex's.

Btw..Mr. JIMS loved all the high-techie stuff (he's a Trekkie from way back) and he commented that Alex did a "really nice job...was very believable"...high praise from him. Mr. JIMS liked Alex in CM too..so, how about that, my hubby approves of my obsession!

[VAsusieQ18]

Considering the tons of negative articles and blogs on Three Rivers, I can honestly say I had no clue what to expect. So I sat myself down at 9:00 pm EST and tried to keep an open mind. To have no set expectations. So what did I think of the 1st episode?

I thought they did a good job of establishing the character's boundries, where they stand in the hiearchy of hospitaldom (is that a word? ). Dr. Andy is obviously the leader of the pack, showing compassion and humor all within the first 15 minutes or so. Dr. Miranda is an interesting character. She's obviously carry around some emotional scars from her youth and with the help of Dr. Sophia she was able to realize that her own experiences were coloring her current view of the little Picca boy. I must say that Kate Moennig has a very interesting voice. Quite sultry and deep for a female lead. As for Dr. David, well I think he'd be happy if he could eat his way through all the episodes. Surely they plan to expand and develop his character as the series progresses. Ryan, well Ryan seemed young and inexperienced, which was the point, I guess. We get to learn about organ transplantation through his eyes. And there are not enough words to describe Dr. Sophia. Afre rocks that role, but then I don't think I've seen this actress do anything that wasn't exceptional. She's good, even when the show she's on might suck.

Great chemistry between the actors. A solid base to build on, me thinks.

Favorite moments:

When Dr. Andy yells back at Pam "Love you!"

When Dr. Andy tells Dr. Miranda "Andy - friend. Computer - enemy".

All the scences with the Sudanese guy. Loved his voice and shining eyes.

Dr. David telling Ryan "See what I mean?" when Dr. Andy swiped the cinammon roll.

The "lightness" of color. Such a scary and sometimes dark morose topic of organ donation (from the donor perspective) could be a bit off putting, but the color (warm browns of the wood) and openeness of the hospital was pleasing to the eye and all those windows allowed the place to feel light and breezy.

Things I didn't like:

That freakin' camera zooming in and out all over the place! Enough already!

Not enough scenes with Pam. I know she's a minority role and is there only to move the storyline along, but I like Justina and would like to see her interact more with the doctors and patients.

I'm worried that the fast pace and heavy storyline of donor and recipient will not allow for much character development of the doctors. We get snipets of information on them, but nothing really in-depth. I want to know more about these doctors. Why they chose the field they are in, what they think of each other, what are their vulnerabilities, weaknesses and strengths.


Overall, I've not a clue why the critics were so harsh on this show. Was it perfect? No, but then pilot/1st episodes rarely are. IMO, this show has great potential and I so hope that the ratings and CBS are strong enough in its support that this show will be given the chance to find its legs. I have such high hopes for the show!

Go Three Rivers!

[Emerald]

I've just finished watching the episode myself. First of all, there is NO way that baby looked like a realistic 28 weeker.

I did like the way they dealt with the Donor family issues. And the way they weren't all yelling and shouting during an emergency like they tended to do on ER. That is more believable (although I know they have to fake it a bit for the drama aspect). The camera work was good too, I liked the split screen stuff, it wasn't too over used. I liked Daniel Henney and Ryan Hencke's performances. I see Slash potential for those characters Kate Moenigg and the rest of the cast were good also.

But, Alex's performance. Sorry to say there was something off about it. It's almost like he's got so much riding on this, and he's so keen to do a good job, and worried about fans not supporting the new character, that you can almost see him going through the thought processes of the role. I could still see Alex behind Dr Andy. He needs to relax and trust his abilities as a performer more. IMHO.

[francis]

I've just watched it. I liked it.
I've never been following a hospital or medical show (Dr. Quincy doesn't quite count, I guess), but from the snippets I've seen from other shows this one was comfortingly drama-free. There's enough drama in the issue itself, so they didn't have to yell, throw tantrums or run around frantically. And they didn't. The pace was just right in my opinion, there was emotion, but it wasn't overplayed.
I didn't quite connect with Dr. Andy yet, he's a bit too static, like he's weighed down by the expectations that are set into him - and that's where I agree with Emerald: the actor shines through too much. But I have hopes that Alex will overcome this once he gets more comfortable in his role, and once they let him have more to work with.
I liked Miranda, I loved Dr. Jordan, I connected with Ryan (pitied him for his awkward new workday). The introduction of Spongebob was missing, and I missed it. They won't be able to do that later on, it was his introduction. On the other hand, it was good not to make him too awkward, as it would be highly unlikely to hire someone for this job who had absolutely no experience or knowledge about what he was doing.
I didn't connect with Dr. Lee yet. His scenes were good, but I must watch it again to get him, I think.
The guest stars, the patients, were all good and believable. Loved the african man, and I'm glad he will stay on a while longer.
I would love to see more of Justina Machado, and hope they will explore all of the doctors more.

There were a few glitches on believability, as the too big baby, the fact that they got a heart for the pregnant woman immediately, and the very high end monitors everywhere. But, I'm a huge fan of supernatural and scifi stuff, so who am I to judge? I'm ready to dispend disbelief on that.

[Josefismysire]

In case you missed it..or just wanna revel in Dr. Andy one more time..here's the eppy!!

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/three_rive ... IF_mqBTipu

[Lilly]

Thanks, JIMS!

[AggieVamp]

Marina Sirtis as the donor's wife! What a lovely surprise! Old. Star Trek:The Next Generation fan here.

I noticed the voice first & didn't have access to IMDB (and if they showed her name in the credits - I missed it) but was SURE it was Troi as the wife. LOVE her - and was very glad to see her.

As far as the show - I with the majority of people here - I do like medical shows (CSI/ER) and thought it very frantic to begin with. But I did NOT flip channels during commercials - so that's a good thing for me (as I normally do).

Looking forward to more character development & seeing where it all goes.

Karen