I think everyone agrees we didn't get character development in TR the first epi. Moonlight was rare in that we got into the minds of the characters very quickly via VOs and subtle looks. It was all about relationship with a plot thrown in. The shows that can do this are the ones I like. NCIS is really rockin this season and last because the character development is stupendously good, all the characters have their own personalties and quirks. The "crime of the week" or "illness of the week" should be something to bring the characters together so they can show us who they are.darkstarrising wrote:I posted earlier about what I thought about 3R, but I wanted to share some additional thoughts on the subject.
I've had a couple of days to think about this....my first reaction was disappointment.....after all the hype (and undoubtedly anticipation on my part), it just wasn't what I was expecting.
In trying to understand my disappointment, I compared ML to 3R, not in terms of the show content, they're totally different. Rather, why did ML hook me from the first minute and 3 R didn't.
Think of how ML started - the fantasy interview with the vampire, Mick, his voice over telling you that's how he'd want his life to be, then the scene cuts to a less than glamorous reality of what his existence is really like. In just the first few minutes of the show, you knew an awful lot about Mick St. John and you sympathized with him In one hour of 3R, you knew very little of Andy Yablonsky, save for that very awkward statement made by the African patient about Dr. Andy's academic credentials. That could have been a great scene, but it was diminished by that little bit.
3R is more of an ensemble cast interacting among themselves and their patients.....while the interaction among the doctors and hospital staff was good for the most part, there was just too much going on....you get only bits and pieces of each of the main characters in the hour, and when a show is trying to establish their characters, that's just not enough....what would have worked a little better is if the first episode spent more time introducing us to the main characters, then over time bring more of the patient dimension into the mix. Right now, with the exception of Kate Moennig's character, who did have some background provided, we don't really know much about the characters, so we can't sympathize with them.
Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. I'll keep watching, for now, hoping that at some point I'll know something about the characters who work the magic at Three Rivers.
That comment about Dr. Andy being flattered by the Ethiopian patient spouting out Andy's eduation did not ring true to me and seemed like a way to instruct the audience again on who Andy is. I would rather know what Andy is feeling, frankly, than his education. I don't think a doctor would say "I'm flattered," or whatever Andy said. I meet doctors a lot in my line of work and we discuss their education. They are pretty matter of fact about it. My two cents only. I hope the writing improves and we get some smart scripts and dialogue.
to me.
