ABC’s glamorous new series, Doctor Odyssey, started last night. It follows the success of the amazing Season 8 premiere of 9-1-1. This new show is set on a luxury cruise ship.
Captain Massey, played by Don Johnson, leads the crew. The show aims to be a fast-paced medical drama, and after the exciting first episode, ABC may have found a new hit similar to Grey’s Anatomy.
In the first few minutes, Doctor Odyssey introduces the fast-talking cast. The ship’s nurses are Avery, played by Phillipa Soo, and Tristan, played by Sean Teale.
They wait to see what Captain Massey will do after their former doctor made a mistake. Avery also wants the newly-opened doctor position. Dr. Max Bankman, played by Joshua Jackson, is the new, highly qualified doctor joining the team.
Like many of Ryan Murphy’s popular shows, the crew’s motto is to “preserve the fantasy.” Max finds this idea amusing. He learns that patients on cruise ships very different needs than those in hospitals. The first episode shows some unusual cases, including iodine poisoning and penile fractures.
Doctor Odyssey also appears to be a show with guest stars every week. For example, Rachel Dratch from Saturday Night Live guest stars as a worried wife of the first patient. It has a feel similar to The Love Boat, but without the full sitcom vibe.
Romance is an important part of any good network show. While some medical cases might be memorable, the relationships often stay with viewers the longest.
The first episode hints at a love triangle. Tristan seems to have a crush on Avery, but there is clear chemistry between Avery and Max.
Their rivalry starts during their first case. Avery shows she is more capable, which turns their competition into a playful connection.
On one of the rare afternoons without patients, the trio goes on land. Max talks to Tristan about Tristan’s obvious feelings for Avery.
This leads to a funny dance-off against Max to the song “Despacito.” Tristan may have some good dance moves, but Avery chooses Max as her partner.
Their dancing leads to some kissing in Avery’s room, but they quickly realize they are crossing ethical boundaries. Instead of continuing, they bond over Max’s sad past while they work on getting sober.
It is too early to say what will happen with these new relationships. However, Doctor Odyssey is likely to have a lot of fun with the different dynamics that the first episode sets up. In the past four years, the entertainment industry struggled to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many shows created stories where the pandemic did not exist. However, network television has started to include the pandemic in their plots.
Since Doctor Odyssey is a medical drama, it is not surprising that Max’s traumatic experience with COVID is part of the story.
While talking with Avery, Max remembers when he was a COVID patient. He was patient zero in the hospital where he used to work.
He almost died, and this experience has deeply affected him, just like many others in real life. One positive outcome of this experience is that it taught him to “pursue joy at all costs.”
This lesson led him to take a dance class and eventually work on the cruise ship. Avery understands his feelings but reminds him that there are downsides to pursuing joy without thinking. Doctor Odyssey hints at a mysterious side to Max’s past that goes beyond his COVID experience.
However, like any good series, it does not reveal too much right away, making viewers eager to find out more about his unexpected career choice.
Joshua Jackson has been a well-known actor on television since Dawson’s Creek started in 1998. His character in Doctor Odyssey marks his return to network TV after the end of Fringe in 2013.
Although he appeared in the Fatal Attraction reboot and Dr. Death anthology, Doctor Odyssey shows him back in a leading role.
Don Johnson is also back in a familiar setting with Doctor Odyssey. Although his role is different from the crime-solving characters he usually plays, like in Miami Vice and Nash Bridges, Johnson still brings that strong network television presence. Both actors can take standard plotlines and make them fun and memorable for the audience.
Doctor Odyssey is scheduled perfectly after the weekly excitement of 9-1-1 and just before Grey’s Anatomy starts its 21st season.
The first episode successfully introduces the characters while hinting at where their stories might go. Captain Massey feels like a mystery, but it is clear he cares about maintaining the magic of the cruise experience.
Based on the trailer for next week’s episode, it looks like Episode 2 will reveal more about Captain Massey.
The first episode feels a bit crowded, and hopefully, not every episode will have four medical cases to solve. This will give more time to focus on the main characters and not just on guest stars who may have accidents.
The pilot of Doctor Odyssey offers a great idea of what’s coming next and promises a thrilling experience. Even if Captain Massey insists the cruise ship is the furthest place from hell, sexy network television is back, and audiences have missed it.
The show also brings a sense of adventure and unpredictability. With its luxurious cruise ship setting, unique medical cases, and complex relationships, Doctor Odyssey creates a vibrant atmosphere that keeps viewers hooked. Its combination of humor, mystery, and romance adds layers to each character’s journey.
